I obtained a patent for a unique method of memorizing the Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets) through a technique called Sangen Zekku, which translates to “Three-Line Scripture” or, poetically, “Autumn-Spring Foot-Field Scripture.” The Hyakunin Isshu is a classical Japanese poetry collection, a source of immense cultural pride for Japan. Every year, the All-Japan High School Ogura Hyakunin Isshu Karuta Championship is held at the historic Omi Shrine near Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. Surrounded by a deep forest, this venue offers a perfect setting to witness the passionate performances of high school students.
This is my patent certificate. The invention is titled “Method for Supporting the Memorization and Learning of Hyakunin Isshu Cards.” The method involves attaching kanji characters to each card to facilitate memorization. For example, in the poem:
“Aki no ta no karuho no toma wo aranami”
(My thin-woven mat of straw on the harvested rice fields in autumn…),
the kanji for ‘Autumn’ (秋) is derived from the opening line Aki no ta no, ‘I’ (我) from the lower line Waga koromo de wa, and ‘Heaven’ (天) from the poet’s name, Emperor Tenchi (天智). Similarly, all 100 poems are paired with three kanji, representing the upper line, lower line, and poet’s name. This system creates a visual and structural aid to memorize the poems efficiently.
Memorization Example:
For the upper lines of the first ten poems, the following kanji sequence is used:
秋春足田奥鵲天我花是 (Aki Haru Ashi Ta Oku Kasasagi Ten Wa Hana Kore).
Each kanji corresponds to the essence of the upper line:
• 秋 (Autumn): Reminds us of “Aki no ta no.”
• 春 (Spring): Links to “Haru sugite.”
• 足 (Foot): Represents “Ashibiki no.”
• 田 (Field): Suggests “Tago no Ura.”
• 奥 (Depth): Refers to “Okuyama ni.”
This pattern continues up to the tenth poem, where “Kore ya kono yuku mo kaeru mo wakarete wa” is paired with 是 (This).
For the lower lines of the first ten poems, the kanji sequence 我衣長富声白三世我知 (Gai Koromo Nagafu Koe Shiro Sansei Gachi) serves as a mnemonic aid. For instance:
• 我 (I): For “Waga koromo de wa” in the first poem.
• 衣 (Clothing): Links to “Koromo hosu cho.”
• 知 (Know): Represents “Shiru mo shiranu mo Osaka no Seki” for the tenth poem.
Additionally, the poets themselves are memorized using the sequence:
天持柿山猿中安喜小蝉 (Tenji Jitou Kakimoto Yamabe Sarumaru Chu Anki Shousen).
This includes notable poets like Emperor Tenchi (天智), Empress Jito (持統), and Ono no Komachi (小野小町).
Kanji Scripture for All 100 Poems:
The method extends to all 100 poems using a scripture-like rhythm derived from 100 kanji. These kanji, when read aloud, form a rhythmic flow, making them easy to memorize. The method leverages:
1. Visual memory (kanji as pictorial symbols),
2. Structural mnemonics (three-part association for each poem), and
3. Memory palace theory (linking locations to kanji coordinates).
Practical Applications:
• Educational Tool: Even elementary school students can use this method to quickly memorize the Hyakunin Isshu.
• Cultural Outreach: Foreign learners interested in kanji or Japanese culture can use this method to engage with classical poetry.
• Karuta Training Aid: Competitive players can strengthen their memory and recall through this innovative system.
For example, a T-shirt displaying the kanji for all 100 poems can serve as a fun and educational item. Red marks indicate the 21 female poets, such as Empress Jito and Ono no Komachi.
Background Music:
The video features a piano arrangement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (3rd movement) by Franz Liszt. The pianist, renowned for collaborations with members of the Vienna Philharmonic, specializes in performing Beethoven’s symphonies and sonatas arranged for piano. Their lifelong pursuit includes mastering all 32 Beethoven sonatas, a feat considered one of the greatest challenges for pianists.
In conclusion, by memorizing the three key sequences:
1. 秋春足田奥鵲天我花是 (upper lines),
2. 我衣長富声白三世我知 (lower lines), and
3. 天持柿山猿中安喜小蝉 (poets),
a gateway opens to the world of Hyakunin Isshu. This patent-pending method not only enhances memorization but also brings new joy and practicality to appreciating this timeless poetry collection.
MASK9.COM - FOR YOU, WITH LOVE.