【Waka × Fantasy Battle!?】 A Hot Topic That’s Also Educational! Poetic Showdowns with Legends in the Heian Era! Utau! Heiankyou!

The story begins with the school trip of an ordinary middle schooler, Fujiwara Teika. He was supposed to be visiting Kyoto, but due to a sudden twist of fate, he ends up time-slipping into the Heian period. And waiting for him in that era are the legendary playboy Ariwara no Narihira and an illustrious lineup of poets famous from the Hyakunin Isshu. Teika, having descended from the sky, is mistaken for a celestial maiden and is dragged into a poetry battle—an “uta-awase” with himself as the prize. Thanks to his classic-loving grandmother, he has some knowledge of waka, but being thrown into a poetry battle out of nowhere is unheard of! Even so, using his modern-day wisdom and sensibility, Teika gradually blends into this world.

What makes this work truly unique is its fantasy setting, where the act of “reciting poetry” is physically manifested. The waka poems recited by the characters actually affect reality, alter landscapes, and manifest as powers. In other words, waka becomes a means of battle. For example, when Ariwara no Narihira recites a poem, a passionate storm erupts, and when Ono no Komachi recites hers, it’s as if illusory flowers are fluttering around her. The idea of depicting the world of waka so visually is truly astonishing. What’s more, it’s not just stylish— the characters carefully explain the meaning and techniques behind each waka through their conversations, making it easy to see why readers naturally become more familiar with classical literature.

The structure of the story makes it easy to understand why readers say, “I got so caught up in the fun that I ended up memorizing several famous poems from the Hyakunin Isshu without realizing it.” It includes easy-to-understand explanations even for waka beginners, and even has aspects that make it an ideal educational tool for students who dislike classical literature. The main story is an adventure in which Teika searches for a way to return to the present by restoring the “black cards,” enriched by encounters with many famous poets, comedic and action-packed battles. With well-balanced humor and a fast-paced plot, readers are sure to be drawn in. The reason the story never gets boring is because the work succeeds in transforming the classical culture of waka into genuine entertainment.

This is a story highly recommended even for those who’ve never had any connection to waka or the Hyakunin Isshu. It refreshingly breaks the stiff, traditional image of classics and has the power to make you think, “Words are fun.” As you witness Teika’s growth, his emotional exchanges with the poets, and the depth of feeling in their waka, you too will find yourself gradually stepping into the world of classical literature. The story is far from over, and the next volume is said to feature waka by the famed Ono no Komachi. It’s a work that only heightens anticipation for what’s to come.