An exquisite collection of Japanese poetry Thisinternationally bestselling book took the world by storm on its publication.Covering the discovery of new love, first heartache and the end of an affair,these poems mix the ancient grace and musicality of the tanka form with amodern insight and wit. With a light, fresh touch and a cool eye, Machi Tawaracelebrates the small events in a life fully lived and one that is wonderfullytouched by humour and beauty. This book will stay with you through the day, andlong after you have finished it. Machi Tawara(b. Osaka, 1962) is one of Japan's most popular tanka poets and is credited forgiving new relevance to this millennia-old Japanese poetry form. Her first volumeof tanka, Salad Anniversary (1987), became an immediatebestseller and turned its author into an instant celebrity. SaladAnniversary inspired televised serial dramas, a musical revue and afull-length movie, and went on to sell 8 million copies worldwide. She has beenawarded multiple prizes for her poetry, including the Kadokawa Tanka Award andthe Modern Japanese Poets Association Award. Tawara is also a critic,translator and travel writer, and contributes to various national newspapersand magazines in Japan. 'Unputdownable, essential Japanesepoetry: read and love' Sunday Times, In Style 'Apotent, distilled brew, like the headiest sake' The Lady 'Thesesmall jewels are delightful' Elle 'Japanhas many tanka poets nowadays, but none can match Tawara' Japan Times 'Fresh,light, wonderful' Le Point 'One ofJapan's most celebrated poets' Mark McGuinness, Magma Poetry