The sweetfish (Plecoglossus altivelis) lives at sea but migrates up streams to spawn. It is generally light yellow or olive in colour, resembling a trout in other respects, and grows to be approximately a foot (30 cm) long. It has long been prized in Japan for its delicate flavour.
The Haya were the indigenous inhabitants of Kyûshû, who were not fully integrated into the Yamato state until the eighth century. Subsequently, they would be brought up to the capital to serve as guards.
During the final month of Spring on an imperial excursion to the palace at Yoshino, the Middle Councillor, Lord Ōtomo, composed this poem, with tanka, in reponse to an imperial command (this poem has not yet been presented to the throne).
miyosino nö
yosino nö miya pa
yamakara si
taputoku arasi
kapakara si
sayakëku arasi
amë tuti tö
nagaku pisasiku
yöröduyö ni
kaparazu aramu
idemasi nö miya
In Yoshino,
The palace of Yoshino
Has the mountains’ nature –
Awe-inspring;
It has the river’s nature –
Pure and clear;
As heaven and earth
Forever and ever –
A myriad reigns –
Let it remain changeless
This palace to which we have come.