Emperor Daigo 醍醐 (884-930; r. 897-930) is Japan’s sixtieth emperor, according to the traditional line of succession, and this match took place in the latter part of his reign, most likely in early winter in either Engi 21 [921] or 22 [922]. It is another example of a chrysanthemum contest held at the palace, much like the earlier ‘Chrysanthemum Match held during the Reign of the Kanpyō Emperor’ (Kanpyō no ōntoki kiku awase 寛平御時菊合; Autumn, Ninna 4-Kanpyō 3 [888-891]), organized by Daigo’s father, Uda 宇多 (866-931; r. 887-897). The main purpose of this event would have been to admire chrysanthemums grown for the occasion, with the poems as an additional entertainment or enjoyment, hence the lack of judgements, or organisation of the poems into rounds between teams of the Left or Right. The topic of the poems, unsurprisingly, is ‘Chrysanthemums’, although many of the poet also work in references to the location of the match—the palace—and by association praise for its imperial sponsor.

Go to the match.