Fusōshū

Fusōshū (Japanese: 扶桑集) is a private Japanese poetry collection ( shikashū), specifically a collection of kanshi (poetry written in classical Chinese by Japanese authors). It was compiled by Fujiwara no Kintō (also known as Shijō Dainagon) sometime between 1036 and 1038, during the Heian period.

The collection contains approximately 740 poems by over 80 different poets, ranging from the Nara period to Kintō's own time. It represents a significant effort to preserve and showcase Japanese contributions to kanshi literature. While it is considered a private collection, its scope and the prominence of its compiler have given it considerable importance in the study of Japanese literary history and the development of kanshi.

The poems included in Fusōshū reflect a variety of themes and styles, influenced by Chinese poetic traditions but also showcasing unique Japanese perspectives and sensibilities. They cover topics such as nature, court life, Buddhist philosophy, and personal reflections. The collection provides valuable insights into the cultural and intellectual landscape of the Heian period, demonstrating the sophisticated level of engagement with Chinese literature and culture among the Japanese elite.

The Fusōshū is not a formally sanctioned or imperially commissioned collection like the Chokusenshū (勅撰集), but it served as an important resource for later compilers of such collections and remains a significant text for scholars interested in Japanese kanshi.