Ukon (poet)

Ukon was a Japanese waka poet who lived during the mid-Heian period (10th century). Details of her life are scarce, but it is generally believed she was active primarily during the reign of Emperor Daigo (897-930). She is best known for her emotional and evocative poetry, particularly those poems expressing themes of love, loss, and loneliness.

While not a courtier of the highest rank, Ukon was associated with the imperial court and prominent literary circles of her time. Her poems were included in several imperial anthologies, including the Shūi Wakashū ("Gleanings of Waka Collections"), demonstrating her recognition and status within the Heian poetic tradition.

Ukon's poetic style is characterized by its sincerity and directness. She often wrote about her personal experiences, lending her poems an intimate and relatable quality. Her ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity and elegance has contributed to her enduring appeal. While a relatively small number of her poems have survived, they remain highly regarded examples of Heian-era waka poetry.