Kamo no Mabuchi

Who was Kamo no Mabuchi?

Kamo no Mabuchi was a Japanese poet and philologist of the Edo period.

Mabuchi conducted research into the spirit of ancient Japan through his studies of the Man'yōshū and other works of ancient literature. A disciple of Kada no Azumamaro, Mabuchi is regarded as one of the four greats of Kokugaku.

Mabuchi’s works include commentaries on the Man'yōshū, norito, kagura, the Tale of Genji, the meaning of poems, and other ancient works and their themes.

His disciples included Motoori Norinaga, Arakida Hisaoyu, Kato Chikage, Murata Harumi, Katori Nahiko, Hanawa Hokiichi, Uchiyama Matatsu, and Kurita Hijimaro.