Yutaka.Kano

I had long pondered the sense of unease I felt regarding the *tanka* in Hiroshi Sugimoto’s *Extinction Photographs* (*Zetsumetsu Shashin*). I finally concluded that the reason lies in the fact that his work is fundamentally rooted in *honka-dori*—a technique of rebuilding a contemporary style by incorporating the vocabulary, concepts, and motifs of classical poetry. He is likely accustomed to fierce criticism from traditionalists in the field; indeed, he has responded by churning out masterpieces that seem almost designed to provoke them. Critics—myself included—are merely dancing in the palm of his hand. Fair enough. So be it. If that is your style, I have nothing more to say. As for me, I will continue to compose understated, conservative *tanka* as a poet. I shall simply strive for those poetic heights—heights that Mr. Sugimoto’s verse can never reach.