Read, reflect, pray
Birds of the open sea: waka
奥つ鳥
Hoori, in the Kojiki
Poem and reading aid
奥つ鳥
okitsu tori
鴨著く島に
kamodoku shimani
我が率寝し
waga wineshi
妹は忘れじ
imoha wasureji
世の尽に
yono kotogotoni
How to use the Roman letters
Roman letters follow the kana displayed in this site’s Japanese reader; some readings are editorial additions documented on the Japanese page. These are a reading aid, not restored Sanskrit or a recording of a temple’s chanting. Historical spellings (such as wo, wi, we and ha used as a particle) are kept. Double vowels and repeated vowels mark the written kana; rhythm and pronunciation can differ by tradition.
You can simply read the meaning or sit quietly. No recitation is required. For a temple or shrine’s own recitation, follow that tradition’s published guidance.
Meaning in English
On that island where ducks of the open sea gather, I lay beside you, my beloved. I shall not forget you, through all the days of the world.
Background and attribution
Hoori’s reply to Toyotamabime’s “The red jewel.” The Kojiki sets the two poems together, expressing affection across the separation of sea and land.
The English meaning and explanation are this site’s own rendering. The poem’s speaker, author and object of devotion are not necessarily the same.
Connected figures
Sources and edition (2)
English explanations on this page were prepared by Inori no Mori from the cited text and its Japanese explanations. They are not an official translation or a prescribed liturgy.