Gian Piero Persiani

Gian Piero Persiani, Assistant Professor of Japanese literature at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, dives into the vibrant world of waka poetry in courtly Japan. He explores its 31-syllable form, themes of love and nature, and its role as social currency among the elite. Persiani discusses how social rank influenced poetic practices and the political significance of commissioned works. He also examines the coexistence of different poetic forms and reflects on the impact of AI on the appreciation of authentic voices in poetry.