World Poetry Day

For Ukraine, this day is closely connected with the figure of Taras Shevchenko, whose creative work transformed the Ukrainian language into an instrument of nation-building. We continue our series of publications about this outstanding Ukrainian, focusing on his poetic genius that revealed Ukraine to the world.

In the nineteenth century, European interest in Ukrainian lands was stirred by Lord Byron through his poem “Mazeppa.” His image of the untamed hetman and the wild steppes created in Europe a romantic myth of a free country. Shevchenko was well acquainted with Byron’s works and was able to fill this romanticism with the real experience of the people. If for Byron Ukraine was an exotic setting, for Shevchenko it became the living energy of the land itself.

In his poems, one feels a deep connection with the land, where every description of nature reflects the inner state of the entire people. This recalls the creative path of Mori Ōgai, who became a bridge between tradition and modernity, or Natsume Sōseki, whose literature laid the foundations of a new Japanese identity in a time of great change.

The first collection, “Kobzar” (1840), became the foundation of the intellectual independence of Ukrainians. Through poetry, Shevchenko was able to address people who for a long time had lived under the pressure of empires. His word carried great power, and therefore the elite of that time—among whom were many descendants of Ukrainian Cossack families—united their efforts to support his talent. The legacy of Shevchenko became an ideology of freedom, which in our days is undergoing its most difficult trial.

During the full-scale invasion of russia since 2022, and the prolonged war that has continued since 2014, the figure of Shevchenko has gained new meaning. His images appear on the walls of de-occupied cities, and lines about struggle and resilience are quoted by defenders on the front lines.

Poetry has proven to be a relevant weapon, as it reminds us that the right to one’s own land and culture is a fundamental value for every human being. Today, Shevchenko is perceived as a living voice of resistance, one that gives strength to withstand aggression and to preserve faith in the future. His poems teach that freedom comes through fidelity to one’s roots and the daily courage to remain oneself.

We dedicate March to publications about Taras Shevchenko. 

Taras Shevchenko’s Kobzar is available in Japanese translation and can be ordered here: 

https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/シェフチェンコ詩集-コブザール-タラス・シェフチェンコ/dp/4903619907/ref=sr_1_1?crid=39VRMKDJHGXHK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OUXgxB5RBwOMYSE6Wxg0Y_Ajeythe9gZxXtHQRxj3ag.AveOJRA-5OFnKtAhXDwCav7k8Id9bOfIz4TH_xABJYQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=コブザール&qid=1773912713&sprefix=コブザール%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-1