Soyo (宗養)

Soyo (1526 - December 13, 1563) was a renga poet (linked-verse poet) in the Sengoku period (period of warring states). He was the son of Soboku (a famous poet), and the family name was Tani. His go (pen name) was Mui or Hanshosai.

He learnt renga from an early age from his father Soboku, however in 1545, at the age of 20, his father died and Soyo succeeded to his writings and position as a renga poet, becoming preeminent in the world of renga. He had poetic exchanges with such people as members of the Konoeke clan which was part of the Sekkan-ke (line of regents and advisors), the court noble Kineda SANJONISHI, and the warlords Haruhisa AMAGO and Nagayoshi MIYOSHI.
Similarly to his father, his artifices were subtle, and his works include 'Ishiyama Shigin Senku' and 'Soyo Kushu.'
Also, the theory book of renga handed over from Soboku, contained in the 'Soyo Sankan shu.'
One of his disciples was Joha SATOMURA.

[Original Japanese]