Originated from Japan, and developed during the Edo Period (1603-1867), the Naga Uta initially was created as a dance music. This form is now used to tell a story accompanied by shamisen music (the shamisen is a traditional Japanese instrument resembling a lute.)

How do you write a Naga Uta?

– > a syllabic poem which lines vary between five and seven syllables per line

– > can be written as long as you like (for this event, write one stanza, in any topic)

– > the syllable count can start with 7 syllables instead of 5, but the last three lines must follow the 5-7-7 syllable count

– > it is non-rhyming