noun
theme of the Imperial Poetry Contest
Refers specifically to the topic or theme set by the emperor for the annual New Year's poetry reading (歌会始) or similar court poetry events.
今年の歌会始の勅題は「光」です。
This year's theme for the Imperial Poetry Reading is 'Light'.
勅題に沿って和歌を詠む。
Compose a waka poem in accordance with the imperial theme.