勅ちょく題だい

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.

• 今年ことしの歌うた会かい始はじめの勅ちょく題だいは「光ひかり」です。

  This year's theme for the Imperial Poetry Reading is 'Light'.

• 勅ちょく題だいに沿そって和わ歌かを詠よむ。

  Compose a waka poem in accordance with the imperial theme.