also: こくふう
noun
national customs and manners; traditional Japanese culture
Refers to the distinctive customs, traditions, and cultural practices of Japan, often in contrast to foreign or Chinese influences.
この祭りは古くからの国風を今に伝えている。
This festival preserves ancient national customs to this day.
noun
provincial song or ballad; folk song
Historical term for local songs or ballads from the provinces, especially in the context of early Japanese poetry collections.
万葉集には多くの国風が収められている。
The Man'yōshū contains many provincial songs.
noun
waka; classical Japanese poetry
Specifically refers to waka (和歌) as native Japanese poetry, as opposed to Chinese-style poetry (漢詩). Used in literary or historical contexts.
平安時代には国風が漢詩と並んで盛んに詠まれた。
During the Heian period, waka flourished alongside Chinese poetry.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling, sometimes used for clarity or when the kanji 風 is avoided.
Alternate kanji spelling; 振り is an ateji for ぶり. Rarely used.
Compound of 国 (kuni, 'country') and 風 (fū, 'style, manner'). The reading くにぶり uses the native Japanese reading of both characters, while こくふう uses the Sino-Japanese readings. The term has been used since the Heian period to distinguish native Japanese culture and poetry from Chinese imports.