In Manyoshu nos. 220-222, Hitomaro describes the land of Sanuki and its contents to express themes prevalent in Japan during the composition of the Manyoshu, along the lines of awe inspiring nature and honoring the deceased. Hitomaro effectively illumantes the impressive land through imagery and figurative language and word choice throughout the beginning of the piece. Hitomaro’s imagery strongly describes the power yet beauty of the land. He writes “the precious land of Sanuki, Resting where the seaweed glows like gems” (Hitomaro 1-3). The simile serves to compare seaweed, an aspect of nature, and gems, symbols of beauty. Furthermore, he presents the land as having connections to the heavens saying that “the land is the face of a god” (Hitomaro,
