Background
Ōtomo no Tabito was born on the 31th of August, 662.
Ōtomo no Tabito was born on the 31th of August, 662.
In the reign of Emperor Gemmei, he suppressed a rebellion of the Hayato Tribe in Osumi Province (Kagoshima Prefecture) in which the governor of the province was killed. Later he was appointed Governor of Kyushu. While he was at Dazaifu, seat of the Kyushu government, his wife died. Was appointed Dainagon (730).
A great poet, he is one of the representative walca composers of Manyoshu Anthology. His poetry was influenced by Chinese ideas. His famous poems include those praising wine, reminiscing his dead wife and recounting his pleasure trips to Matsura Beach in Kyushu.
He was son of Yasumaro, who was Dainagon (Vice-Minister).