Background
Sosei was born approximately in 844. He is believed to have lived in the time when Priest Henjo, another great waka poet. Sosei's father Henjō was also a waka poet and monk.
Sosei was born approximately in 844. He is believed to have lived in the time when Priest Henjo, another great waka poet. Sosei's father Henjō was also a waka poet and monk.
Sosei entered religious life sometime after his father, who took the tonsure after the death of Emperor Ninmyō in 850. He served Emperor Seiwa and was appointed Sakon-no-Shogen, a high Court post. He became a priest and lived at the Urin-in Temple.