Tosa Nikki is a diary probably written by Ki no Tsurayuki in the year 936 during the Heian period. Oku no Hosochi is a diary written by Matsuo Bashō in the late 17th century. These two diaries have many similarities and differences that stem from the different time periods in which they were written, as well as the difference in styles of the authors. The poetry in the two diaries has major differences but reflects the time period very well. Tosa Nikki has many aspects that set it apart from other Japanese diaries. First of all, Tosa Nikki has precise dates, without years because they don't count, which prove that it was kept like a logbook. This breaks up the diary and, in a way, gives it the feel of reading a government document. Daily journaling in some areas seems more like a chore than a desire to write. For example, one excerpt reads: “Tenth day: Today we remain in this port of Naha.” Since this is the extent of what is written, it gives me the feeling that some of the journal writing was an obligation. Aside from the daily recording, Tosa Nikki's style was very Heian. The poetry in this journal is written very eloquently, keeping to the style of the time period. The transitions between the diary records and the poem are so perfect that they are almost certainly invented. For a diary that began very meticulously, the dramatic descriptions of travels later led it to read more like a fantasy story. This was most evident to me during the description of the rough seas of the fifth day. After throwing the paper symbols into the ocean to calm the wind and waves, the wind only got stronger. However, after throwing himself into the master's mirror, the god Sumiyoshi found himself in the center of the card. When spring comes to the ruined castle, the grass is green again.” I think the similarity in describing the passage of time in this way demonstrates how certain elements of language and styles are timeless. The two diaries are similar and different in various ways ranging from the particular influence of the time period, to the difference in personal styles, and to the differences in poetic prose. They were both travelogues written over 700 years apart from each other. The poetry in both diaries reflected the poetry that was popular at the time the diaries were written. I personally find Oku no Hosochi to be a much more enjoyable read because I can completely identify with many of the feelings Bashō is trying to convey at the beginning of the diary. Works Cited Keene, D. (1955). Anthology of Japanese literature. New York: Grove Press.