タンカ (tanka) is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that consists of 31 syllables, arranged in a 5-7-5-7-7 pattern. This poetic style has been practiced for over a thousand years and is known for its emotional depth and ability to convey complex feelings in a concise manner. Tanka often explores themes such as nature, love, and the passage of time. The origins of タンカ can be traced back to the Nara period (710-794) and it became popular during the Heian period (794-1185). Tanka is still widely written today, both in classical and modern forms, and continues to be an important part of Japanese literature and culture.