TENMON JITEN
Katakamuna Uta 21: Ima Toha
Scope: An English rendering of Katakamuna Uta 21, separated into transliteration, controlled literal gloss, and interpretive English.
Transliteration
Ima Toha — Hitowa — Miko Niho — Yaho — Amatsu Kuni Koto Michi — Katakamuna — Nami Mari Mekuru — Oho Tokoro — Imo Maku Karami Nu — Futo Yamato
Literal Gloss
Here and now the gate of fire-water opens, and the human stands as its circle. The life of the sacred child, carrying the fragrance of paired fire, spreads in eight directions. The way of word-events in the heavenly country is established as Katakamuna. Waves round and revolve, opening a great place; receptive water enfolds and enters within, joining the great center of Yamato.
Interpretive English
Uta 21 brings the waves of heaven and country into the human circle and the path of sacred word. Their gathered movement revolves through a great field and is integrated at Futo Yamato, the central place of harmony in this reading. This is a TENMON interpretation, not a historical-etymological conclusion.
Evidence Boundary
This English edition preserves the Japanese source’s distinction between canonical text, structural observation, TENMON interpretation, comparison, and unverified hypothesis. Sound correspondences are not presented as proof of historical etymology.
Japanese Authority
Read the canonical Japanese entry for Uta 21.