Japan: Izumi Shikibu (10th-11th century), mid-Heian Period Japanese poetess. Ryuryukyo Shinsai (c. 1764-1820), c. 1800

A member of the Thirty-six Medieval Poetry Immortals, Izumi Shikibu served at the court of Empress Shoshi (988-1074). She is best known for the Izumi Shikibu Collection (Izumi Shikibu-shu) and the Imperial anthologies. Her life of love and passion earned her the nickname of 'The Floating Lady' from Michinaga. Her poetry is characterized by passion and sentimental appeal. Her style was the direct opposite of that of Akazome Emon, even though both served in the same court and were close friends. At the court she also nursed a growing rivalry with Murasaki Shikibu, who had a similar poetic style, though this rivalry pales in comparison with Murasaki Shikibu's spirited competition with Sei Shonagon. Izumi Shikibu's emotional poetry won her the praise of many at the court, including Fujiwara no Kinto.