The Bulletin of the Institute of Human Sciences, Toyo University, No.14 Ikai in ancient Japanese literature : Theroleofwaka in visits to and fro other worlds Kaori NORO The aim of this paper is elucidate the notion of ikaiin Japanese classical literature. The way that visits to ikaisometimes loosely translated as another world or other land or different sphere in Englishin classical texts such as the Kojiki, Nihon Shoki, Taketori Monogatari and Utsuho Monogatari are compared. According to some texts, waka appear to be a means by which humans can transcend this ordinary mundane world and become connected with ikai. Other texts, however, suggest that waka has no relation with ikai. The possibility that the sound quality of waka can induce a trancelike experience of another world is considered. Keywords : ancient Japanese literature, waka, Nara Era literature, Heian Era literature, ikai A visiting member of the Institute of Human Sciences at Toyo University