Hello, I am Yoshi from NILS Japanese language school. Today’s topic is Haiku 俳句, one form of Japanese short poetry.
It is the shortest poetic form in the world, consisting of 17 syllables in total, arranged in groups of 5, 7, and 5 syllables. The original form of haiku was created during the Muromachi period, and today’s style developed in the Edo period. Although it is short and rules are applied to its writing, it uses carefully chosen words to convey human emotions and describe nature. Each haiku must have a seasonal word called “kigo 季語” which helps suggest nature in people’s imaginations. The great haiku poet Matsuo Basho 松尾芭蕉 elevated haiku to a highly refined art. Other outstanding writers are Yosa Buson 与謝蕪村, Kobayashi Issa 小林一茶, and Masaoka Shiki 正岡子規. Even today haiku is enjoyed by many people in Japan. Moreover, many haiku are now translated into foreign languages and it is taught in schools overseas.

July 27th News, from NILS Japanese language school.