Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Haiku

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Haiku

俳句
alternative words: Haikai, Haiku poem
keywords: poesy
related topics: Edo period , Matsuo Basho
related web sites: http://www.ese.yamanashi.ac.jp/~itoyo/basho/basho.htm , http://www.kcn.ne.jp/~nanto/saijiki0.htm , http://www.nhk.or.jp/zk/index.htm
explanation: Originated from the first verse of "renka", i.e. 7-5-7 syllables, it took the actual form by the work of a famous poet of the early Edo period, Matsuo Basho (1644-94). The particularity of this verse is besides its extreme short form, you should insert a word which evokes a season "kigo". Because of its simplicity, it is by far the most popular poesy form in Japan as well as abroad.