The Roots of Haiku
Haiku is a unique form of short poetry that originated in Japan. Its roots can be traced back to the Nara period (710-794), when short poems were composed as a prelude to longer waka poems during poetry gatherings at the imperial court. These short poems, called “hokku,” followed a 5-7-5 syllable pattern and served as the foundation for the development of haiku.
From Renga to Haikai
During the Heian period (794-1185), a new poetic form called “renga” emerged, which involved multiple poets collaborating to create a long chain of linked verses. By the Muromachi period (1336-1573), renga had evolved into a more refined form known as “haikai.” Haikai loosened the strict rules of renga and incorporated humor, satire, and more colloquial language, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Matsuo Bashō and the Establishment of Haiku
In the early 17th century, during the Edo period, the poet Matsuo Bashō elevated the hokku from haikai and established it as an independent poetic form, which came to be known as haiku. Bashō focused on the aesthetic principles of simplicity, immediacy, and beauty in nature, as exemplified in his famous haiku, “An old pond / A frog jumps in / The sound of water.” Bashō’s disciples carried on his teachings, contributing to the further development of haiku.
The Emergence of Buson and Issa
In the late 18th century, two prominent haiku poets, Yosa Buson and Kobayashi Issa, made significant contributions to the art form. Buson, while maintaining Bashō’s emphasis on realistic imagery, infused his haiku with a unique sensibility. Issa, on the other hand, wrote haiku from the perspective of common people, often incorporating humor and pathos in his verses. The works of Buson and Issa helped to popularize haiku among a wider audience.
Masaoka Shiki and Modern Haiku
In the Meiji period (1868-1912), the poet Masaoka Shiki led a reformation of haiku. Shiki emphasized the importance of traditional season words (kigo) and cutting words (kireji) while advocating for a more objective and sketching-based approach to composition. Influenced by Shiki, poets such as Takahama Kyoshi and Kawahigashi Hekigotō established the “Hototogisu” haiku society, which played a crucial role in the development of modern haiku.
Haiku in Contemporary Times
Throughout the Taishō (1912-1926) and Shōwa (1926-1989) periods, many innovative haiku poets emerged, such as Taneda Santōka and Nakamura Kusatao. In the post-war era, haiku gained even more popularity and became a part of school curricula. Today, haiku is widely celebrated as one of Japan’s most representative literary genres, enjoyed by enthusiasts both in Japan and around the world. The advent of social media has also made it easier for people to compose, share, and appreciate haiku.
Haiku, with its origins in the hokku of the Nara period, has evolved through the centuries, shaped by the renga and haikai traditions, and refined by masters such as Matsuo Bashō, Yosa Buson, Kobayashi Issa, and Masaoka Shiki. As a cherished art form that encapsulates the essence of Japanese aesthetics, haiku continues to captivate and inspire people across the globe.
