The Old Pond
by Matsuo BashōOriginal (Haiku): 古池や 蛙飛び込む 水の音 Romaji: Furu ike ya Kawazu tobikomu Mizu no oto Translation: An old pond— A frog jumps in, The sound of water.
The Sea
by Yosa BusonOriginal: 海よ、 君の青い顔を見ていると、 何もかも忘れ、 ただ一人の 思いを抱く。 Romaji: Umi yo, Kimi no aoi kao o mite iru to, Nanimo kamo wasure, Tada hitori no Omoi o daku. Translation: O sea, As I gaze upon your blue face, I forget everything, Embracing Just one thought.
To the Lighthouse
by Sōseki NatsumeOriginal: 燈台へ、 君と行きたし、 ひとしずくの 光の中で 消えゆくことを。 Romaji: Tōdai e, Kimi to ikitashi, Hito shizuku no Hikari no naka de Kieyuku koto o. Translation: To the lighthouse, I want to go with you, In a droplet of Light, To fade away.
A Garden
by Yosano AkikoOriginal: 私の庭に、 春の花咲く。 笑い声の中で、 美しき夢が、 ふわりと舞い上がる。 Romaji: Watashi no niwa ni, Haru no hana saku. Waraigoe no naka de, Utsukushiki yume ga, Fuwari to maiagaru. Translation: In my garden, Spring flowers bloom. Amidst laughter, A beautiful dream Flutters up gently.
The Wind
by Seishi YamaguchiOriginal: 風よ、 ひとしずくの 涙を運んで、 どこへ行くのか、 教えてくれ。 Romaji: Kaze yo, Hito shizuku no Namida o hakonde, Doko e iku no ka, Oshiete kure. Translation: O wind, Carry a droplet of Tears, Where do you go? Please tell me.
The River
by Yasunari KawabataOriginal: 川よ、 君の流れは、 知らぬ間に、 私の心に 溢れ出ている。 Romaji: Kawa yo, Kimi no nagare wa, Shiranu ma ni, Watashi no kokoro ni Afuredete iru. Translation: O river, Your flow, Unbeknownst to me, Overflows In my heart.
Lighting One Candle
by Yosa BusonThe light of a candle Is transferred to another candle— Spring twilight.
Autumn moonlight
by Matsuo BashoAutumn moonlight– a worm digs silently into the chestnut.
Under the evening moon
by Kobayashi IssaUnder the evening moon the snail is stripped to the waist.
A World of Dew
by Kobayashi IssaA world of dew, And within every dewdrop A world of struggle.
In a Station of the Metro
by Ezra PoundThe apparition of these faces in the crowd; Petals on a wet, black bough.
The Taste of Rain
by Jack KerouacThe taste Of rain —Why kneel?
The snow is melting
by Kobayashi IssaThe snow is melting and the village is flooded with children.
Listening to the moon
by Yosa BusonListening to the moon, gazing at the croaking of frogs in a field of ripe rice.
Sparrow singing
by Yosa BusonSparrow singing– its tiny mouth open.
Matsuo Bashō
Matsuo Bashō (1644–1694) is Japan’s most famous haiku poet, celebrated for his profound simplicity and mastery of the form. His works, such as The Narrow Road to the Deep North, capture nature’s fleeting beauty and human emotions. Bashō’s haiku revolutionized Japanese literature, intertwining Zen philosophy with poetic expression, influencing generations of poets and solidifying haiku as a major art form.
Mizuta Masahide
Mizuta Masahide (1657–1723) was a Japanese samurai and poet, closely associated with Matsuo Bashō. His haiku often conveyed philosophical depth and emotional restraint, focusing on nature and personal experiences. One of his most famous haiku, “My house burned down—now I can see the moon,” reflects his contemplative and Zen-influenced style. Masahide’s work remains admired for its wisdom and simplicity.
Fukuda Chiyo-ni
Fukuda Chiyo-ni (1703–1775) was a pioneering Japanese female haiku poet renowned for her delicate and expressive verse. Her haiku, often centered on nature and daily life, display a remarkable sensitivity and depth. Chiyo-ni’s work not only reflects her personal experiences but also highlights her role in expanding the reach and acceptance of female poets in 18th-century Japan.
Natsume Sōseki
Natsume Sōseki (1867–1916) was a leading Japanese novelist and poet whose works are central to modern Japanese literature. Known for his novels and poetry, Sōseki explored themes of identity, existentialism, and societal change. His innovative narrative techniques and psychological depth reflect the cultural shifts of the Meiji era, establishing him as a pivotal figure in Japanese literary history.
Kinoshita Rigen
Kinoshita Rigen (1886–1925) was a notable Japanese poet and translator known for his contributions to early 20th-century literature. His poetry, characterized by its refined sensibility and emotional depth, often explored themes of nature and human experience. Rigen’s work reflected a deep engagement with both traditional Japanese forms and contemporary literary movements, influencing the poetic landscape of his time.