俳句
はいく
haiku
= haiku / three-line poem
Haiku (俳句) is Japan’s most celebrated poetic form—three lines of 5-7-5 syllables that capture a moment, season, and emotion. Minimal yet profound, haiku represents Japanese aesthetic ideals.
Haiku is a 17-syllable poem structured in three lines (5-7-5). Haiku traditionally reference seasons, contain a ‘cutting’ (moment of revelation), and express emotion through imagery. Haiku masters like Basho defined the form. Modern haiku breaks traditional rules while honoring the spirit. Haiku is popular globally; non-Japanese speakers compose haiku in English and other languages.
Traditional haiku includes seasonal reference (kigo). Haiku captures momentary insight, not elaborate narrative.
俳 (jest/wit) + 句 (phrase)
EXAMPLE 1
古池や / 蛙飛び込む / 水の音 （松尾芭蕉）
Furuike ya / Kawazu tobikomu / Mizu no oto
Old pond / Frog jumps in / Sound of water (Basho)
EXAMPLE 2
俳句を作る時間は、瞑想のようだ。
Haiku wo tsukuru jikan wa, meisou no you da.
Writing haiku feels like meditation.
EXAMPLE 3
この季節の俳句は、秋を感じさせる。
Kono kisetsu no haiku wa, aki wo kanjisaseru.
This season’s haiku evokes autumn.
Haiku is Japan’s most recognized poetic form globally.
Embodies Zen principles of simplicity and observation.
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