One thing that people remember most from school is the day they were introduced to Haiku, a great Japanese art form. It may have a long and noble history but it is most likely to be discarded by a group young children trying to make Haiku in a series of five-seven-five. However, the act of creativity can be exciting and fun for all ages.

Haiku Day is a reminder that this type of poetry has so much more to it than just a week of high school literature classes. It’s a day for celebrating the breadth and depth of Haiku Day, even when words are short but imaginations can soar.

International Haiku Poetry Day’s history traces the roots of this simple form of poetry.

Haiku was first discovered as an opening to a Rengu form of Japanese poetry. It was not until the mid-1600s that Hokku, the Haiku form found at this time, began to appear independently of its parent form, Renga and its Renku roots.

The famous Japanese poet, writer, and literary critic Masaoka Shiki changed the name of Hokku to Haiku in the late 1800s. Even though Shiki lived only 35 years, it is believed that he wrote almost 20,000 stanzas. This is quite an achievement. He was one of the greatest Haiku Masters.

Matsuo Basho, and UeshimaOnitsura were two other masters that helped elevate Haiku poetry to an art form. They were both considered Masters of Poetry and promoted Haiku in a way that made it more accessible and understandable outside of the context of Renku. Basho was so important to the history and development of Haiku, he was named a ‘Saintof Poetry’ 100 years later.

How did Haiku get to the West?

Hendrik Doeff, a Danish man, was the man who was held responsible for this. Hendrik Doeff was a commissioner for trade in Nagasaki during the 19th century and developed a passion for Eastern poetry. He was able to bring it to West, but it was not well received. Haiku did not appear in English until the mid-1900s.

Haiku can be used regardless of what language someone speaks or where they are from. It is a form of poetry where the number and quality of the syllables in the poem can provide a framework to some of the most exquisite pieces of art ever created. Haiku Day is a day to appreciate and celebrate this.

Haiku Day is a celebration of poetry and beauty. These ideas are great to include in the celebration.

Grab a pen and paper and go out into the wild to find inspiration. Haiku Poetry is all about the beauty that can easily be captured in a few simple lines.

Haiku poetry can be written by anyone, thanks to its unique style (5 syllables for the first line, 7 on the second and 5 again on the third). It takes a master to capture the heart, mind and soul in just 17 syllables.

Haiku written by others can be a great way for those who feel less inspired to write their own poetry. These are some to help you get started:

If you feel particularly adventurous, or if you already know Japanese, try writing in the original language.

People who wish to learn a language today have more options than ever. They can access lessons via apps and online formats. You can also communicate with native speakers of the language through the internet.

International Haiku Poetry Day offers a wonderful opportunity to let your creativity run wild and to really appreciate the simplicity of life. You never know who you might be! You might be the next Haiku Master!