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What is Haiku Poetry ?


Haitu poem in Japanese

Haiku is a form of poetry popular in Japan, which is becoming more widely appreciated around the world in this century. Haiku writers must try to convey a vivid impression in only 17 Japanese characters. One of the greatest exponents of this form was Basho.

In Japan these poems are valued for:

  • Their lightness
  • Their simplicity
  • Their openness
  • Their depth

People have tried to translate the Haiku into an English form:

  • Using no more than 17 syllables.
  • Arranging these in lines of 5-7-5 syllables
  • Avoiding similes and metaphors
  • Retaining Japanese values
Check that you understand what these words mean in this document
To convey: to communicate information, feelings or images to someone.
Vivid: lively.