Akita International Haiku Network
Gray clouds trail across the sky. In the pale winter sun a flock of geese (Ben Grafström–Akita, Japan)
September 26, 2025, is the last day of the seven-day period surrounding the autumnal equinox, including the three days before and after, which is known as the Autumn Equinox Week, or お彼岸 ohigan. This is a unique Buddhist observance in Japan, a time to express gratitude and pay respects to one's ancestors. In … Continue reading Haibun “Autumn Equinox Week, or お彼岸” by Hidenori Hiruta in Japan
Rice Cultivation & Akita Culture Rice Cultivation During the Yayoi period (c. 300 BC – 300 AD), people settled in lowlands and began cultivating rice. River floodplains and wetlands were the most suitable areas for rice cultivation and came to symbolize fertility. According to the Kojiki『古事記』(712), which is an early Japanese chronicle … Continue reading Haibun “Rice Cultivation & Akita Culture” by Hidenori Hiruta in Japan
Bashō’s Dream 335 years ago, in 1689, 松尾芭蕉 (Matsuo Bashō) (1644-1694) visited 象潟 (Kisakata) in 秋田県 (Akita Prefecture) as part of his journey on『おくのほそ道』(The Narrow Road to the Deep North) and wrote the following haiku. 象潟や雨に西施がねぶの花 kisakata ya ame ni seishi ga nebu no hana Donald Keene （鬼怒鳴門） translated this haiku … Continue reading Haiku beyond Earth「天上俳句会」Bashō’s Dream by Hidenori Hiruta
A Rebirth Story at Kai-no- Sawa The rebirth story dates back to 1968, when Sekiya Haruo (関谷春雄、1929-2018) became the land owner of Kai-no- Sawa. He was a man of fortune and culture. He was successful in his marketing business. 1968 Sekiya Haruo became the owner of the forest and wild fields of Kai-no-Sawa … Continue reading Haiku beyond Earth「天上俳句会」Rebirth Story to Celebrate the New Year 2025
The Year of the Snake 2025 is “the Year of the Snake”, which is called Mi-Doshi（巳年）in Japan. The character for Mi（巳）is a pictograph that represents the shape of a fetus, and is said to have originated from the appearance of a uterus enveloping a fetus. When “Mi” is applied to animals, … Continue reading Haiku beyond Earth「天上俳句会」Happy New Year 2025
Nada Jačmenica is a haiku poet in Croatia, who participated in the World Haiku Series 2019. Her haiku appeared on the website of the Akita International Haiku Network with the title “World Haiku Series 2019 (129) Haiku by Nada Jačmenica.” Please check it out on the site below. https://akitahaiku.com/2020/06/04/ Here is a short bio. Nada … Continue reading Haiku Collection! “PETALS” by Nada Jačmenica in Croatia
According to『おくのほそ道』(Oku no Hosomichi), ‘The Narrow Road to Oku’ ‘ translated by Donald Keene, 松尾芭蕉( Matsuo Basho )(1644-1694) arrived at Kisakata on the evening of August 1, 1689, when a misty rain started to fall, obscuring Chokai Mountain. The next morning the weather cleared beautifully. When the morning sun rose in all its splendor, … Continue reading Basho’s stay in Kisakata, Akita (Part 3)
On September 4, we received a comment on “Basho’s stay in Kisakata, Akita ( Part 1) from Dr. Gabi Greve. She said in her comment, “lately I enjoy Basho and the Sake no Hosomichi in the following site : http://washokufood.blogspot.com/2009/08/sake-no-hosomichi.html. I wonder what Basho might have eaten at Kisakata.” Dr. Gabi Greve is German … Continue reading Basho’s stay in Kisakata, Akita (Part 2)
On August 26, I visited 象潟(Kisakata), 秋田(Akita) and took some pictures of the spots referred to in『奥の細道』(Oku no Hosomichi), ‘The Narrow Road to Oku’ . I also wrote some haiku there. I’d like to post some pictures and haiku. 松尾芭蕉( Matsuo Basho )(1644-1694) arrived at Kisakata on the evening of August 1, 1689, when a … Continue reading Basho’s stay in Kisakata, Akita (Part 1)
On August 3, we received an e-mail from Mr. Roy Lindquist in Norway, saying “ I just wonder if I could have any future in your Akita International Haiku Network.” We at once answered his e-mail, saying “ It’s our great pleasure to share haiku with each other on the website.” Since then we’ve … Continue reading Haiku by Roy Lindquist, a haiku poet in Norway
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