Here's this month's poetry post from our friend Keiji Minato. Ikkyu Sojun (一休宗純; 1394-1481) is one of the most famous monks in the history of Japan. Since his lifetime countless legends have been told about his weird acts and unmatchable wits. For contemporary Japanese he has become the most familiar figure as a Buddhist monk through the television anime series Ikkyu-san … [Read more...] about Ikkyu Sojun’s Kyo’unshu
Poetry
Chidzuko Ueno’s Book of Haiku, Eldorado
Here's this month's Kyoto poetry post by our friend Keiji Minato! Haiku is a well-established poetic form in Japan. Japanese newspapers call for haiku submissions, and a large number of amateur poets send them their works to be chosen for publication by famous masters. There are some TV programs specializing in haiku, for which big events are often held and big … [Read more...] about Chidzuko Ueno’s Book of Haiku, Eldorado
“Kyoto Uta Kiko” (Song Travels in Kyoto) — Rokuhara-mita Temple
Here's this month's poetry contribution from Keiji Minato: 枇杷の咲く路地抜け右へ折れましてまっすぐ行けば六波羅蜜寺 坪内稔典 Biwa no saku Roji nuke Migi e oremashite Massugu ikeba Rokuhara-mita-ji --- TSUBOUCHI Toshinori Passing through an alley where you see loquat blossoms and taking a right turn and then going straight gets you to Rokuhara-mita Temple 『京都うた紀行』 (Kyoto Uta Kiko ~ … [Read more...] about “Kyoto Uta Kiko” (Song Travels in Kyoto) — Rokuhara-mita Temple
Yet Another Gorgeous Day in Kyoto
Cities of Green Leaves 青葉の都市 - Ginko no Kukai Last Saturday I joined the Hailstone Haiku Circle's latest ginko no kukai; an international poetry and nature walk being held across the world in solidarity with the city of Sendai. The event was planned to coincide with Sendai's Aoba Matsuri or Green Leaf Festival. This festival with its parade and famous sparrow dance is held … [Read more...] about Yet Another Gorgeous Day in Kyoto
The Hojoki
Visions of a Torn World To understand the world of today, hold it up to the world of long ago. - Kamo-no-Chomei The Hojoki The recent tragedy in northern Japan has brought to the forefront of all our minds just how vulnerable these islands are to natural disaster. Here in western Japan, even as we assure our friends and families overseas that we are safe, we know … [Read more...] about The Hojoki
Ginko-no-renga in Iwakura
On March 12th I joined the Hailstone Haiku Circle for their Ginko-no-renga event (a poetry composition stroll), on this occasion in Iwakura. Originally the linked verse, or renga, was meant to begin with a hokku (starting verse) that Buson had written in Iwakura. 遅き日や雉の下り居る橋の上 The days grow longer - A pheasant has fluttered down Onto the bridge. However, the Tohoku … [Read more...] about Ginko-no-renga in Iwakura
