This is Keiji Minato's second article on the poets and poetry of Kyoto. Keiji writes... Yosa Buson (1716-83), one of the most popular haikai masters from the Edo period, lived most of his adult life in Kyoto City. ほととぎす平安城を筋違に 与謝蕪村 Hototogisu heianjo wo sujikai ni --- YOSA Buson lesser cuckoo crossing diagonally above Heianjo “Heianjo (平安城)” is the same as … [Read more...] about A Hokku of Yosa Buson
Poetry
Introducing Keiji Minato
I am very happy to welcome a new regular guest contributor to Deep Kyoto: Mr. Keiji Minato. Keiji is going to introduce us to the wonderful world of Kyoto poets and poetry! In his own words... Kyoto was the center of Japanese poetry for a long time, as of most other cultures in Japan (Am I writing the obvious?). Since the old capital was founded in 794 the royal family, … [Read more...] about Introducing Keiji Minato
People Together for Mt. Ogura – The Poets’ Mountain
...to feel the presence of this graceful Poet's Mount, we should go there. If possible, climb up a bit and take in the view. Listen, as the sounds of the city dwindle and those of nature take over. The trail at your feet will soon turn to earth and rock... - Stephen Gill For the last two weekends I've been taking part in conservation work with the environmental action group … [Read more...] about People Together for Mt. Ogura – The Poets’ Mountain
Ikkyū
Ian Ropke writes... Ikkyū was a Zen monk who was famous for burning the candle of life at both ends. By day, he was devout and extremely accomplished monk and scholar. By night, he reveled in the so-called “floating world” of drink and women. He lived in tumultuous 15th century Japan at a time when most of the country was ruined by civil war. Ikkyū was born the … [Read more...] about Ikkyū
