Matsuo Bashō; born Matsuo Kinsaku, later known as Matsuo Chūemon Munefusa was the most famous Japanese poet of the Edo period. During his lifetime, Bashō was recognized for his works in the collaborat
Portrait by Morikawa Kyoriku, 17th century
Bashō's supposed birthplace in Iga Province
A statue commemorating Matsuo Bashō's arrival in Ōgaki
Bashō's grave in Ōtsu, Shiga Prefecture
Haiku is a type of short-form poetry that originated in Japan. Traditional Japanese haiku consist of three phrases composed of 17 morae in a 5, 7, 5 pattern that include a kireji or "cutting word" and
Matsuo Bashō
…recognized for his works in the collaborative haikai no renga form; today, after centuries of commentary, he is recognized as the greatest master of haiku (then called hokku). He is also well known for his travel essays beginning with Records of a Weather-Exposed Skeleton (1684), written after his journey…
Haiku by Matsuo Bashō reading "Quietly, quietly, / yellow mountain roses fall – / sound of the rapids"
Portrait of Bashō by Sugiyama Sanpū