Tips for Writing Traditional Japanese Haiku

it is not as simple as it looks

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At first glance, Haiku looks to be a very easy form to write, if of course, all you are assessing is length and syllabic form. But there is so much more to this gentle craft that it takes time to hone the skill of writing them.

Here are a few pointers to help you get started or to remind you of the complexities of the Haiku tradition— if you seek to write them with the original intent in mind — and some background on this beautiful poetic form.

A brief history of Haiku

Haiku began in 17th century Japan as an introductory part of a 100 line collaborative poem called a renga. The first three lines of these poems were called the hokku, and often the poet writing this first portion would juxtapose images to make it more challenging for the poet taking up the next lines of the poem. Renga were usually light in tone or comedic for court use. The hokku eventually became a separate form and labeled Haiku in the 19th century.

Perhaps the most famous Haiku master was Basho, born Matsuo Kinsaku, who left his home to study with Kigin, a distinguished poet at Kyoto. The Poetry Foundation has a great write-up honoring Basho and described his early formative years:

“During these early years Basho studied Chinese poetry and Taoism, and soon began writing haikai no renga, a form of linked verses composed in collaboration” — The Poetry Foundation

“In his late 20s Basho moved to Edo (now a sector of Tokyo), where he joined a rapidly growing literary community. After a gift of basho trees from one student in 1680, the poet began to write under the name Basho. His work, rooted in observation of the natural world as well as in historical and literary concerns, engages themes of stillness and movement in a voice that is by turns self-questioning, wry, and oracular.” — The Poetry Foundation

I encourage you to study Basho’s journey and some of his Haiku writing to get a better understanding through his example of what is and is not Haiku poetry. The above linked Poetry Foundation page is a good place to start.

What makes a traditional Japanese Haiku? What are the “rules” for writing them?

1. The format is crucial. Three lines in syllable counts of 5–7–5, totaling 17 syllables.
2. Nature themes/images (observations) of the natural world.
3. Some reference to the season. (This can be exemplified by a single word or by the action taking place.)
4. Beautiful, descriptive, simple language.
5. Often two distinct images juxtaposed by a “cutting word” called a Kireji, which is a “turning point” in the poem that shows an action, reaction, or some level of enlightenment gained by the observer/poet.
6. Written in present tense — punctuation optional.
7. The poem is an observation of a moment in time with the observer/poet seeking some sense of enlightenment, a lesson, or for the purpose of preserving the memory of that moment.
8. Usually does not rhyme but can include the repetition of sounds.
9. Usually untitled.
10. Meant to be read in one breath.

While traditional Japanese Haiku “rules” have been modified to the near exclusion of the original intent of this form of poetry, keeping close to these standards ensures that you are keeping to the truest authenticity of the form. Of course, deviation is up to the poet. More modern forms (American Haiku, for example) involve human observations moreso than observations of the natural world.

Tips for writing Japanese Haiku

Read traditional Japanese haiku, lots of it. Get a feel for the form.

Spend some time observing nature. What do you see? Hear? Smell? How does what you are observing make you feel? Are there moments you see where a sudden shift or change occurs?

Try to feel nature. Relate to and try to immerse yourself and your experience with what you are observing. Lie down in the grass. Press your face to a tree and listen. Wait and watch to see what inspires you.

Make a list of descriptive words that apply to what you are seeing, hearing, experiencing (etc) and use these images as a springboard for your Haiku.

Use all of your senses to be present in the moment with nature — this should carry over to your Haiku.

Write your Haiku from personal experience, rather than imagination. Show through your poem what you see without explaining. Be descriptive, concise, and clear.

Writing Haiku poems can help you be more mindful as a poet and can help to hone your ability to be observant and descriptive. This carries over into your other forms of poetry, creative writing, and can help provide inspiration. These brief snapshots of your experience can be fulfilling to write and pleasing to the reader. If you have not written Haiku before or if you are working to improve your craft, these few pointers and background can help you take your craft to a more enlightened approach as the original Haiku masters did so eloquently.

My name is Christina. I am a poet. :::i paint with words:::

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