Japanese Haiku

A Japanese haiku is a short, three-line poem that captures a moment or feeling from nature or everyday life. It traditionally has 17 syllables arranged in a 5-7-5 pattern. Haikus often include a “kireji” (cutting word) and a “kigo” (season reference) to add depth and context. They emphasize simplicity, clarity, and a focus on sensory experience, encouraging reflection. Though brief, haikus aim to evoke a profound connection with the natural world, blending concise language with nuance to create an impactful, layered reading experience.