Masaoka Shiki

Masaoka Shiki was a Japanese poet and literary critic born in 1867, renowned for revitalizing traditional Japanese poetry forms, particularly haiku and tanka. He emphasized capturing modern life's essence with clarity and brevity, moving away from overly elaborate styles. Shiki also contributed to literary criticism, advocating for realism and personal expression. His innovative approach helped modernize Japanese poetry, making it more accessible and relevant, and his influence persists in Japanese literature today.