háku

Háku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry. It is characterized by its structure of three phrases composed of 17 syllables in a 5, 7, 5 pattern. Háku traditionally focus on nature and often include a kigo, a seasonal word. The practice of writing háku, or haiku as it is commonly known in English, dates back to the 17th century, with Matsuo Bashō being its most famous exponent.

The earliest form of háku was called hokku, which served as the opening stanza of a longer poem called a renga. Over time, the hokku evolved into an independent form of poetry. Unlike many Western poetic forms that emphasize rhyme and meter, háku relies on imagery and suggestion to evoke a feeling or a moment. The brevity of the form encourages conciseness and a focus on sensory details.

Modern háku writers continue to explore a wide range of themes, though the connection to nature and the seasons remains a strong tradition. The appeal of háku lies in its ability to capture a fleeting moment with precision and evoke a sense of awareness in the reader. It is a form that values observation and the subtle beauty found in everyday experiences.