haikaiTALKS: a saturday gathering! 14th February 2026 Guest poet: Keiko Izawa

haikaiTALKS: Japanese aesthetics: Shibumi|a saturday gathering under the banyan tree

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Special Guest Poet: Keiko Izawa

host: Srinivasa Sambangi

haikaiTALKS: a saturday gathering under the banyan tree

haikaiTALKS  14th February 2026

Japanese aesthetics: Shibumi

Shibumi, also referred to as shibusa, embodies an aesthetic of emptiness that holds deep significance. The frequent use of plain colors illustrates this preference for simplicity. For example, in tea bowls, this simplicity is a key aesthetic choice. As emotional intensity rises, the yearning for simplicity becomes even more evident. Although there are some painted

embellishments, the overall aesthetic remains understated.

(The Beauty of Shibusa,by Yanagi Muneyoshi)

Shibumi does not refer to glamour or flamboyance; instead, it signifies a serene, composed and profound essence. This aesthetic concept applies to various contexts, including human interactions, physical objects, natural environments and verbal communication. It adds a subtle nuance that gives these elements a sense of depth and dignity.

Some extra notes from Keiko! This week’s theme is challenging, but once this aesthetic is internalized, you may find that your haiku begin to carry a quiet elegance.

The opposite of shibumi is self-display.

Shibumi does not try to be noticed. Showiness wants to be seen immediately.

 Showy beauty

• vivid

• dramatic

• attention-seeking

• impressive

• designed to attract

 Shows instant impact

⸻

 Shibumi

• quiet

• restrained

• unassuming

• inward

• discovered slowly

 Gives lasting depth

This week, you are requested to write up to two haiku that express

shibumi.

Samples:

柿食えば 鐘が鳴るなり 法隆寺

kaki kueba / kane ga naru nari / hōryūji

biting into a persimmon

the bell tolls

at hōryūji

~ Masaoka Shiki

ブランデー 多めの紅茶 冬星座

burandē / ōme no kōcha / fuyu seiza

tea

with extra brandy . . .

winter constellations

月光の 白き吐息や 霧深し

gekkō no / shiroki toiki ya / kiri fukashi

white breath

of moonlight –

deepening fog

この窓は 銀河のほとり ヒアシンス

kono mado wa / ginga no hotori / hiashinsu

this window

at the edge of the galaxy . . .

hyacinths

As usual, try to use kigo from the lists below. You can also use your local

season words that are not listed here.

“A Dictionary of Haiku Classified by Season Words with Traditional and

Modern Methods,” by Jane Reichhold:

https://thehaikufoundation.org/omeka/files/original/7fb6654a1dfd1afef973

69da920530f8.pdf

Indian subcontinent SAIJIKI:

https://www.trivenihaikai.in/indian-saijiki

The Five Hundred Essential Japanese Season Words:

http://www.2hweb.net/haikai/renku/500ESWd.html

The World Kigo Database:

https://wkdkigodatabase03.blogspot.com/

The Yuki Teikei Haiku Season Word List:

https://yths.org/season-word-list/

Thanks, Keiko! Another beautiful post. Thanks a lot.

I hope our poets take the challenge and create a haiku on these lines! Keenly looking ahead to this month.

Greatly indebted to you.

Dear Members,

Please provide your feedback on others' commentary and poems as well.

We are continuing haikaiTALKS in full swing!

Keep writing and commenting! _kala