haikaiTALKS: a saturday gathering! 26th July 2025

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

A Disclaimer

Responsibility for the originality of the haikai rests solely with the submitting poet. 

If anyone feels that it is similar to another haikai, they are encouraged to contact the relevant poet directly.

Triveni Haikai India will take action, if any, as recommended by the submitting poet.

***

Special Guest Poet: Keiko Izawa

host: Srinivasa Sambangi 26th July 2025

haikaiTALKS: a saturday gathering under the banyan tree

Your Guest Poet for July for haikaiTALKS: Keiko Izawa

haikaiTALKS 26th July 2025

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.

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

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/7fb6654a1dfd1afef97369da920530f8.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/

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

**

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

I hope our poets take the challenge and create a haiku on these lines! This month has been an eye opener for us.

Greatly indebted to you.

Dear Members,

Please give your feedback on others' commentary and poems, too. _()_

We are continuing haikaiTALKS in a grand manner!

Keep writing and commenting! _kala