The 18th century in Japan was a period of significant literary flourishing, particularly in poetry forms like haiku and waka. Under the Tokugawa shogunate, Japan enjoyed a time of peace and stability, which allowed for cultural and artistic growth. Poets during this era drew inspiration from nature, everyday life, spirituality, and the changing seasons. Unlike Western literature, which often focused on grand themes of heroism and mythology, Japanese poetry emphasized simplicity, fleeting beauty, and deep introspection. The poets of 18th-century Japan contributed significantly to the country’s rich literary tradition, shaping the poetry of future generations.
11 Famous Japanese Poets of the 18th Century
1. Yosa Buson (1716–1784)
Yosa Buson is celebrated as one of the greatest haiku masters after Bashō. A painter as well as a poet, Buson infused his haiku with vivid imagery and a painter’s eye for detail. His work is often praised for its visual clarity and ability to evoke the natural world. Buson’s haiku reflects the elegance and restrained emotion typical of the Edo period, blending the beauty of nature with a subtle sense of melancholy. Some of his famous haiku include:
“The spring sea—undulating / waves glowing / with light.”
This haiku exemplifies Buson’s mastery of using simplicity to evoke the beauty of nature, capturing the ebb and flow of the sea under the spring sun.
2. Kobayashi Issa (1763–1828)
Kobayashi Issa, known for his unpretentious, heartfelt haiku, grew up in a poor farming family, which influenced his down-to-earth style. Unlike many of his predecessors, Issa wrote about common life, often addressing themes of hardship, compassion, and his own struggles. His poetry is noted for its emotional depth, empathy toward animals, and playful humor, making him one of Japan’s most beloved poets. His poem:
“In this world / we walk on the roof of hell / gazing at flowers,”
reflects his profound understanding of suffering, yet a determination to find beauty even in difficult circumstances.
3. Ryōkan Taigu (1758–1831)
Ryōkan, a Zen Buddhist monk, lived a simple, secluded life, which greatly influenced his poetry. His works reflect his Zen practice, characterized by an appreciation for the natural world and a profound sense of peace and humility. Ryōkan’s poetry, often in the form of short waka and kanshi, emphasizes compassion, simplicity, and humor, capturing the essence of his spiritual journey. His introspective style has made his work an enduring part of Japanese literature.
Famous Works: Kore ya kono / keshiki ka nagara / kyō no tsuki (“Is it not this / the same landscape / as the moon tonight?”)
4. Kaga no Chiyo (1703–1775)
One of the few renowned female haiku poets, Kaga no Chiyo, or Chiyo-ni, or Fukuda Chiyo-ni, was deeply inspired by the teachings of Bashō. Her haiku captures delicate aspects of nature and often explores themes of femininity and spirituality. Known for her refined, graceful style, she used seasonal references and personal experiences to evoke emotions, and her poetic sensitivity earned her a place among Japan’s celebrated haiku poets. One of her famous haiku reads:
“The morning glory / has taken the well-bucket— / I borrow water.”
This delicate image exemplifies Chiyo’s graceful style and her focus on capturing the essence of nature in her verse.
5. Tan Taigi (1709–1771)
Tan Taigi is another celebrated haiku poet of the 18th century, known for his skillful wordplay and humor. Taigi’s poetry emphasized wit, and he contributed to the development of a more playful style of haikai that broke traditional conventions. His haiku captured life’s spontaneous moments, often using humor to reflect on human follies. An example of his work:
“Morning dew— / even the frogs look refreshed / in their green coats.”
Taigi’s lighthearted approach provided an accessible entry into haiku for many readers, and his works were celebrated for their wit and charm.
6. Ueda Akinari (1734–1809)
Although best known for his ghost story collection, Ugetsu Monogatari, Ueda Akinari also produced influential poetry. His tanka and waka poems explored themes of impermanence, often reflecting the emotional depth of human life and the transient beauty of nature. Akinari’s poetry also held subtle critiques of society, adding a reflective layer to his works.
7. Kamo no Mabuchi (1697–1769)
Kamo no Mabuchi was a pioneering scholar and poet who was instrumental in reviving Japan’s classical poetic forms, especially waka. As a major figure in the kokugaku (National Studies) movement, Mabuchi’s work emphasized traditional Japanese aesthetics, particularly those found in the ancient Manyōshū anthology. His poetry explored themes of nature and ancient legends, aligning closely with Shinto ideals.
8. Sakai Hōitsu (1761–1828)
Sakai Hōitsu was not only a poet but also a celebrated painter. A member of the Rinpa school, he often wrote haiku and waka inspired by his paintings. Hōitsu’s art and poetry complemented each other, creating visual and literary landscapes that reflected Edo-period aesthetics. His verse often evoked the same tranquility as his artwork, making him a distinguished figure in both art and poetry.
9. Ōta Nanpo (1749–1823)
Ōta Nanpo was a master of kyōka, or “mad verse,” which humorously parodies traditional waka. Nanpo’s work often blended satire with commentary on contemporary society, showing his wit and talent for wordplay. He was also a notable scholar of Chinese classics, and his mastery of Chinese poetry influenced his kyōka, imbuing it with both humor and depth.
Famous Works: Tomo ni min / kasa no kage yori / haru no tsuki (“Shall we view / from under this umbrella / the spring moon?”)
10. Ike Gyokuran (1727–1784)
Ike Gyokuran was an artist and poet who often collaborated with her husband, the poet Ike no Taiga. She brought a unique voice to haiga, a blend of haiku and painting. Her works show a harmonious balance between words and visuals, often revealing her contemplative nature.
Famous Works: Kareeda ni / karasu no tomarite / aki no kure (“A crow sits / upon a withered branch / autumn dusk.”)
11. Kagawa Kageki (1768–1843)
A poet and scholar, Kagawa Kageki was a major figure in the revival of waka poetry during the late 18th century. He focused on returning to classical themes and forms, blending traditional waka elements with insights from his era. Kageki’s poetry reflects a deep reverence for Japanese literary heritage.
Famous Works: Umi wo mire / yama no fukaku ni / hana chiru ka (“Look at the sea / deep in the mountains / flowers fall.”)
Conclusion
The poets of 18th-century Japan captured a unique blend of self-reflection, natural beauty, and the daily joys and challenges of life. Through poetic forms such as haiku, waka, and kyōka, they created vivid, ephemeral images that continue to resonate with readers today. Their work highlights the enduring power of poetry, which, while rooted in its historical context, speaks to universal aspects of the human experience.
