The Japanese Haiku: Its Essential Nature and History

Japanese Haiku offers a thoughtful study of Japan’s most compact poetic form. This PDF edition makes the text available for readers of poetry, Japanese culture, and literary criticism.

The digital edition is ready for instant download. No physical copy is required.

Book Overview

Written by Kenneth Yasuda, this work examines the essential nature of haiku and its development through Japanese literary history. The book begins with an approach to haiku and basic principles, including the haiku moment.

Later chapters explore haiku nature, crystallization, and the historical view of poetic forms from the pre-haiku period through tanka and renga. The final section considers the English haiku and includes selected examples.

This 2001 Tuttle Publishing edition includes a foreword by Robert B. Hall and preserves the original 1957 study.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• An approach to haiku and the basic principles of aesthetic attitude and experience.
• The haiku moment and its role in the poetic form.
• A detailed look at haiku nature, including form, content, length, and the three elements of when, where, and what.
• A study of crystallization, covering haiku art, rhythm, rhyme, alliteration, and assonance.
• A historical view of Japanese poetic forms, from pre-haiku and tanka to renga.
• The seasonal element and its importance in haiku.
• Conclusions on the English haiku, selected haiku, notes, bibliography, and index.

Why This Book Matters

Kenneth Yasuda’s study has served as a serious introduction to haiku for Western readers. The Mainichi Daily News called it “the best book on Japanese haiku available for the Westerner.”

The work connects Japanese poetic tradition with practical questions of form, sound, and meaning. It remains a valuable reference for students of poetry, Japanese literature, and comparative aesthetics.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download and no physical item will be shipped. Access is available immediately after purchase.

The PDF works with Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and standard reading apps. Your downloaded file remains available through your account.

FAQ

How soon will I receive the book?
Access is available immediately after purchase through your digital downloads area.

Will a physical copy be shipped?
No. This is a digital PDF edition and no physical item is sent.

What devices can I use to read this PDF?
The file can be opened on compatible Kindle apps, tablets, desktops, and mobile reading apps.

Download this digital edition and explore the essential nature and history of Japanese haiku.