Pathway to Japanese Literature

Author: Takahama Kyoshi

Preface

Previously, to commemorate the 500th issue of *Hototogisu*, I published a book titled *Five Hundred Haiku* through Kaizōsha, and to commemorate the 550th issue of *Hototogisu*, I published a book titled *Five Hundred and Fifty Haiku* through Sakurai Shoten.
This time, again upon the recommendation of Seikidō, I have decided to publish a book titled *Six Hundred Haiku* to commemorate the 600th issue of *Hototogisu*.

This is a selection of haiku chosen from those composed between the 16th year of Shōwa (1941) and the 20th year of Shōwa (1945).
As with *Five Hundred Haiku*, I did not strictly limit the number to six hundred haiku; it may slightly exceed that count.

September 11, the 21st year of Shōwa (1946)

At Komoro Mountain Hut

Takahama Kyoshi

The 16th year of Shōwa (1941)

The first calm—
comes when the waves are large

January 1st: A walk at Yuigahama Beach.

A winter day—the Great Buddha has a robe hung upon it.

January 3rd: Household Haiku Gathering.
First shrine visit at Kamakura Hachimangū.
Nanpu-en Garden.

Withered chrysanthemums, left unpruned, grow more pitiful each day.

January 10th: Sōjū-kai.
Hitotsubashi.
Gakushikaikan.

When the bud sheaths split, smiles spill forth—winter peony.

By the winter lamp—how long has one lingered?

January 13th: Sasanare-kai.
Marunouchi Club Japanese-style room.

Where winter sun lies thick—ground chosen and carved at its root

January 16th: Somanao's invitation banquet.
Higashi-Shinagawa, Gyokusenkaku.

Lamenting days gone by while waiting for spring

In the rice cake flowers' display box—a face of beauty.

January 17th: Ōsaki-kai.
Marunouchi Club annex.

He exited the movie theater, saw a fire poster, and stood there.

January 21st: Ginza Sightseeing Gathering.
Konparu Movie Theater.

At the piled meal, from time to time stir the old one’s chopsticks.

January 22nd: "Tamamo Five-Haiku Collection (48th Session)."

The character of this place dried coarse nori.

January 22nd: Butsuboku-kai.
Shinagawa Fisherman's Town, Suzaki Hall.

Thus do people call this the Dragon’s Jewel.

January 23rd: Marunouchi Club Haiku Gathering.

The frozen butterfly's wings hold frost's heavy weight.

January 28th: 220th Day Gathering.
Kobiki-chō, Tanaka Residence, Suichikukyo Invitation Banquet.

Soot-stained black-headed gulls fly—the Sumida River.

February 8th: Seizaburō Farewell Party.
Mukōjima, Kōfuku-ji Temple grounds.
Fucha cuisine.

Though books are scarce—the Plum Blossom Study Room.

February 26th: Sanyō Farewell Party.
Publishing office.

Leaving the book unopened by the spring kotatsu.

March 11th: 220th Day Gathering.
Tsukiji, Shinkiraku.

Putting away the Hina dolls—their festive rice crackers too have faded.

March 13th: Shippō-kai.
Odawara, Saitō Kōson’s residence.

A torn umbrella—laughing as they hold it in the spring rain.

March 14th: Sōjū-kai.
Hitotsubashi, Gakushikaikan.

Where a figure’s reflection fades, the water warms.

March 15th: "Tamamo Five-Haiku Collection (54th Session)."

The sutras' voices harmonize and swell—the flower temple.

March 17th: Tamamo Haiku Gathering.
Ueno Kan'ei-ji, Shibusawa-dō.

Spring water arranged to babble.
They go, singing and smiling—people of spring.
A pigeon steps through spring grasses as it walks.

March 19th: Butsuboku-kai.
Shiba Park Lotus Pond, Tagawa-tei.

Spring rain—
teahouse umbrellas ceaselessly

March 23rd: Japan Sightseeing Gathering.
Tsurumi, Kagetuen Garden.

A small lantern too vividly reflected in spring mud.

Ikoi—days warm yet the wind cold.

March 27th: Marunouchi Club Haiku Gathering was held.

The sacred precinct’s precepts read beneath blossoms.

Before the deity, flowers placed; caps removed as they proceed.

March 28th: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Ōtōmiya Shrine Office.

The cherry blossoms in the pine room—their faintness was just right.

April 4th: Home Haiku Gathering.
Ueno Park.
Marunouchi Club Japanese-style room.

Though slow the steps of age toward blossoms,

The wind blows, and the herb-gatherer has vanished.

April 7th: Chōfu Small Gathering.

Yamabe no Akahito, who loved Hitomaro—his memorial day.

Spring mud—
at the gate of a house I know.

Bathed in sunlight—electric lights lit—town cherry blossoms.

April 8th: 220th Day Gathering.
Kobikichō, Nadaman.
Hakusan Invitation Banquet.

In the hearth’s corner, a discard urn too was placed.

April 9th: A letter arrived from Akegarasu Haya; at its end was noted a haiku composed when he once visited that temple in Kita-Yasuda, Ishikawa Prefecture.

Spring rain—even the leakage through the umbrella’s handle feels dear.

April 13th, Sunday: Through heavy rain, he went to Myōhon-ji to view Chinese flowering crabapples.

The garden within the gate's expanse—Kaikoyado.

April 18th: Ōsaki-kai.
Marunouchi Club annex.

Mourning scattered blossoms, even hearts turn restless.

April 21st: Mourning Kijirō.

Enma’s eyebrows bristled with a snap.

April 25th: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Kita-Kamakura Yamanouchi, Niiyama En’ō-ji, Child-Rearing Enma.

Wind-stirred dust beyond the window; spring prepares to depart.

April 26th: Minazuki-kai.
Hibiya Park, Matsumoto-ro.

As if falling into spring water—the bank.

Out of obligation to the known flower teahouse, he stopped by.

May 1st: Home Haiku Gathering.
Botanical Garden and Marunouchi Club Japanese-style room.

The daily tidying of the mountain villa and the dust of lingering blossoms.

Lamenting spring with a man from Genroku’s past.

May 5th: 220th Day Gathering.
Nihonbashi-ku Kayabachō 1-chōme, Kikaku.
They viewed Kikaku’s crescent moon writing desk and goosefoot-plant handle.

For the patient’s sake, they bound hair with irises.

May 8th: Shippō-kai.
Botanical Garden.
Hōshō-kai Dining Hall.

In this village, at the time when the rice seedling beds are said to be cold.

May 9th: Sōjū-kai.
Hitotsubashi, Gakushikaikan.

Peonies scatter—holding a sake cup in my mouth, how I wish to mourn.

May 12th: Sasanae-kai.
Marunouchi Club Japanese-style room.

The seedling seller paused mid-sale—three calls or so.

Wearing a celluloid collar, the white apron’s starch stiff.

May 15th: Kinome-kai hosted.
Invitation to the 220th Day Gathering.
Ushigome Wakamiya-chō, Nakamura Kichiemon’s residence.

Clear skies revealed themselves—still the deutzia flowers decayed on.

In the mountain villa’s garden, summer bracken had grown tall.

May 16th: Ōsaki-kai.
Marunouchi Club annex.

A bench there—resting on it,
a spider descended.

May 21st: Monome-kai.
Shinagawa Shrine office.

Barefoot,
someone waved
at the returning boat.

Climbing stone steps—
the fishing village’s temple,
cool.

Over dried fish,
a kite soared—
the beach,
hot.

May 23rd: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Kotsubo, Kotsubo-ji.

The Old Marquis stood among roses wearing a mask.

May 24th: Harajuku, Marquis Ikeda’s Residence Haiku Gathering.

The mild warmth fell short of being called illness.

May 31st: Stayed one night at Shin-Osaka Hotel last night.

I visited Sato Kōryoku at Koshien.

The summer tide now recedes—as when the Heike perished.

June 1st: Arrived in Moji en route to the Manchuria-Korea trip. Disembarked, escorted by haiku poets of Fukuoka. Proceeded to Wakamatsu Shrine. A recitation was held at Moji Kōsō Hachimangū. A monument stood inscribed with the verse: "Ships appear—a storm crosses the strait, fog and all. —Sōgi."

Iki Island appears fragmented in the summer sea.

The setting sun had now sunk completely—Great Tsushima.

Iki lies low, Tsushima stands tall in the summer sea.

June 1st: From Moji, boarded the ship again and set sail.

The turbine's vibration transmitted through to the rattan chair.

Back-to-back on rattan chairs, unacquainted.

June 2nd: Thick morning fog; passed through the open sea of the archipelago en route to Dairen.

Cows, horses, people—under the bridge, an evening shower in the field.

June 4th: Departed from "Ajia".

At Anshan Station, he met with local haiku poets.

Screen doors installed—with sheer resolve, they’ve made their dwelling here.

June 4th: Shinkyo Haiku Gathering.
The set theme was “screen doors.”

Over postcards bearing collected writings, willow catkins flew.

June 5th: Stayed at Shinkyo Yamato Hotel.
Composed poetry at Nanko.

A marsh lies here—the great river nearby—ah, summer field.

June 6th: Headed toward Harbin.
Lodged at New Harbin.

Swallows—outside the Yott Club’s window.

Swallows over the river glide leisurely—the boat speeds swiftly.

The room was cool; music began; they took their seats.

June 7th: Lunchtime boat excursion at the Yott Club.
At Yamato Hotel, a banquet.

Magpies too fly only rarely—the great summer field.

The Songhua River flows—the hills, a summer retreat?

Waking from a nap—the continental journey resumes.

June 8th: Lodged at Fengtian Yamato Hotel.

Entering the green shade, they proceeded to North Mausoleum’s side gate.

The inner garden of North Mausoleum lay thick with untended grasses.

Summer grasses in fissured steps where dragons were carved.

June 9th: Went to North Mausoleum in the morning.

Korea—not for the first time / an old reed screen.

June 10th: Omaki no Chaya.
A banquet hosted by volunteers.

Water meanders, flowing through the village—willow shade.

Moriyama—thirty years of afforestation governance.

Planting rice fields—holding up white garments as they work.

June 11th: Arrived in Keijō and checked into Hantō Hotel.
Hosted banquet at Kikui Saryō.

Leading a cow to drink at Harugawa.

June 14th: Tōrai Hot Springs; lodged at Naruto.

The rainy season clears—waves grow gentle at Moji-ga-seki.

June 16th: Rested briefly at Sanyo Hotel.

The lull had ceased—the rainy season drips.

June 24th: Ginza Scenic Exploration Gathering.
Kyōbashi Crossing, before Katakura Building, second-floor parlor of Meiji Seika Building Annex.

In the dew, a caterpillar staggered along.

They removed all sliding doors; lintels lay crisscrossed.

July 4th: Home Haiku Gathering.
Kōjimachi, Nagatachō; in front of Hie Shrine’s east torii gate.
Koizumi-tei.

Catching droplets in a handkerchief, sucking on a loquat.

July 6th: Nihon Tanshōkai.
Suginami Ward, Hamadayama, Matsumoto Kakujin’s residence.

Through dusk’s haze it drifts near—the dangling water-pepper.

July 8th: Tamamo Haiku Gathering.
Kamakura, Myōhon-ji Temple’s priest’s quarters.

In mountains and rivers, alone washing hair—the gods know.

At the moment when, having bared his shoulders, he was about to wash his hair.

July 9th: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Behind Kita-Kamakura Station: Nakamura Shichisaburō’s residence.

Sitting quietly—even the breeze from a round fan is welcome at times.

The fisherman arching his back in the miniature garden—cannot compare to you.

As if forgotten—sunlit water.

A couple seems—returning from the hozuki market.

July 10th: Seven Treasures Gathering.
Nishi-Sugamo: Kondo Inui’s residence.
Marunouchi Club Haiku Gathering.
Marunouchi Club Japanese-style room.

Though he did not neglect to guard the books against silverfish,

She skillfully applied makeup and wore attire well while holding a parasol.

July 11th: Sōjūkai.
Marunouchi Club.

Seeing you seated on the bench, I sit at the edge—ah.

Strike the water—there a summer butterfly is born.

July 14th: Summer Grass Gathering.
Atagoyama, Sagano.

There exists the term "entering nirvana"—horse chestnut blossoms scattered.

July 17th, 12:05 PM.

Kawabata Bosha passed away.

Thick fog—princess sunflowers swaying.

A discarded match flame—thick fog.

Even fireflies had grown familiar with lamplight.

August 16th: Haiku Recitation Gathering.
Motohakone, Matsuzakaya.

A hototogisu cries briefly at the inn’s eaves.

While holding a tasuki sash, guiding to the summer retreat.

August 17th: Haiku Recitation Gathering.
Motohakone, Matsuzakaya.
He visited the grave left behind at his former post.

The path to the grave had been narrowed; he visited.

Houses built, the kitchen revealed—visiting the grave.

September 1st: "Tamamo Five-Haiku Collection (55th)"

He mounted a bicycle and looked up at the cicada-laden tree.

He stacked benches and swept at the reed-screen teahouse.

September 5th: Household Haiku Gathering.
Ueno Inshōtei.

Summer trees begin to fade—yet the lingering heat remains.

A farmer rests in the shade of a tree—lingering summer heat.

Autumn mountains—tilting my head back to gaze upward.

September 6th: Haiku Recitation Gathering.
Kamakura, Kōfūen.

Mackerel-scale clouds—the fair weather settled in at last.

September 8th: Sasanaki-kai.
Marunouchi Club Japanese-style room.

Sipping warm tea while bush clover rain falls.

The steam from Nagamatsu River—ah, autumn rain.

September 11th: Seven Treasures Gathering.
Mukōjima, Hyakkaen Garden.

Reach out—it withdraws at once: autumn butterfly.

September 15th: Tamamo Kukai.
Ichigaya Sanaizakaue, Chōtaiji Temple.
Bōshi Memorial.

Chest bared—a pigeon ascends the slope of fallen leaves.

Gazing up at the great temple’s eaves trough—autumn rain.

September 18th: Mogae-kai.
Shibayamauchi, Tagawatei.

Grand-disciples who carry on the flame—such is the Shiki Memorial.

How many autumns have eclipsed sun and moon since then?

September 21st: Nihon Tanshōkai (Japan Scenic Exploration Society).
Negishi, Shiki-an.

Tying an obi—brushing against the elbow—the autumn curtain.

September 24th: Ginza Tanshōkai.
Ginza Nishi-hacchōme, Kojisei.

In the corner of the main hall, a mosquito net’s hanging hook.

The western sun takes shelter in the main hall’s pillar.

The Great Mormon butterfly dashed to the red spider lilies.

September 26th: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Matsubagayatsu, Myōhōji Temple.

Admiring names like fujibakama and waremokou

September 29th: "Tamamo Five-Haiku Collection (56th)"

The fragrance of matsutake, too, varied with each person.

October 2nd: Matsutake mushrooms arrived from Tendai Archbishop Shibuya Jikai.

In the autumn wind, the fountain has no color.

Losing sight, then losing sight again—autumn butterfly.

October 4th: Household Haiku Gathering.
Hibiya Park, Marunouchi Club Japanese-style room.

Unfolding the newspaper—moonlit silver grass.

October 5th: Moon-Viewing Haiku Gathering.
Shinagawa, Kaian-ji.

Chrysanthemums and others—Kiyameru too were offered.

Kojisei came, offered a pomegranate, and prayed.

October 12th: Mika, Kojisei, Han, and Bōshi came to Takagi for the memorial service.
Small Haiku Gathering.

Dew-clad inn—the Buddha’s lamp flickers dimly.

The bow slightly overstrung—scaring birds.

October 13th: Sasanare-kai.
Marunouchi Club Japanese-style room.

With few customers, the tea house owner mended the reed screens.

October 15th: Mogae-kai.
Ueno Park.
Tokatei.

The knife presented for peeling chestnuts was large.

October 17th: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Takashi-an.

Tracing with the eyes great characters—autumn sky.

A katydid’s cry resounds as it flies away.

October 24th: Kuyōkai.
Kamakura, Kōfūen.

Each time gazing up at the great tree—falling leaves.

November 7th: Household Haiku Gathering.
Koishikawa Botanical Garden.

Rumors pass—as if swept away by a swift shower.

November 10th: Sasanare-kai.
Marunouchi Club Japanese-style room.

The horsefly hovers—water clears, shifts, then clears once more.

November 11th: 220th Day Gathering.
Akasaka, Takahashi Korekiyo Residence—now a park.

A wildflower the size of a hairpin’s earpick

The winter sky had grown slightly hazy, I thought.

November 12th: Kuyōkai.
Kamakura, Kōfūen.

From afar, the large characters on the folding screen appear to leap.

On a six-panel folding screen—such vigor depicts!

November 14th: Grass and Tree Gathering.
Marunouchi Club annex room.

From the alleyway entrance emerges a cart of chrysanthemums—ah!

Chrysanthemum cart staggers—tilts—regains balance.

November 15th: Hakusōkyo 60th Birthday Celebration.
Marunouchi Hotel.

A butterfly alights—awakening the lion’s slumber.

Stomping out the bonfire—Suzugamori in darkness.

November 16th: Japan Scenic Exploration Gathering.
Kabukiza Theatre.

Washing daikon—water follows the hands.

November 19th: Mogae-kai.
Shimizudani Park.
Kaikōen.

Washing daikon by combing through them with water again and again.

November 21st: Ōsaki-kai.
Marunouchi Club annex room.

It may be called late autumn warmth, yet also said to resemble spring.

November 28th: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Jufuku-ji Temple.

When the heart finds leisure, holly blossoms scatter.

November 30th: Jufuku-ji Temple grave visit.
On the Spot.

He ceased shoji papering and resolved to make daily visits.

The sleeve length too clings to the body—this old padded robe.

December 9th: 220th Day Gathering.
Kobiki-chō, Nadaman.

At the glass door, the steam from oden faded away.

Through the gap in the door, the steam from oden curved and vanished.

December 21st: Ginza Scenic Exploration Gathering.

Kōjimachi Nagatachō, Mashimo Residence.

Miserable yet unassuming, this winter peony.

December 25th: Matsumoto Chō Seventh-Year Memorial Service.
Held jointly by the Kuyōkai and Shippōkai gatherings.
Shiba Kotohira-chō, Shōin-sha.

Shōwa 17

As the hat brim lingered, a winter day persisted.

January 3rd: Kuyōkai.
Kamakura, Kōfūen.

Mouth agape, belly-deep first laugh.
Gentle and bright, the first laugh.

All deeds and movements lie within the cold—such is the thought.

January 9th: Grass and Tree Gathering.
Marunouchi Club annex room.

A winter egg cracked open—the auspiciousness of twins—ah!

January 11th: Invited banquet by Endo Goitsu, Hoshigaoka Teahouse.

The wind swished—the bonfire’s pillar broke slightly.

January 15th: Shippōkai.
Nishi-Sugamo, Kondo Inui Residence.

In that spot, faintly warm—the winter peony.

January 19th: Tamamo Poetry Outing.
Below Sannō Torii, Koizumi-tei.

The paulownia brazier that should have told of a sister’s presence.

January 20th: Ginza Scenic Exploration Gathering.
Ginza 5-chome, Jitsuka-kyo.

On Marine Day, a winter camellia slightly scorched.

January 23rd: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Jōmyō-ji Temple, Takashi Residence.

Wearing a mask, faintly his features—ah.

January 29th: Marunouchi Club New Year's Gathering.
Atagoyama, Sagano.

Two large oil eyes—spring water.

February 22nd: Hototogisu Fellowship.
Combined with a celebration of Kyoshi’s birthday.
Mukōjima, Sumida Saryō.

A bud resembling a wind-tilted courtier’s hat

March 6th: Household Haiku Gathering.
Hibiya Park.

As he thought of spring’s approach, he attended to busy administrative tasks.

March 9th: “Tamamo Five-Verse Collection (61st)”

A pleasingly low desk in the Hina display alcove.

March 10th: 220th Day Gathering.
Kita-Kamakura, Nakamura Shichisaburō Residence.

Women and monks growing damp in the spring rain.

March 17th: Ginza Scenic Exploration Gathering.
Ginza 4-chome, Hattori Clock Shop back street, Nitto Tea Café second floor.

The bitterness of dried sardines faded with sips of sake.

March 20th: Ōsaki-kai.
Marunouchi Club annex room.

Having erred, I must not tread on the shidomi flowers.

March 21st: Small gathering at the Chōfu residence.
Together with Masako, Tatsuko, Yoioko, Saga, and Reiko.

A branch of forsythia traces a circle.

March 27th: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Kita-Kamakura, Engaku-ji Temple, Butsunichian.
Jishū Mausoleum.

Wandering and wandering go the flower-viewing visitors.

March 28th: Farewell for Takagi Kyōkawa.
Uguisudani, Ikaho.
Koshi Eiko hosted a banquet.

Firmly closed to boisterous poets—the flower temple.

March 29th: Marunouchi Hall; Fujimi Sōu hosted a banquet.

People all sit on the grass; dandelions yellow.

Dandelion yellow lingers in the eyes; yellow on the shoji screen.

April 3rd: 220th Day Gathering.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

A bench to lament spring—if only one could sit.

April 9th: Shippō-kai.
Koishikawa Kōrakuen Garden, Kantokutei Pavilion.

Someone with beautiful brows furrowed in morning slumber—ah.

April 10th: Sōju-kai.
Marunouchi Club annex room.

A wind upon the peony

April 25th: Impromptu Gathering.

Even excursions now become dashes—by the pond’s edge.

May 1st: Household Haiku Gathering.
Ueno, Inshōtei.

Bamboo leaves, midway diverted in a swift detour.

May 2nd: Haiku and Noh Chanting Gathering.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

Gathering as in days of old at the hermitage of lingering blossoms.

May 3rd: Suichikukyo Memorial Haiku Gathering.
Fukasawa, Akaboshi Residence.

The old farmer, knowing the heart of eggplants, plants them.

May 8th: Sōju-kai.
Marunouchi Building, Seiyōken.

The splendidly cleared night sky of the Kanda Festival—ah.

Year by year, the zelkova thickens at the farmhouse—ah.

May 15th: Ōsaki-kai.
Marunouchi Building, Seiyōken.

The mistress turns her face away as she emerges—ditch cleaning.

Spending the day at the fishing pond—ah, this noble soul.

May 19th: Ginza Sightseeing Gathering.
Ginza Konparu.

Sending off the wife—deutzia blossoms scatter down amidst the falling rain.

May 20th: Monmekai.
Sannō Shrine precincts; mountain teahouse.

In the evening breeze they rise and scatter—the poppies.

May 22nd: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Higashigomon, Yamada Tamaki Residence.

A summer grove—nothing but timber for master builders.

May 23rd: Ōyuki-nadare-kai Welcome Haiku Gathering.
Kamakura, Kōfūen.

Sweetfish caught in the rocks come into view—ah.

June 1st: He goes to Maebashi.
From Sekiguchi Utei, he hears that this verse had existed before.

Someone comes with their face dyed green.

June 6th: Nagoya Asahi Club gathering.
Hasshōkan.

In the mold, even the breath I draw molders away.

June 11th: Shichisei-kai.
Aoyama Minami-chō 6-chōme, Kasuga.

The fan snaps open with a crack and is briskly waved.

June 12th: Sōju-kai.
Marunouchi Building, Seiyōken.

Through interstices between trees it winds sinuous—the western sun, ah.

June 13th: Yamabiko-kai.
Kioichō Shimizudani, Kaikōen.

A butterfly flusters, fluttering in confusion—a grass-cutting woman.

June 15th: Tamamo Ginkō-kai.
Kawasaki, Meiji Seito.

At the mountain temple, they hung a painted image for the Narihira Memorial.

June 16th: Ginza Sightseeing Gathering.
Ginza 7-chome, Japan Trade Association.

Summer trees stand; relying on them, a reed screen teahouse.

June 17th: Monmekai.
Ueno, Tōkatei.

Stepping quietly on clover and carrying tea.

June 19th: Ōsaki-kai.
Surugadai, Japan Publishing Culture Club.

Today’s Kōtai lies in the mountain tree flowers.

June 20th: Nihyakuhatsuka-kai.
Asano Hakusan Residence.

Morning glory flowers scatter as they trim the hedge.

I shall not let my thoughts be disturbed by a single fire moth.

In the swaying smoke of the mosquito smudge fire—guest and host.

June 26th: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine Office.

Blazing sky—
forehead veins burning with fury.

When put to use,
even an old rattan chair
serves its purpose.

The host sits formally—
exhausted from receiving.

July 9th: Shippō-kai.
Nishisugamo, Kondo Inui Residence.

That we still conduct the Sōgi Memorial to this day feels profoundly fitting.

July 31st: Received a request from Saitō Kōson for a verse commemorating their observance of the Sōgi Memorial at Hakone Sōunji Temple.

Unscathed by lightning's flames—
the dharma lamp burns on.

August 3rd: Mount Hiei, Yokawa Chūdō.
July 30th: Burned down due to lightning fire.
Presented to Abbot Jigai of Shibuya.

Night visit—the shrine office’s light casting sacred straw rings

A painter who loved sunflowers went mad and died

Sunflowers painted across the entire canvas

August 8th: Conducted the Sanetomo Memorial for the first time.

A vigorously clattering sound—how cool

In all things following others—the coolness of age

August 9th: "Tamamo Five-Verse Collection (65th Session)"

A child swims with a split smile—a girl.

A swallow flies astray in the mist.

August 15th: Ku-yōkai.
Hakone Motohakone, Matsuzakaya.

It seemed stormy; still, they continued their morning slumber.
In the mist, they began cleaning the boat.

August 16th: Ku-yōkai. Stayed in Hakone.

Exchanging corn as gifts—
two people—ah!

Aged ears listen intently
to the sound of dew falling.

August 22nd: Haiku gathering at Yanagi’s house on the mountain descent at Lake Yamanaka.
Yoshida and Yamanaka—haiku poets arrived.

The autumn mosquito slows its steps—comes to sting.

The scent of earth—distant grass being cut.

The embraceable darkness in the tree’s fork—autumn wind.

Under the autumn lamp—they gathered their brows.

September 4th: Home Haiku Gathering.
Koishikawa Botanical Garden.

When the insect seller unloaded their cargo—how noisy it was.

Waving away autumn mosquitoes with my hand—there were none.

September 5th: Ku-yōkai.
Kamakura, Kōfūen Garden.

In the garden where bell crickets sing, geta sandals lie arranged.

September 9th: 220th Day Gathering.
Kobiki-chō, Tanaka Residence.

The trail where one slipped on the mossy path—paying respects at the grave.

Morning glory pots placed before the grave.

The Bon temple edged slightly into the town center.

September 10th: Shippōkai.
Koishikawa Hakusan, Shinkōji Temple.

Fifty Years of Haiku Life Gazing at Bush Clover

Amid mountain mist, lighting a flashlight as I go—

Intimate with the lamplight—alone in a mountain hermitage.

September 11th: Sōjūkai.
Marunouchi Building, Seiyōken.

The sadness ever tinged with alcohol’s scent—the night school teacher.

A glance at the night school teacher’s meager flock.

A night school teacher feigning deference—ah.

September 12th: Marunouchi Club Haiku Gathering.

Days yet remained until the moon viewing; a reed awning.

A sudden gust of wind—even this resembled an autumn storm.

September 14th: Sasanare-kai.

Surugadai, Nihon Shuppan Bunka Kurabu.

An autumn fly flew a little and walked.

Before me, black on the tatami—an autumn fly.

September 15th: Ginza Sightseeing Gathering.
Matsuya Ura Taigan, Asahi Club.

A great fan appeared—lingering summer heat.

Visiting the lodging where a girl lay awake—ah, the autumn storm!

September 16th: Monome-kai.
Kōjimachi, Nagatachō: Mashimo Residence.

Taking them in hand, they answer my heart—ah, these rice ears.

September 21st: In response to a request from the Asahi Shimbun, he composed a title for a photograph of a bountiful year.

He visited Shiki’s grave; then attended the moon-viewing haiku gathering.

The person who quietly waits for my grave visit to conclude.

September 26th: Moon-Viewing Gathering.
Ueno Park, Kan’ei-ji Temple.

Kyorai Memorial—they paid respects to his character.

October 9th: Sōjūkai.
Marunouchi Building, Seiyōken.

A slight chill—we should head back while daylight remains.

October 12th: Sasanare-kai.
Surugadai, Nihon Shuppan Bunka Kurabu.

What was given is not new sake—it’s sake lees.

October 16th: Ōsaki-kai.
Surugadai, Nihon Shuppan Bunka Kurabu.

Nut spinning tops have begun spinning one after another.

October 19th: Risshunkai.
Behind the Great Buddha of Kamakura, Fujinami Villa.

The eggplant field—indigo monochrome in the autumn wind.

Autumn leaves turning yellow—bulbil vines hide and appear.

Today as well—already dusk; a withered bashō.

October 23rd: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Zushi City: Hisagi, Iwadono Kannon.

Mixing the arrived persimmons with those from the garden.

October 27th: Endō Tameharu hosted Samidare-kai Separate Gathering.
Azabu Roppongi, Ōwada.

A person covering their mouth with a sleeve passes by—winter deepens.

November 6th: Household Haiku Gathering.
Shiba Park, Hasuike Teahouse.

Rubbing feet, rubbing hands—sleeping through the cold night.

November 7th: Haiku and Chanting Gathering.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

Even placing hands on the tabletop felt cold.

November 9th: Sasanare-kai.
Surugadai, Nihon Shuppan Bunka Kurabu.

This person—to judge as wrong solely by the winter rain.

November 11th: The Bashō 300th Anniversary Memorial Service from Iga-Ueno City.
A celebratory verse was requested.

Stroking the familiar grain of the paulownia brazier

Traversing the stepping stones—ah, this winter day.

November 12th: Shippō-kai.
Hongō Nishikata-chō, Asada Shiika Residence.

A hedge exists—chrysanthemums find a place to lean.

November 13th: Sōjūkai.
Marunouchi Club.

A dove takes flight, tossing up ginkgo leaves.

November 17th: First Session of the Asakusa Tanshōkai.
Asakusa Park, Sanja-sama Shrine Office.

Fallen leaves chased by wind into basement.

November 17th: Ginza Tanshōkai.
Hibiya, Morinaga.

Winter was warm, the sunlight good, the space cramped.

November 18th: Mogae-kai.
Shiba Park, Hasuike Teahouse.

Swiftly, yellow streaks run through clumps of withered silver grass.

A windy night—the light reflects in a puddle.

November 19th: Invitation banquet hosted by Shimoyama Shimoyama.
With Kawai Gyokudō, Nakamura Kichiemon, and others.
Shiba Park, Naniwaya.

Garden stones infused with spirit—ah, the winter rain.

Between heaven and earth—fluttering, the winter rain.

November 22nd: Submitted a haiku to the Hanamino Memorial Service at Chōtaiji Temple.

A grebe dives and surfaces—endless ripples without pause.

November 26th: Marunouchi Club Haiku Gathering.

When lit, the Buddha is no longer cold.

November 30th: 220th Day Gathering.
Behind Matsuya in Ginza, a nunnery.

A woman who speaks of dying even when catching a cold.

A person opens a bag, searching for things amid winter trees.

December 4th: Home Haiku Gathering.
Hibiya Park, Marunouchi Club.

From then on, the winter rains of Nijō were nostalgic.

December 8th December 10th: Furukawa Etsuko’s marriage.
She wed into a household at the foot of Futakami Mountain.

A withered lotus pond lies beneath the dusk’s embrace—

December 10th: Shippō-kai.
Ueno Shinobazu Pond, Getsugetsusō.

The grebe’s neck stretched—or so I thought—before it dove beneath.

December 11th: Sōjūkai.
Marunouchi Club Annex.

A winter tree felled—the dog’s tail droops.

The winter tree shatters—as the hatchet wills.

Cutting the year-end tree—the right hand never releases the hatchet.

December 14th: Sasanare-kai was held.
Surugadai, at the Japan Publishing Culture Club.

On the golden screen flowed the edge of a tatami mat.

One of a pair grown dim—the golden folding screen.

December 15th: Asakusa Tanshōkai.
Yanagibashi, the Tanaka residence.

The warehouse now swallows ship cargo; a snowy evening too.

December 16th: Mogae-kai.
Eitaibashi Riverside, Miyakogawa.

Again, it shall be done with the usual hot pot.

December 24th: Marunouchi Club Haiku Gathering.

By the wellside—temporarily piled winter wood, ah.

December 25th: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Jōmyōji Temple, Takashi-an.

Unaware of being sawn down, the dead tree stands—ah.

December 28th: Tamamo Haiku Gathering.
Koishikawa Botanical Garden.

As dusk deepens, the trunks of dead trees lie piled.

December 31st: New Year's Eve visit.
Asakusa Kannon.

Shōwa 18

Roadside Enmei Jizō—a seventy-year-old spring.

January 7th: Koishikawa, Gokoku-ji Temple.

Everything had been cleared away, leaving only the adonis remaining.

The first dream—only blank space remained.

Winter carp—the power of its sudden splash!

January 8th: Sōjūkai.
Marunouchi Club.

Winter training—the severity of the ailing master!

January 15th: Ōsaki-kai.
Marunouchi Club.

A single image revealed: the capital bird.

The capital bird flew， drawing a single character.

January 20th: Mogae-kai.
Eitaibashi Riverside, Miyakogawa.

The cat now walks through the winter vegetable field.

January 23rd: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Gokurakuji Temple, Tsukikagegawa Valley; Watari Tsukikage Residence.

In the winter sky, the treetop of the great tree had not decayed.

Incense smoke smoldered on a winter day—ah.

January 25th: Tamamo Haiku Gathering.
Great Buddha Precincts, Nanpu Garden.

A very low earthen wall spanned through the midst of winter trees.

January 26th: Nihyakuhatsuka-kai.
Tsukiji 2-chome, Yaosen.

To the plum blossoms in the Great Buddha precincts—a distant nod.

February 21st: A home haiku gathering combined with a seventieth birthday celebration.
Kamakura, Nanpu Garden.

The inn's plum tree had aged alongside its master.

February 22nd: The children gathered for the seventieth birthday.

They walked on, gazing at the plum blossoms at the eaves of each house.

February 28th: Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen Garden.
Seventieth birthday celebration; Nihyakuhatsuka-kai women’s group.

Digging spring orchids to carry—a day on the high peak.

March 5th: Keizan Takekichi hosted a banquet.
Kasumigaseki Saryō.

Waves bearing the sun drift in the nori sea.

March 9th: “Tamamo Five-Verse Collection (73rd Session)”

Spring water flows as if a loom’s shuttle has been cast forth.

March 21st: Osaka Nishi Ward, Edobori; stayed at Hamada's lodging.
With Tateko and Hamako.
Attended the Deer Flute poetry session and went to Katsuragi, Kyoto.

At Hasedera Temple, the Dharma drum resounds—spring equinox.

Hana no Temple's branch temple: Ichinen Sanzen Temple.

In your heart—should I call it spring's dust?

March 22nd: With Awa no Seiho, Fujioka Gyokkotsu, and others, conducted a poetry composition outing at Hasedera Temple.

A Handbaku collection gathered—spring grass.

March 23rd: Kansai Kasōkai.
Takarazuka Hotel.

Splendidly mingling with people from my hometown

To my hometown I came to pick siler.

Walking along the sandy beach like this—picking siler as I go.

March 29th: In Matsuyama.
He proceeded to Nishinoshita in Kazahaya.
He was welcomed by Toyota, Ino, and others and invited to a banquet at Ino’s residence.

Layering hues of pale red plum upon red plum.

April 2nd: Home Haiku Gathering.
Hibiya Park.

Though where one looks no flowers are seen, a fine residence.

April 9th: Sōjū-kai.
Marunouchi Club.

Commit to memory the flowers in full bloom here today.

Uniformly bend the willows along the shore, blown by the wind.

April 10th: Hototogisu contributors held a celebration for Kyoshi's seventieth birthday.
Shinobazu Benten Ikegien.
Ikenohata, Ugetsusō.

Burning the lawn, the old residence retains its aspect.

April 11th: Suichikukyo Memorial Haiku Gathering.
Fukazawa, Akaboshi Residence.

Stood where the daphne's fragrance lingers on stone steps.

April 12th: Sasana-kai.
Ochanomizu, Japan Publishing Culture Club.

As the Noh chanting progressed—evening cherry blossoms.

As dusk deepened, no light was turned toward the house cherry tree.

April 12th: Mochizuki Ryu and Hayashi Shūhei hosted a banquet.
Kobikichō, Nadaman.

Straw hangs down—today, two strands of a sparrow’s nest.

April 16th: Ōsaki-kai.
Ochanomizu, Japan Publishing Culture Club.

Excessive morning sleep—and yet how it rains!

A butterfly dances into view—the rain clears.

April 19th: Yokohama Christian Youth Association Haiku Gathering.

When he took off his coat, no one came running to take it.

April 20th: Asakusa Sightseeing Gathering.
Senju Vegetable Market, Tamenari Shōbuen Residence.

Taking it in hand, opening to look—no fallen flowers.

April 21st: Mogakai.
Ueno Park, Tōkatei.

The beloved kitten’s bell rings continuously.

A kitten struggling to get over the slippers, ah

April 22nd: Marunouchi Club Haiku Gathering.

Having come to my son’s rural home, I lament spring’s passing.

Passing by then looking back—flowers lie scattered.

April 24th: Kyūyō-kai and Chōfu Haiku Gathering.
Musashi-Chōfu, Tomojirō’s residence.

The tail undulates like a snake—the spring cat.

April 25th: Tōsen-kai.
Koishikawa Botanical Garden Palace.

Haze—it refers to today’s moon over Sumida.

Resting hands on the armrest, I lamented the passing of spring.

April 26th: Manchuria Haiku Gathering.
Yanagibashi, Fukagawatei.

Wisteria clusters hanging down—a dim birthing hut, ah.

You and I are not without our shared longing for spring’s passing.

In pairs, in pairs they go—spring dust.

May 2nd: Members of the Araumi Society from Kanazawa arrived in Tokyo in large numbers.
Ueno Inshōtei.
Ikenohata, Ugetsu-sō.

They came to see Kyoto’s festival of the book-impoverished.

May 9th: Tsurubami-kai.
Kamogawa, Minoyuki.

The mild heat—how welcome the shaded roofed boat.

The sound of wisteria vines brushing against the boat's roof.

May 10th: Kansai Dōjinkai and Bunhō-kai members.
Arashiyama, Hana no Ie.

First lowering chopsticks to the sand lance—longing for Mother.

May 12th: Kishū Wakaura, Bōkairō.
Spring Mud Reception.

Could my heart not become like an unlined summer kimono?

May 21st: Mourning Wakayanagi Toshisaburō, who had committed suicide.

A message saying they would simply send new tea—ah.

As a sign of being alive, they sent new tea, it was said.

June 17th: “Tamamo Five Haiku Collection (Seventy-sixth Session)”

A matter that was like neighboring ripe plums.

July 2nd: Ito Itei came and requested a theme verse for the *Crimson and Green Haiku Collection*.

Looking back on seventy years—a summer grove

The grass cutter’s face is buried in leggings.

July 10th: Haiku and Noh Chanting Gathering.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

When did they become one no longer of this world? The rainy season’s chill.

July 21st: On this day came word that Ōnishi Ichigai had passed away on May 25th.

Taking up the fan lying there, he settled into ease.

A tale of whether one sweats or not.

A daytime mosquito came quietly—ah, this refined gathering.

The wind blew upward—there lay the corridor exposed! Ah, the summer noren!

July 25th: Shiba Park, Naniwaya; invitation banquet hosted by Shimoyama Sōzan.

First Day of Autumn—how nostalgic the clouds' movement.

August 8th: Dedicated haiku at the Sanetomo Festival of Kamakura Hachimangū Shrine.

Contemplate eternity and gaze upon the galaxy.

August 9th: Itō Hakusui visited and reported that Kodanaka Kujio and Suganami Kōhei were both in critical condition.
Kyoshi composed a haiku and entrusted it to Hakusui.

The guests at the hot spring were all watching the evening shower.

People running—sudden rain upon returning from viewing the waterfall.

Two or three houses in the mountain's shadow; there, a waterfall exists.

August 12th: Haiku and Noh Chanting Gathering.
Hakone Yumoto, Seikōen.

On the bicycle: flowers, incense, and grave visit items.

A great mosquito comes out and bites at Sōunji Temple.

Several cicadas in the great trees—Sōunji Temple.

August 13th: Hakone, Sōunji Temple.

The sun rises, and all the dewdrops on the leaf tips quiver.

From between the clouds, the tail of lightning does not appear.

From August 15th to 18th: Lake Yamanaka’s lakeside.
New Soba Haiku Gathering.

Autumn wind—
parting without a glance back.

From August 15th to 18th: Lakeside of Lake Yamanaka.
Visited Fujisaki Jakuō’s Kakuta.

Braving autumn rain—people come to the mountain hermitage

Bush clover and plume grass mostly closed—the mountain hermitage

In bush clover thicket—umbrellas drying at the mountain hermitage

From August 15th to 18th: Lakeside of Lake Yamanaka.
Mountain hermitage.

The mountain autumn since compiling the anthology

August 29th: Seven or eight Yoshida haiku poets came.

Rowdiness— / the one breaking hibiscus / is a young girl.

Hibiscus flowers being plucked away— / ah, the pity of blossoms.

September 3rd: Home Haiku Gathering.
Hibiya Park, Marunouchi Club Annex.

Fearing the waterfall's might, they did not linger long.

September 7th: "Tamamo Gokushū (Seventy-Seventh Session)"

The moon was fierce—the seventh Danzō

On September 10th, there was a stone statue of the seventh Danjūrō at Narita’s Gakudō Hall, but its nose had remained broken for a long time (though it has now been restored).
The seventh Danzō lamented this and, together with the statue of the sixth Danzō, erected a separate bronze statue.
The eighth Danzō, who had recently assumed the name, decided to erect a haiku monument on the remaining pedestal of the bronze statue that was later removed, for the memorial service of the seventh Danzō.

Last night’s moon was splendid—today’s lingering heat.
September 13th: Sasanaki-kai (Bamboo Sound Gathering).
Surugadai, Japan Publishing Culture Club.
Those awaiting the moon strolled leisurely.

September 15th: Moon-Viewing Haiku Gathering.
Kamakura Yamanouchi, Tōkei-ji Temple.

He readjusts his seated posture—the insects’ abode.

September 16th: Monome-kai.
Shiba Kotohira-chō, Shōin-sha.

Mistakes as mistakes—refreshingly.

When refreshed, even the ears grow clear.

Twist the tap—water bursts forth refreshingly.

All people refreshingly resolute.

September 17th: Ōsaki-kai.
Surugadai, Japan Publishing Culture Club.

The interplay—now pale, now dense—moon and clouds.

September 18th: On the 17th at 7:12 PM, Nagata Seiran passed away.

A subdued autumn fan that forever has its use.

September 20th: Ginza Tanshō-kai.
Nagatachō, Mashimo’s residence.

Evening shower comes—people rushing right and left in Nakamachi

There, indeed, was Yamaguchi Tomoe’s Autumn Curtain.

September 21st: Asakusa Tanshō-kai (Sightseeing Gathering).
Yoshiwara Hikite-jaya Yamaguchi Tomoe.

When did it cling to the wall—broom grass

Unharvested loofahs hanging down—the study.

White bush clover especially prone to becoming soiled,

September 23rd: Marunouchi Club Haiku Gathering.

The area behind the cockscombs was thoroughly swept.

September 25th: “Tamamo Gokushū (Seventy-Ninth Session)”

Refreshingly, without a care.

Refreshingly, they all raised their faces straight.

September 26th: Shikarō Celebration.
Hakusan hosted banquet.
Ueno·Ikaho.

Invited to the opened folding screen at Ohan居.

September 27th: Ohan居.

The osmanthus fragrance keeps autumn mosquitoes at bay.

October 2nd: Haiku and Noh Recitation Gathering.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

I will go to see the crowds at the Kitayama festival.

October 6th: Sōju-kai (Grass and Tree Gathering).
Marunouchi Club Annex.

An autumn clear sky—I thought it had clouded over slightly.

The sky is high; I too go where the clouds drift.

October 13th: Hibiya Park, Matsumoto-ro.

White clouds like rice cakes—autumn sky.
That cloud will return—autumn’s clear sky.

October 14th: Shippō-kai.
Koishikawa Kōrakuen, Kantokutei.

Camellia leaves sway most vigorously; small birds are there.

To light the autumn lamp, I stretched out my hand.

October 18th: Ginza Tanshō-kai.
Shōwa Avenue, Yaesu-en.

Wearing a mask, he is already here; the willows scatter.

October 19th: Asakusa Tanshō-kai (Sightseeing Gathering).
Park Teahouse, Miyatogawa.

Migratory birds along the embankment’s thicket, moving tree to tree.

October 20th: “Tamamo Gokushū (Eightieth Session)”

Inside the gate hung rice stalks; a photograph was taken.

They looked at the haiku monument, then turned left along the path by the ditch soba.

Under an autumn clear sky—this was Kihoku’s place of reclining.

October 21st: Visited Kawashima Kihoku’s illness in Suka Village, Saitama Prefecture, and attended the “Sakurasō” Companion Haiku Gathering at Fudōoka and Maigo-i.

A speck of dust spotted in the sky—autumn’s clear weather.

Withered fields in late autumn—puddles here and there.

How carefree—resting a while on withered autumn grass.

October 22nd: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Sasamegaya, Hoshino Residence.

A dog drank from withered lotus water, trembling as it did.

Rice racks stretched far into the distance, hidden in forest shadow.

October 24th: Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine Office.

At the teahouse, fallen leaves lay on the roof of the teahouse below.

October 25th: Tamamo Haiku Gathering.
Ōji Myōshu’s Waterfall.

Bean chrysanthemums crawl out from beneath the foundation stone.

The water of the collapsed weir rages futilely.

October 28th: Marunouchi Club Haiku Gathering.

Autumn clarity—layering both hands, I hold them aloft.

November 2nd: Ginza Sightseeing Gathering.
Jitsugyō Building sixth floor.

The first winter rain—in that moment, no worldly dust remained.

November 7th: Kuyō-kai (Haiku Chanting Gathering).
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

Cold creeps up along both legs.

November 9th: 220th Day Gathering.
Kobiki-chō, Tanaka Residence.

While gazing at the withered garden, he closed the sliding door.

November 10th: Sokuji.

An excursion line winds its way past a great withered tree.

November 11th: Shippō-kai.
Ueno Kazan-tei.

The school gathered amicably for the Tōsei Memorial.
If there are dried radish slices, offer them for the old master’s memorial.
Autumn-tinted, this large tree’s masculine dignity.

November 12th: To mark the performance of *Saga Diary* by Nakamura Kichiemon’s troupe, a memorial service for the 250th anniversary of Bashō’s passing was held at Kiyomizu-dera Guest Hall in Ueno.
Hosted by Kichiemon.

Spring water visits the downstream daughter’s house.

November 15th: Echizen Mikuni, Aiko-i.

The waterfall wind did not draw near the fallen leaves of the trees.

As one ascended the cloister, the winter drizzle grew colder.

"If trees don't crimson, the Dharma won't cease—"

Autumn leaves were still seen at Shōyōden.

November 16th: Echizen Eihei-ji.

Following along the river as they went; as the grasses withered away.

November 17th: Strolled through Kanazawa City.

In the northern lands, the steam train crowds amidst drizzling rain.

Entered the hot spring and was warm for a while; the maple leaves grew cold.

How strange—when you dance, I weep.

November 18th: In the mountains, stayed overnight at Yoshino-ya.
Aiko’s mother sang and danced to console me, and Aiko also danced.

The heart that wintered at Mumei-an—

The cold of the lake has come to know—the old master’s memorial.

November 21st: Bashō Memorial Service at Mumei-an, Yoshinaka-ji Temple in Ōtsu.
Zeze Elementary School Haiku Gathering.
He cherished the disordered chrysanthemums in the rear garden.

November 22nd: Kyoto, Shishigatani.
Müller Hatsuko Residence.

Coming here, I encountered thoughts—the old master’s memorial.

At Kasagi Road, I traced memories—the Tōsei Memorial.

Building a fire—I too grasped a handful of autumn leaves.

Drying rice stalks—the Iga basin held in a single gaze.

November 23rd: Iga Ueno, Tomotada Inn.
Bashō Memorial at Aizen-in Temple.
Kikuyama Kuenkyo.

For four or five days, I will enter winter seclusion upon returning from my journey.

Winter seclusion—on that very day, already news of a death.

November 24th: Returned home.

Chrysanthemums in disarray, inside and outside the lattice fence—ah.

November 26th: The Kamakura Haiku Gathering was held.
Gokurakuji Temple.

Not gazing at winter skies—viewing sentient beings through the Great Buddha.

Ah, how they lament together the withered pine’s form.

Having seen you off, I wander hidden among autumn leaves.

November 28th: Sōha farewell.
Kiyō hosted a banquet.
Kamakura Daibutsu, Minamiura Garden.

Passing by while talking, they returned to the Plum Gate.

November 29th: Tamamo Haiku Gathering.
Ichikawa, Sagawa Amehito.

At the very center lies this thought—a winter’s calm.

December 3rd: Home Haiku Gathering.
Hibiya Park, Marunouchi Club.

In the wind blowing fallen leaves, I pause my broom to watch.

December 4th: Haiku and Noh Chanting Gathering.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

In withered grass，a dog droops its tail and sniffs at something.

A person had returned carrying vegetables when the child scolded.

December 5th: Asano Hakusan’s 60th Birthday Celebration.
Uguisudani, Shiohara.

Sparsely lingering, the remaining chrysanthemums—how dear they are.

December 9th: Shippōkai.
Kyoshi’s 70th Birthday Celebration.

He closed the shoji screens and named it Self-Reliance Hermitage.

December 10th: *Sōjūkai*.
Marunouchi Club Annex.

Caught a cold—evening came again.

December 11th: Occasional Piece.

Narrowing my eyes to look at people while basking in the sun—ah.

December 12th: Yokohama YMCA Haiku Gathering.

In the quiet sound of grinding charcoal, there it was.

December 14th: 220th Day Gathering.
Seizaburō hosted a banquet.
Tsukiji, Aitei.

Wondering if the weather had somewhat settled—a winter’s calm.

December 15th: Butōkai.
Ueno Park, Tōkatei.

Without turning around or replying—eating oden.

The drying sieve shifts—thirty-three years old.

December 17th: Ōsaki-kai.
Nihonbashi Ward 3-chome, Kojima’s residence.

Absentmindedly gazing at something—year’s end.

December 20th: Ginza Sightseeing Gathering.
Tsukiji Kawagishi, Asahi Club.

All the withered trees stood there pitying one another.

December 22nd: Flower and Bird Gathering.
Tsukiji, Tanaka residence.

Sweet potatoes burning—the straw fire’s beauty.

Upon withered chrysanthemums—does nothing linger?

Sitting up—trying to rise again—the chrysanthemums wither.

December 24th: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Katase, Sengoku Takako’s residence.

On the river’s surface, my heart plays—a plover.

December 27th: Tamamo Haiku Gathering.
Eitai Bridge Riverside, Miyakogawa River.

Shōwa 19

Stands alone—not opening the shoji—takes medicine.

January 18th: Central Haiku Gathering.
Shimoyama hosted a banquet.
Kudanue, Uokyu.

I sat on a stone awhile and grew cold—

All things withered, the villa stands closed.

January 23rd: Yūzuki-kai.
Kamakura, Nanpu-en.

The first winter rain - I had etched it in my heart.

Within the jar, water rice cakes jostled densely.

January 29th: “Tamamo Five-Haiku Collection (81st Meeting).”
Inaugural 220th Day Gathering.
Kyōbashi-Kōbikichō, Tanaka residence.

Passing outside the shoji—only that in the winter room.

Taking pity on the winter chrysanthemums, he pruned them.

January 30th: “Tamamo Five-Haiku Collection (82nd Meeting) (83rd Meeting)”

The warehouse door had swung open—a winter sparrow.

February 5th: Kuyōkai Gathering.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

Two spring cats—whiter than clouds.

February 7th: Hakusan Invitation Banquet.
Uguisudani, Ikaho.

He spent time during a plum-blossom viewing excursion at the pottery kiln.

February 10th: Shippō-kai.
Kōjimachi Nagatachō, Mashimo’s residence.

A spring-tinged day—she arrives with a child in tow.

I must not tread on the snow remaining so beautifully.

February 20th: Sagamihara Poetic Excursion.

Grabbing the collar of my Western-style coat—spring’s chill.

March 3rd: Home Haiku Gathering.
Hibiya Park, Marunouchi Club Annex.

The white sake flows linked like cords.

Today again—the cold of spring—I suppose.

March 4th: Ku Recitation Gathering.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

Spring thunder—rushing into the fifth daughter's house with the second daughter.

March 9th: Shippō-kai.
Shiba Park, Konchi-in Temple grounds—Saitō Kōson resides.

Moving a clod of earth—a sprout emerged.

March 13th: Sasanare-kai.
Ochanomizu, Nihon Shuppan Bunka Kurabu.

Budding trees, each differing in their cadence.

March 15th: Monome-kai.
Ueno Park, Tōkatei.

My daughter’s room as a makeshift study—winter daphne.

A gentle breeze—winter daphne’s fragrance in the dwelling.

March 17th: Ōsaki-kai.
Fujimichō, Sakurama-tei.

The time has come for the sacred unveiling—Namu Amida Butsu.

March 20th: Ginza Tanshō-kai.
Matsuya-ura; nunnery.

Like tethering a steed—a bicycle beneath plum blossoms.

Without relation—plum and camellia, each alone.

March 24th: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Takashi-an.

Birdeye speedwell—like stars twinkling.

March 27th: Tamamo Haiku Gathering.
Kamakura Sasamegaya, Hoshino's residence.

I wish to spend a moment with the garden’s cherry blossoms.

April 2nd: Ahuhi Memorial.
Aoyama, Zenkō-ji.

A fallen camellia in the middle of the road—dashing out.

April 8th: Ku Recitation Gathering.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

To visiting worshippers—a sudden shower of blossoms.

April 23rd: Kamakura Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine Office.

Spring breeze—on the veranda of the detached room, a small zabuton cushion.

April 24th: Tamamo Haiku Gathering.
Kamakura Ōmachi, Takagi residence.

Guests on the upper floor; flowers as host.
Guests at the mountain villa; flowers in all directions.
Let flowers voice hospitality’s heart.
Kerria—a guest with the father-in-law’s heart.

April 25th: Invited to Kamakura Mountain, Iwata Ryokusansō.

A woman raising her hand to run—mountain cherry blossoms.

April 27th: Occasional Verse.

The blue sea's hue still lingers—dried sardines.

The spring rain grows dimmer and dimmer, reaching its limit.

Budding-tree rain—hearing you've fallen ill again, take nourishment.

April 28th: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Tōkei-ji precincts, Kinoshita Shunju.

Rivers and mountains cleared completely—ah, the banners!

May 5th: Home Haiku Gathering.
Sannō Shrine precincts, in front of the torii gate; Koizumi-tei.

Cocoon market prices were rising unexpectedly, they said.

The cocoon market boom did not take a step into this village.

Good silkworms yield proper cocoons.

May 6th: Ku Recitation Gathering.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

Yesterday and today there were guests; today they pruned the peonies.

May 9th: 220th Day Gathering.
Kamakura thatched hut.

From where comes the mosquito that stings most at grave visits?

May 19th: Sent to Hatano Shinpei, who had been entrusted with cleaning the graves of the Ikenouchi and Takahama families in their hometown.

Root-cut insects—they’ve done something new.

June 2nd: Home Haiku Gathering.
Ueno, Inshōtei.

A lightly warm shade—pleasant, and the sunny spot too.

June 3rd: Ku Recitation Gathering.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

To the person standing on the road watching—they take rice seedlings.

Two straw hats nodding to each other—they take rice seedlings.

June 5th: Yokohama YMCA.
Kamakura Sasame, Hoshino residence.

In green shade—the host raises a hand chasing the heron.

Amidst a vista of green sits the host—

June 6th: Shiba Shirogane, Hannyaen.

Be that as it may, if one remained settled, it wasn’t hot.

June 8th: Shippō-kai.
Komagome, Rikugien Garden.

Holding a winnowing basket, the woman comes out—iris flowers.

June 9th: 220th Day Gathering.
Kamakura, Gokuraku-ji.

I strike—it flips over and dies, ah, pitiful fly.

June 11th: Evening Moon Gathering.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

Looking up at a summer butterfly—she stands in the garden.

June 13th: 220th Day Gathering.
Hōshi Shōen: Sagano.

He worked on the firefly manuscript, hurrying all the while.

A firefly falls onto the obi and crawls up.

June 20th: Natsukusa-kai (Summer Grass Gathering).
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

The remains of a certain someone’s cloister—and there, Japanese irises.

Stepping over the ditch, even leaping across—plums drop.

Time passes, yet still the sound of plums dropping is heard.

June 21st: Mogaku-kai.
Kamakura Yamanouchi, Tōkei-ji Temple.

Fireflies crawled, scrambling the text of books.

June 22nd: Marunouchi Haiku Gathering.
Marunouchi Club Annex.

The dried laundry—a dark blue unlined garment thoroughly dried.

A spider, embracing an insect, stretches out its four legs.

June 23rd: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Gokuraku-ji, Wataru Tsukikage Residence.

In aged eyes blurred with tears—striking a fly.

June 27th: 220th Day Gathering: Special Session.
Kiyō hosted a banquet.
Kamakura, Kikōryō.

In the blazing sun, a person steps out and blinks.

At each gathering flowers pruned—today hydrangeas cut.

A beautiful spider dwells—the rose was cut.

A darkened stain beautifies the cock's comb.

July 3rd: Tsukushi-kai.
Kamakura thatched hut.

After trees were cut—the summer mountain’s disarray.

He took four or five steps; the summer mountain’s scenery transformed.
He stroked a stone and cut the lily beside it.

July 9th: 220th Day Gathering.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

Though slightly delayed, the welcome rain had arrived.

July 20th: Impromptu Composition.

Chili peppers, preferred for their pungent nature.

July 25th: "Tamamo Five Haiku Collection"

They applied ventilation using the wind from fans.

July 29th: 220th Day Gathering.
A banquet hosted throughout the day.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

The midday sun confronts the writing that deems this the moment.

August 3rd: Haiku and Chanting Gathering.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

From now on, the bush clover hermitage will likely remain vacant.

August 4th: Yamanaka Lakeside, descending the mountain, mountain hermitage.

The Milky Way drapes over my back as I sit by the window.

August 21st: "Tamamo Five Haiku Collection"

These days are almost those days of bush clover and moon.

September 10th: Moved to Shinshū Komoro on September 4th.
*The Narrow Road to the Deep North*
Dedicated to Sakuraima Kintarō, who had reported on the Second Performance.

The calf’s large face and the wildflowers.

September 13th: Visited Kōzu Uson in Shiga Village.

The radio came in clear; Kitasaku’s autumn clarity.

September 17th: Impromptu Composition.

Going out at noon—the mosquitoes have turned autumnal.

September 22nd: Tsukushi-kai.
Kamakura thatched hut.

Looking out—not a single one absent from the moon’s fence of friends.

September 30th: Kangetsu-kukai.
Kamakura, Kamegayatsu, Eishō-ji Temple.

Even children bear heavy loads in the autumn rain.
The beans on the fence—their redness has raced through; now let us pick them!
After rice cutting—the scarecrow remains, the pole’s sharp tip.

October 5th: Komoro Haiku Poets’ Small Gathering.

Apple orchard; Takagi Haruko was present.
At the station—myself on a nursing journey through autumn night's chill.

October 8th: Tsukushi-kai members came in full force.
Komoro Mountain Hermitage.
He led everyone, departing Komoro Town under a clear autumn sky.

October 9th: Strolled through the suburbs with Tsukushi-kai members.

At the guide’s inn—lingered long while mushroom hunting.

October 11th: Was invited by Koyama Eiichi to gather matsutake and reached Takeishi.

Henceforth along San'indō, the moon grows dim.

October 19th: On the 17th，Yamamoto Muraike passed away; having lost Hakun before，now again Muraike had perished.

A rainbow appears，and suddenly it is as though you are here.

The rainbow vanishes，and suddenly it is as though you are gone.

October 20th: A rainbow appeared.
“Were a rainbow bridge to form，I would cross it and go to Kamakura”—dedicated to Aiko of Mikuni，who had once said this.

The grave trees of Mr. Yora arched and turned crimson.

October 24th: Impromptu Composition.

The half-cut reeds remain just as they are.

October 27th: Kamakura Haiku Gathering.
Kamakura Hachimangū Shrine Office.

Autumn clarity—the mailbox and the pole’s tip.

October 31st: Ku-yōkai.
Kamakura Yōzan, Kōfūen.

Each one muttered “Komoro is cold,” and...

November 5th: Tsukushi-kai.
Komoro Mountain Hermitage.

Wandering clouds—Asama must be snow.

The fallen leaves that danced in the garden—no hour to name.

Drying buckwheat—unaware that the shower comes.

The time when I memorized the names of mountains was when the snow came.

November 6th: Tsukushi-kai.
Komoro Mountain Hermitage.

As the winter rain falls, the daughter shields her hand; the father gazes upward.

November 9th: Shichihō-kai.
Komoro Mountain Hermitage.

Winter has come to the mountain country; they drink milk.

The night's rice-threshing machine clatters and clatters.

A solid mass of winter morning sun at the mountain cottage—ah.

November 10th: Shichihō-kai.
Komoro Mountain Hermitage.

On the winter mountain path, there was suddenly a warm spot.

I visit the cold; the will to gather arises.

November 12th: Shinshū Haiku Convention.
Komoro, Koyama Eiichi’s residence.

Scattered by the winter wind—Asama’s smoke.

December 7th: Sōjū; the spring haze arrived.

In that shade—faintly warm—the withered embankment.

In the heavy frost—I awaited today’s visitor with all my heart.

December 11th: Nagano Hototogisu members arrived.

They circled the area and found it simply cold.

December 27th: A lost child arrived at the Iris Garden.

1945

Bitterly frozen—yet in the sky, the winter day’s severity.

January 4th: Requested by the Mainichi Shimbun for calendar haiku.

On that path, what is black would be snow's companion.

The form of a low-eaved house with mats hung under snow.

On the mountain path, snow is piled—a small house, ah.

January 7th: Tsukushi-kai.
Komoro Mountain Hermitage.

Treading on snow, the dried leaves remain unseen.

January 8th: Nagano Hototogisu members arrived.

Komoro Mountain Hermitage.

The firewood flames flutter like a great banner.

January 11th: Kyūyō-kai.
Kamakura, Hoshino Residence.

Withered chrysanthemums—one more guardian of the empty house.

In withered chrysanthemums, there still exists something called color.

The kotatsu of Komoro was not without its merits.

January 14th: Kuyō-kai.
Kamakura Thatched Hermitage.

A borrowed hood that endured the cold of an entire winter.

January 27th: In Komoro.
Impromptu.

An old dog sniffs me and departs amidst withered trees.

January 29th: Komoro, Kaikoen.

To gather field parsley for the chickens—here I came.

February 1st: In Komoro.
Impromptu.

Through deep snow, my heart light, I simply walk.

On the snowy path, wearied—time to stop the cane.

February 6th: In Komoro.
Impromptu.

Reading books—one act of idleness—the placed kotatsu.

February 10th: Impromptu.

Whether the blowing wind is cold or slow to warm

February 11th: Was requested by the Mainichi Shimbun for calendar haiku.

Even if the oars are heavy as the spring tide

February 15th: Toshio’s eldest daughter Nakako expressed the desire to enroll in Kōken Women’s Vocational School.
She took the exam.

The four-sided doors rattled with the snow-thawing wind.

March 6th: Nagano Hototogisukai.
Komoro Mountain Hermitage.

The windy spring of Komoro dwells in unease.

At Tateshina，spring clouds now stir.

March 11th: In Komoro.
Impromptu.

Magnificent fresh shiitake mushrooms accompanied by char

March 16th: In Komoro.
Impromptu.

With eyes growing dim, I dwell among the plum trees of my hometown.

April 13th: In Komoro.
He presented to Iwaki Tsutsuji.

Red plum blossoms—the traveler grows dear to me.

April 14th: In Komoro.
He strolled in Kaikoen.

Snowmelt water split into two streams through the dividing forest.

April 15th: Kutsukake Senkadaki.

Having been invited, he became a guest at the festival.

April 16th: Nakakomi, Ichikawa Tomio’s residence.

Breaking off a magnolia branch and shouldering it—a mountain dweller arrives.

April 18th: In Komoro.
Impromptu.

The rice fields I cultivate—here and there—the spring wind.

April 18th: Shionada. He visited Usuda Enosuke.

Leaning against the castle wall—how tired I am from cherry blossom viewing.

April 25th: Maebashi. Stayed overnight at Toyota Sōsaku’s residence.

Spring thunder—the Noro no Ie house where an umbrella was borrowed.

April 27th: He was invited to the festival at Du Zimei’s residence in Murakami Murakamidaira.

Hoisting a plowing hoe, I came to visit.

May 8th: Kiyō and Fuyō came.
Komoro Mountain Hermitage.

Do they not consider the mountain country's butterflies destructive?

Traces of silverfish under the eaves—the shape of "hi," the curve of "shi."

May 14th: Toshio and Hiko came.
Komoro Mountain Hermitage.

Fleeing war flames—the mountain moon hermitage.

May 27th: Visited the Sakurazuma and Nogami families in Kita-Karuizawa.

The wheat grows poorly—the Hototogisu cries out.

Summer grass stretches and coils—a cow's tongue.

June 3rd: Tōka-kai.
Komoro Mountain Hermitage.

We came to Nishikanbara to see the rice planting.

June 12th: At the Sasagawa Residence in Mikata Village, Niigata Prefecture—the Great Avalanche Gathering.

To the bat—a sorrowful mother’s lullaby.

July 1st: Tōka-kai.
Komoro Mountain Hermitage.

The shapes of trees transformed in darkness—firefly hunting.
Mountains and thickets press close as fireflies are hunted—
Borrowing a lantern to return—firefly hunting—
A lantern held out illuminates the firefly marsh—

July 16th: In Komoro, firefly hunting at the marsh.
Tateko, Maiko, and Kotsuta together.

A single thunderclap from Mount Asama announces the obituary.

August 4th: In Komoro.
The obituary of Yano Mayo arrived.

Autumn cicadas cry, and bagworms cry—that is all.

Those called enemies are now gone—the autumn moon.

Contemplating dawn—I see the autumn reed screen at the eaves.

August 22nd: In Komoro.
The imperial edict was reverently received.
He complied with the request of the Asahi Shimbun.

Sarashina—the moon over Mount Obasute, this is it.

Early this morning—the sound of firewood being split at the moonlit inn.

September 22nd: Obasute excursion.

Dwelling here once more during the season of cold autumn winds.

Due to the cold, this autumn wind is all the more agreeable.

October 7th: In Komoro.
Tōka-kai.
The Tōka-kai merged with the local people's gathering.

Koyama Gorō was present.

A child says, "The day ends"—autumn dusk.

Here dwells my child who visited—Thirteenth Night.

October 19th: Chōfu.
Tomojirō was present.

Deep autumn—such a season exists, people say, and indeed it does.

October 21st: Kamakura thatched hut—small haiku gathering.

Drying daikon, drying sweet potatoes—right into the shade.

October 27th: Komoro Mountain Hermitage.

The Nagano Hototogisu members came.

The mist among the trees softly stretches and shrinks—ah.

Upside-down on the barrel stand—winter greens placed.

November 3rd: Tsuchibuto-kai.
Komoro Mountain Hermitage.

Five or six daikon roots clutched like an eagle’s talons.

November 4th: Tsuchibuto-kai.

The boatman looks up at the passing shower and lets it go by.

Circling the decayed ship—vegetable scraps hard to leave.

November 5th: Echizen Mikuni. Aiko was present.

Carrying an elder's cane to fulfill grave visitation.

November 8th: Tanba Takada, Nishiyama Kenzo’s residence.

At Kiku no Yakata, the fifth son each time bowed his hands.

November 10th: Tajima Toyooka, Kyōgoku Kiyo’s residence.

Autumn clarity—or perhaps stroking the ancestral grave.

Autumn grass having turned—reflecting on one’s natural visage.

November 11th: Tajima Wadayama, Asaka Sogao’s residence.

Evening maple leaves losing their color—he watched them.

November 15th: Nagoya Hakkōkan, Naya Bridge Haiku Gathering.

A listener in the kotatsu conversation—one such person.

November 25th: Togura Onsen.
Nagano Hototogisu Group.

The person who visited me at the mountain hermitage—which must have been cold—
though I meant to entertain them by bringing out the kotatsu...
November 27th: Sōjū, Kiyo, Shundai, and Fuyō gathered at Komoro Mountain Hermitage.
The visitor in my garden gazed up at the passing showers.

With several companions, they walked along the slope where leaves scattered and flew.

November 29th: In Komoro.
The Mikawa/Tanao Hototogisu members came.

Winter seclusion—by my desk, a thousand sheets stacked, ah.

Winter seclusion—pouring my heart into writing letters.

December 2nd: Tōka-kai (Peach Blossom Gathering).
Komoro Mountain Hermitage.

The winter day’s lingering strength—chrysanthemums endure.

This area—a silkworm village? The mulberry trees wither.

Crossing over the mountains and coming—the pass was snow.

December 5th: Matsumoto Asama Onsen, Takano Yu—Matsumoto Haiku Gathering.

Even at the kotatsu, I shall not idly pass the time.

Warming phrases like jewels at the kotatsu—ah.

December 6th: Matsumoto Asama Onsen, Takano Yu—Matsumoto Haiku Gathering.

With winter sun on one cheek, I head to the hills behind.

The tip of the withered vine is in the left eye,

December 20th: Tamamo Haiku Gathering.
Kamakura Hase, Moroto Residence.

Inquiring into the color of withered chrysanthemums—a horsefly arrives.

The winter day has suddenly fled somewhere—ah.

December 21st: Tsukushi-kai.
Kamakura thatched hut.

Sweeping up the scattered camellia blossoms.

December 22nd: Kuyō-kai and Kamakura Haiku Gathering merged.

On the withered chrysanthemums, the edge of a straw mat has come to rest.

Though called a winter-withered garden—the old pine.

December 23rd: Saitama Prefecture, Fudōoka; Okayasu Maigo Residence—Shishi-kai.

Searching obsessively for lost things—the day grows short.

Thoughts I send off in letters—winter seclusion

December 27th：He began a practice session with Tatsuko，Yasushi，Maigo，Kōho，and Hanamori.
Komoro Mountain Hermitage.