#Japan #Matsuyama #Arakawa Ward #Haiku Post

Celebrating a Cultural Milestone: The 10th Anniversary of the Haiku Post in Arakawa Ward

Recently, the Arakawa Ward celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Haiku Post, an installation that symbolizes the cultural exchange and connection between Arakawa and Matsuyama City, the birthplace of renowned literary figures such as Masaoka Shiki and Natsume Soseki. This event took place at the iconic Hanabidango Honpo, a shop renowned for its unique dango that has appeared in various literary works from these famed authors.

The Haiku Post was established in 2015 after receiving support from Matsuyama City, fostering further collaboration between the two areas through the art of haiku. Over the last decade, the Haiku Post has welcomed numerous submissions from enthusiasts and poets alike, encouraging an active engagement with this traditional form of poetry.

To mark this significant milestone, the opening ceremony was officiated by Yuichiro Tabuchi, Deputy Mayor of Matsuyama. He was welcomed warmly by Takiguchi, the head of the Arakawa Ward, and other dignitaries. An informative exchange between the two leaders took place at the ward office, discussing initiatives to promote haiku culture in Arakawa and the various haiku-related projects in Matsuyama City.

Following the discussions, the festivities moved to the Hanabidango Honpo, the center stage for the commemorative event. Here, stakeholders such as Shuuichi Sawano, the President of Hanabidango Co., and the Deputy Mayor of Matsuyama, had the opportunity to interact with the head of Arakawa Ward, celebrating the bonds of friendship and cultural appreciation.

During the main ceremony, the two leaders bestowed commemorative gifts to President Sawano as a token of appreciation for his contributions to this cultural initiative. Attendees enjoyed delicious dango while engaging in discussions about the essence of haiku, alongside notable landmarks like the stone monument featuring Shiki's famous poem, “Imisaka mo dango mo tsuki no yukari kana.”

Moreover, as part of the festive activities, both Takiguchi and Tabuchi composed and submitted their own haiku to the Haiku Post on this joyful occasion. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and enthusiasm, with everyone cherishing the shared experience.

The event also spotlighted Arakawa Ward’s commitment to promoting haiku culture. As the starting point of Matsuo Basho’s famous journey in “The Narrow Road to the Deep North,” Arakawa has a rich history associated with haiku. Since declaring its commitment to being a “Haiku Town” in 2015, the ward has been advancing its vision of creating a community connected through haiku.

Looking ahead, the ward intends to host various celebratory events over the next couple of years, aiming to engage both children and adults in haiku enjoyment. This anniversary marks not just a celebration of past achievements but a renewed commitment to cultural exchange and artistic expression.

The submitted haiku during the event included:

• - “Two dango urging autumn, on a rainy morning” by Yuichiro Tabuchi, Deputy Mayor of Matsuyama.
• - “On an autumn day, gazing at horses, dango on my mind” by Takiguchi, head of Arakawa Ward.

As Arakawa Ward, Matsuyama City, and Hanabidango continue to deepen their connections through haiku, the Haiku Post serves as a vital symbol of their enduring friendship and cultural collaboration.