HAIKU MASTERS

Season 42016

From Japan's most famous haiku locations, HAIKU MASTERS introduces Photo Haikus sent in from around the world with its unique take on the art form, creating the ultimate social haiku experience.

12 Episodes

    E01 Fukagawa / Tokyo

    Episode 1 of the new season takes place in Fukagawa, Tokyo where Basho wrote many of his famous haiku poems. Special guest Hideho Kindaichi, a revered linguistic scholar, along with our Haiku Masters Michio Nakahara and Kit Pancoast Nagamura take you on a journey through the world of Photo Haiku at the beautiful Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine.

    April 25, 2016

    E02 Entenji Temple / Tokyo

    May 30, 2016

    E03 Matsuyama / Ehime

    Episode 3 takes place at Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan going back 1300 years, in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, which is known for its rich literary culture and for producing many haiku poets. Haiku is part of the fabric of Matsuyama with Haiku Posts installed throughout the city for people to submit their haiku. Episode 3 will seek to explore the history and culture of Matsuyama with the guest of the month, Noriko Kan, lecturer, Matsuyama University.

    June 27, 2016

    E04 Matsuyama / Ehime

    Episode 4 of HAIKU MASTERS takes place in Matsuyama city with world-renowned cellist, Mr. Nathaniel Rosen, who joins us at Taisanji Temple, one of the 88 temples of the Ohenro pilgrimage.

    July 25, 2016

    E05 Nikko / Tochigi

    Episode 5 takes place in the city of Nikko, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, located just north of Tokyo. We hope you enjoy the beautiful sceneries of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with our Haiku Masters and our guest, Uruma Takezawa, a photographer who has traveled over 103 countries.

    August 29, 2016

    E06 Kurobane / Tochigi

    Episode 6 takes place in Kurobane, Tochigi Prefecture, a place where Basho stayed the longest to take refuge and to ponder the journey ahead while on his Okuno Hosomichi trail. The guest for this episode is Ms. Barbara S. Morrison, associate professor of the International Department at Utsunomiya University.

    September 26, 2016

    E07 Rikugien Gardens / Tokyo

    Episode 7 takes place in Rikugien Gardens in Tokyo which was constructed 300 years ago over a period of 7 years. Rikugien means Garden of the Six Principles of Poetry as its aesthetics are rooted in the world of Waka poetry. Our guest for this episode is photographer Lisa Vogt who has traveled over 50 countries around the world.

    October 31, 2016

    E08 Embassy of Sweden / Tokyo

    This episode’s featured guest is Mr. Kai Falkman, Ambassador and the Honorary President of the Swedish Haiku Society. A haiku poet himself, Mr. Falkman will talk about the photo haiku submissions. The episode was filmed at the Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo.

    November 28, 2016

    E09 Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art / Tokyo

    Episode 9 of HAIKU MASTERS takes place at Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art in Tokyo and our guest is Rakugo Performer Katsura Kaishi who has performed in over 15 countries and 93 cities.

    December 26, 2016

    E10 Hatoyama Hall / Tokyo

    January 30, 2017

    E11 HAPPO-EN / Tokyo

    Episode 11 of HAIKU MASTERS takes place at HAPPO-EN in Shirokanedai, Tokyo. Our guest for this episode is KENCHI TACHIBANA who is a member of the prominent pop group EXILE and EXILE THE SECOND.

    February 27, 2017

    E12 Special Edition

    March 27, 2017