Basho Memorial Day (Shigure-ki)

What Is Basho Memorial Day?

October 12th is "Basho-ki," the anniversary of the death of Matsuo Basho, the Edo-period haiku poet famous for "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" (Oku no Hosomichi). He died in Osaka on the 12th day of the 10th month of the 7th year of Genroku (November 28, 1694, on the modern calendar). The day is also called "Shigure-ki," "Tosei-ki," and "Okina-ki," and in haiku it serves as a seasonal word for winter.

Basho as Seen Through the Day's Many Names

Basho Memorial Day has several alternative names, each reflecting Basho's character or the season in which he died.

• Shigure-ki:named for shigure, the on-and-off early-winter showers of the season in which Basho died
• Tosei-ki:after "Tosei," the pen name Basho used when he was young
• Okina-ki:from "Okina" (the Old Master), the respectful name his disciples used for him
• Date:the anniversary is generally observed on October 12th, the same date as on the old calendar

The Final Journey and "Ill on a Journey"

Basho composed poems while traveling across Japan and left behind travel writings such as "The Narrow Road to the Deep North." Just before his death, bedridden in Osaka during a journey, he wrote "Ill on a journey / my dreams go wandering / over withered fields," well known as his final poem -- a fitting verse for a man who saw life itself as a journey. Around this time, haiku gatherings and memorial services are held at places connected to Basho.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Recall a Basho haiku you know, such as the famous "old pond" poem
• Read a passage from "The Narrow Road to the Deep North"
• Try writing a 5-7-5 haiku about an autumn scene from your commute
• Trace Basho's travels and the places linked to him on a map

A Day to Remember the Poet Who Loved to Travel

Verses written more than 300 years ago still move people today. October 12th is a day to enjoy Basho's words and pay attention to the changing seasons.