Clay Boutwell

Yumi Boutwell

Discover the Painterly Poetry of Yosa Buson—Through 32 Haiku with Detailed Explanations and Audio

Haiku can hold whole worlds inside just a few syllables—but without cultural context and language skills, much of their beauty can remain hidden. That’s where this book comes in.

While primarily intended for students of Japanese, this book is also accessible to anyone interested in Japanese culture—and Buson’s haiku in particular.

This edition features thirty-two carefully selected haiku by 与謝(よさ)蕪村(ぶそん) (Yosa Buson)—an Edo-period poet and painter known for his emotionally rich, visually expressive poetry. Often considered one of the "Three Great Haiku Masters" alongside Matsuo Bashō and Kobayashi Issa, Buson infused his poems with the sensitivity and composition of an artist, painting with words as delicately as with a brush.

What’s Inside:

Thirty-two of Buson’s most vivid haiku in Japanese and English

Literal and interpretive translations to explore the full meaning

Bilingual commentary after each haiku explaining cultural and poetic nuance

Detailed vocabulary lists with grammar and word usage notes for learners

QR codes for instant audio playback—just scan with your phone

A download link for all sound files, a PDF, and ePub.

Bonus: Romaji included, but hidden after the main text to encourage proper reading practice (and should be safely ignored if you're a serious learner)

Whether you're a beginner or intermediate student of Japanese, this book will help you grow your language skills while deepening your appreciation of Japanese aesthetics, seasonal nuance, and poetic tradition. 

Ready to sharpen your Japanese while immersing yourself in some of Edo Japan’s most beautiful poetry? Add it to your cart now and start your journey into the world of Yosa Buson.

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