Did the young Masaoka Shiki ever imagine his words would be immortalized in stone? Here at the 若鮎の二手に分かれて上りけり memorial, we celebrate a simple yet evocative haiku. This monument stands near the Itabashi ward, beside the Ishigamiido River. It captures the spirit of young ayu, sweetfish, making their way upstream.
若鮎の二手に分かれて上りけり, often translated as “Young ayu split into two streams, swimming upstream,” is more than just a nature observation. It encapsulates the vitality of spring and the perseverance of life. The young ayu, born in the lower reaches of rivers, journey to the sea. They return in spring, around February and March, to swim upstream. This is the scene Shiki captured. The two diverging streams represent the fish branching off on their journey. They symbolize the challenges and choices these young creatures face. The phrase “Nobori keri” adds a sense of finality. It implies a determined push forward. This haiku speaks to the universal struggle of life’s journey, not just the biological imperative of the ayu.
Shiki, a key figure in the revitalization of haiku, crafted this poem in Matsuyama. Originally, it read “Wakayu no futate ni wakarete nagarekeri,” meaning “Young ayu split into two streams and flowed away.” He later revised it to “Wakayu no futate ni wakarete noborikeri” emphasizing the upward journey. This revision underscores the ayu’s resilience and highlights their fight against the current. Shiki’s original draft appeared in a letter to his brother. This letter, dated June 17, 1892, offers a glimpse into Shiki’s creative process.
The memorial itself is located where the walking path within the park splits into two. It mirrors the image of the two streams of ayu. The Ishigamiido River flows nearby, a gentle reminder of the natural world that inspired Shiki’s poetry. Come, stand at this intersection. Imagine the young ayu swimming upstream, their silver bodies flashing in the clear water. Feel the energy of their journey and let Shiki’s words resonate within you. The spirit of those young fish, and the poet who captured their essence, lives on here at 若鮎の二手に分かれて上りけり.