“Old pond / frogs jumped in / sound of water.” These are the words etched into the Stone monument of Basho’s Haiku Stele. It immortalizes Matsuo Bashō’s most famous verse.
Matsuo Bashō stands as one of history’s haiku masters. He shares this honor with Kobayashi Issa and Yosa Buson. Born in 1644, Bashō penned almost a thousand haiku poems. He also wrote poetic travelogues during his pilgrimages across Japan.
Let’s delve into the tale of this Stone monument of Basho’s Haiku Stele. This monument marks Bashō’s connection to Tokyo. He lived in the Fukagawa area from 1680 to 1682. It is believed he composed his famous “frog” poem during this time. Sadly, a great fire destroyed his house.
Today, the neighborhood honors Bashō’s legacy. It attracts haiku enthusiasts. You’ll find a local history museum here. There are also a few monuments. The humbly-restored site of his dwelling is now the Bashō Heritage Garden.
Interestingly, the Kiyosumi Garden also houses a Bashō monument. This rock carving features his renowned haiku. Bashō lived in the area from 1680 to 1694. He composed the haiku in 1686. The monument found its place in the garden in October 1934.
The Heritage Garden offers a unique sight. A life-size statue shows Bashō seated on a zabuton cushion. It captures the inspiration drawn from Sugiyama Sanpū’s portrait. Sanpū was one of Bashō’s patrons.
The statue has a hidden secret. It moves. It’s not advanced animatronics. However, after the garden closes each day, the statue lights up. It turns 45 degrees toward the Sumida River. This happens from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. the next day.
The movement allows ferry passengers a good view of it. Few witness the shift. This gives rise to urban legends about the statue.
Furthermore, there is another monument at Zenkoji Temple. Disciples erected this monument in March of the Year of Kaei. The inscription features the “Shishi sumire grass-eup banana”. This came from Yamaji.
There is also a haiku monument at Tenji Temple. The monument at Tenji Temple is inscribed with “Ichizato is all descendants of Hanamori”.
So, as we stand before this Stone monument of Basho’s Haiku Stele, remember the essence of haiku. It reflects on the sentimental transience found in simple forms of nature. Bashō captured this perfectly. He invites us to find beauty in fleeting moments.