National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Japanese Poetry Tanka? You're Welcome
A poem "which expresses a personal response to nature," the tanka is a form of Japanese writing very similar to the haiku. This lesson plan is a great extension to any study or exploration of Japanese art, culture, and writing. Included...
Columbia University
Asia for Educators: What Is a Waka?
This large, wonderful site includes so much information on Asia that it is hard to showcase each element. It is easiest to enter Waka into the keyword box in order to access all the provided information. You will find an essay that...
Other
Univ. Of Virginia: Ogura Hyakunin Isshu: 100 Poems by 100 Poets
By clicking through this site, the viewer may see these 100 poems in English, in Japanese characters or in Japanese (using the English alphabet). Some explanation of the poems' sources is also given.
Other
Essays and Reviews: Mourning for Hokujurosen: Poem by Yosa Buson
This poem is followed by a brief commentary. The writer explains images in the poem, and some of Buson's philosophical beliefs which affected the poem.
Hanover College
The Diary of Lady Sarashina
The complete diary of one of the "Court Ladies" at the Japanese Imperial Court during the early 11th century. Provides many examples of Japanese poetry from the period.
Other
2001 Waka for Japan 2001: Minamoto No Shunrai
Brief biography of Minamoto no Shunrai, also known as Minamot no Toshiyori, an eleventh century Japanese poet. Also available are ten of his poems, in the original Japenes, in Japanese transcribed into the Roman alphabet, and translated...
University of Oregon
University of Oregon: Diamante Poems
Do you know how to write a diamante poem? Check out this site to learn how to accomplish this task. This site features a lesson plan for writing poetry.
Other
Humanistic Texts: Selected Poetry of Hitomaro
The text to poetry written by Kakinomoto Hitomaro is found here.
Library of Congress
Loc: Poetry 180: Tour
This short two-stanza poem implies the importance of looking at things in two different ways.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Japanese Poetry Haikus, Tankas, and Lanturnes
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart explains the differences between Haiku, Tanka, and Lanturne poetry. Students will be able to create their own poems by using the steps given to write each poem. Students will also review...
Other
History of Haiku: Basho Matsuo
This site describes Basho's writing style, including his sense of humor. It also provides several examples of his poetry.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: The World of Haiku
A productive, technologically relevant site that provides a lesson plan on the Japanese Haiku. Complete with educational objectives and extensive student-centered lesson development.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Lesson: You Too Can Haiku
Here's a creative lesson for students to examine various haikus, and Japanese culture, then write their own haiku poem, and illustrate it using watercolors! Provides plenty of links to more information, a thorough explanation of the...
Charles I. Kelly and Lawrence E. Kelly
Many Things for Esl Japanese Version
This is the Japanese version of the well-known Interesting Things for ESL site (the authors are professors teaching in Japan). The Japanese site has many of the same features as the English Only version in fact, it usually goes to the...
Huntington Library
Huntington Library: Garden Lesson Plans: Japanese Garden Vocabulary: Haiku [Pdf]
A mini-unit on haiku where students learn about and write haiku inspired by Japanese gardens. This activity is intended to be done in conjunction with a visit to a Japanese garden, but this is not essential.
Other
Great Japanese Poets: Kakinomoto Hitomaro
This site talks about Kakinomoto Hitomaro and has links to many other great Japanese poets.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Villainizing Japanese Americans During the Wwii Era
Analyze primary sources in the media gallery and create an illustrated poem to learn how Japanese Americans were impacted by anti-Chinese exclusion policies of the 1800s, and why it escalated during World War II. As a result, Americans...
University of Virginia
University of Virginia: Twenty Classical Works
From "A Reader's Guide of Japanese Literature" at the University of Virginia comes this list of twenty important pieces of classical Japanese literature, including author(when known), genre and date. It offers links to pieces available...
Other
Poem #208 From Manyoushuu
This site has a translation of a poem by an anonymous poet in the work.
Other
Poem #352 From Manyoushuu
This site has a translation of a poem by Sami Mansei in the Man'yoshu.
Other
Japanese Calligraphy by Graham Hawker
A good site that gives a brief history of Japanese Calligraphy. The site offers online shopping, notes on Japanese Poetry and a short link on "What is Zen?"
American Forum for Global Education
American Forum for Global Education: Haiku as a Cultural Icon
These detailed lesson plans let students research about Shiki and Haiku, compose on their own poetry, and learn about Japanese culture.
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Kirjasto: Kobayashi Issa
This site provides both biographical information and some analysis of Issa's work. Links to significant names.
Other
In the Moonlight a Worm Haiku Homepage
Learn the form, inspiration and spirit of haiku poetry and learn to write it yourself. An in-depth discussion of the philosophy behind haiku, as well as the literary structure.