Living in Japan seems to involve encounters with haiku verses, often at the least-expected time. Many of us, though, have little understanding of haiku and how they are created. Apart from having 17 syllables, what is it that makes a few words into a haiku?

The September 26 meeting will present the main characteristics of haiku, both in Japanese and in other languages (primarily English). Masako Takahashi, a prolific haiku writer, and Holly Ueda, one of the growing throng of English-language haiku poets, will share not only the fundamentals but also the expansion of this form into other languages as either original works or translations of Japanese works. Those attending are encouraged to try their hands at haiku creation on the spot, to be discussed at an informal (and brief) [i]haiza[/i] session (reading aloud of a haiku followed by hearers’ reactions to it).

[b]Time:[/b] 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

[b]Place:[/b] Basement hall, Tokyo Union Church, 5-7-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku; a 3-minute walk from Omote-sando Station ([url=http://www2.gol.com/users/tuc/location_e.htm]map[/url]). Inquiries by fax to 042-320-5278, or [url=https://www.swet.jp/contact.php?mt=info]e-mail[/url].

[b]Cost:[/b] ?1,000 members; ?1,500 nonmembers