Matsuo Basho

Matsuo Basho, born Matsuo Kinsaku, was born to a low-ranking samurai family in Ueno, Iga Province, Japan. His early life was marked by the influence of traditional samurai values and education.

Basho begins his service as a page to the young samurai Tōdō Yoshitada, a member of the local ruling family. This position introduces him to poetry and literary circles.

Basho's patron, Tōdō Yoshitada, dies, leading Basho to leave his service and begin a period of wandering and poetic reflection. He writes his first haiku during this time.

Basho moves to Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to study under the haikai master Kitamura Kigin. This marks the beginning of his serious literary career and the development of his unique poetic style.

Basho builds a small hut by the Sumida River and names it Basho-an, after the banana plant (basho) growing nearby. He begins to gather students and solidifies his reputation as a haikai master.

A great fire in Edo destroys Basho's hut and many of his possessions. This event deeply affects him and leads to a period of introspection and reevaluation of his life and work.

Basho publishes 'The Records of a Weather-Beaten Skeleton' (Nozarashi Kikō), a travel journal that marks a significant achievement in his literary career and showcases his evolving style.

Basho embarks on a long journey to Northern Honshu, which results in his most famous work, 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North' (Oku no Hosomichi). This pilgrimage solidifies his legacy as a master poet and traveler.

After his journey, Basho returns to Edo and resumes teaching. His reputation continues to grow, and he attracts a large following of students and admirers.

Matsuo Basho dies in Osaka while on a journey. His death is mourned by his students and admirers, and he is remembered as one of the greatest haiku poets in Japanese history.