Enjoy Senryu!

Instructor Kosuke Sato

Senryu, Dodoitsu and Zappai Writer, Edo culture researcher, Yomiuri and NTV Cultural Center lecturer, Shukutoku University Extension Center lecturer.

Senryu is a type of Japanese poetry. It is composed of three lines of five, seven, and five Japanese characters (morae or syllables) respectively. In Senryu we write about human emotions. Unlike Haiku, there is no need to write about the seasons or to use seasonal words Another feature of Senryu is that it uses everyday spoken language.

And the most important thing to remember when writing Senryu is to write about topics that will move or touch the reader. This might sound like an exaggeration, but if the reader is moved even a little your Senryu can be considered a success.

Here are 5 points for writing a Senryu:

1. Be clear:
There is no need to use words you do not know. The words should be terms that you already know and are easily understood.
2. Be interesting:
You do not need to make the reader laugh, but using funny phrases is favorable.
3. Use your own unique point of view:
Write about the world as you uniquely see it.
4. Be empathetic:
While it's good to write from your own point of view, it is also desirable to write about topics that the reader can sympathize with.
5. Convey passion and excitement.

In Senryu we write about human beings. Humans are quite complex. They may seem one way on the outside, but actually be different on the inside. Being able to write about this is one attraction of Senryu. You can write about anything you like: your everyday surroundings, yourself, social issues; anything is okay. There are many possible topics all around you. Just give it a try. If what you wanted to say is understood by your reader, then your Senryu is a success.

Please try to make your own Senryu.

Examples

When I closed my eyes
It was the moment
Say, cheese!

I can lift up
Even the Earth
When I handstand

Still she is sleeping
When I come back
She is already sleeping

A boy was praised
For being
Full of feminine qualities

Gold medal
Suddenly she looks
So beautiful

About to scold my grandson
Oh my
Look how tall he is

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