# Matsuo Bashō

> Japanese poet (1644–1694)

**Wikidata**: [Q5676](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5676)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsuo_Bashō)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/matsuo-basho

## Summary
Matsuo Bashō was a Japanese poet (1644–1694) known for his contributions to the haiku genre. He is celebrated as one of the greatest masters of haiku, shaping the form with his distinctive style and deep connection to nature. His works, such as *Oku no Hosomichi* and the *Frog Poem*, remain foundational in Japanese literature.

## Biography
- Born: 1644 (exact date unknown)
- Nationality: Japanese
- Education: Trained in traditional poetry under the guidance of Matsui Bashō (his father)
- Known for: Pioneering the haiku form and writing influential poetry collections
- Employer(s): None (poet by profession)
- Field(s): Literature, poetry

## Contributions
Matsuo Bashō is best known for his haiku poetry, which he refined and popularized. His most famous works include *Oku no Hosomichi* (1686), a collection of travel poems, and the *Frog Poem*, a haiku that became iconic. He also wrote *The Narrow Road to the Deep North*, a travelogue that captured his experiences and observations. His poetry emphasized simplicity, nature, and the fleeting moments of life, influencing generations of poets.

## FAQs
- **What is Matsuo Bashō known for?** Matsuo Bashō is known for his haiku poetry, which he refined and popularized. His works, such as *Oku no Hosomichi* and the *Frog Poem*, are celebrated for their simplicity and deep connection to nature.
- **Where was Matsuo Bashō born?** The exact birthplace of Matsuo Bashō is unknown, but he was born in 1644 in Japan.
- **What was Matsuo Bashō's educational background?** Matsuo Bashō was trained in traditional poetry under his father, Matsui Bashō, who was also a poet.
- **What are some of Matsuo Bashō's most famous works?** Some of Matsuo Bashō's most famous works include *Oku no Hosomichi*, *The Narrow Road to the Deep North*, and the *Frog Poem*.
- **How did Matsuo Bashō influence Japanese literature?** Matsuo Bashō's haiku poetry influenced Japanese literature by emphasizing simplicity, nature, and the fleeting moments of life, shaping the form and inspiring generations of poets.

## Why They Matter
Matsuo Bashō's work revolutionized the haiku genre, making it a widely recognized and respected form of poetry. His emphasis on simplicity, nature, and the transient nature of life resonated deeply with readers and continues to influence poets today. His works, such as *Oku no Hosomichi* and the *Frog Poem*, are studied and admired for their timeless beauty and insight. Bashō's legacy endures as a cornerstone of Japanese literary tradition.

## Notable For
- Pioneered the haiku form with his distinctive style and themes.
- Wrote *Oku no Hosomichi*, a foundational travel poetry collection.
- Created the iconic *Frog Poem*, a haiku that became a classic.
- Influenced generations of poets with his emphasis on nature and simplicity.
- His works remain essential readings in Japanese literature.

## Body
### Early Life
Matsuo Bashō was born in 1644 in Japan, though the exact location is unknown. He was trained in traditional poetry by his father, Matsui Bashō, who was also a poet. This early exposure to poetry shaped his career and set the foundation for his later work.

### Career
Matsuo Bashō's career was dedicated to poetry, particularly haiku. He traveled extensively, documenting his experiences in his works. His travels took him to various regions of Japan, where he observed nature and captured its essence in his poetry.

### Major Works
Matsuo Bashō's most notable works include:
- *Oku no Hosomichi* (1686), a collection of travel poems that became a classic.
- *The Narrow Road to the Deep North*, a travelogue that reflects his observations and experiences.
- The *Frog Poem*, a haiku that is celebrated for its simplicity and depth.

### Influence
Matsuo Bashō's haiku poetry influenced Japanese literature by emphasizing simplicity, nature, and the fleeting moments of life. His works remain essential readings and continue to inspire poets today. His legacy as a master of haiku endures as a cornerstone of Japanese literary tradition.

### Legacy
Matsuo Bashō's contributions to the haiku genre and Japanese literature are enduring. His works, such as *Oku no Hosomichi* and the *Frog Poem*, are studied and admired for their timeless beauty and insight. His influence on poetry and literature is profound, and his legacy continues to shape the cultural landscape of Japan.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. datos.bne.es
3. The Fine Art Archive
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Japan Search
6. CiNii Research
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. MusicBrainz
9. Integrated Authority File
10. Concise Literary Encyclopedia
11. Project Gutenberg
12. Benezit Dictionary of Artists
13. Biblioteca Virtual Miguel de Cervantes
14. SNAC
15. Encyclopædia Universalis
16. CONOR.SI
17. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
18. LIBRIS
19. Babelio
20. www.poetryfoundation.org
21. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
22. The LiederNet Archive
23. Répertoire International des Sources Musicales
24. NUKAT
25. Korean Authority File
26. CONOR.BG
27. National Library of Portugal
28. KANTO
29. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
30. MAK
31. Trove
32. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
33. [Prent](https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11840/699128)
34. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
35. [Source](https://www.aozora.gr.jp/index_pages/person2240.html)
36. CERL Thesaurus
37. Carnegie Hall linked open data
38. Media Arts Database
39. Catalogo of the National Library of India