(せんりゅう)

せんりゅう
noun
senryu
1. senryu
A form of Japanese poetry with the same 5-7-5 syllable structure as haiku, but focusing on human nature, satire, or humor rather than nature and seasons.
川柳(せんりゅう)(つく)った
I composed a senryu.
Senryu describe human life.
Unlike haiku, senryu don't require a seasonal word.

川柳(せんりゅう) shares the 5-7-5 mora structure with 俳句(はいく), but differs in content and requirements.

Key differences from haiku

  • No 季語(きご) (seasonal word) required
  • Focuses on human nature, satire, humor
  • Often witty or ironic observations about daily life
  • Uses colloquial language more freely

The name comes from 柄井川柳(からいせんりゅう), an Edo period poet who popularized this form.