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.
川柳を作った。
I composed a senryu.
川柳は人間の生活を詠む。
Senryu describe human life.
俳句と違って、川柳には季語が要らない。
Unlike haiku, senryu don't require a seasonal word.
川柳 shares the 5-7-5 mora structure with 俳句, but differs in content and requirements.
KEY DIFFERENCES FROM HAIKU:
- No 季語 (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, an Edo period poet who popularized this form.