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 Although it is by no means rare for this time of year in Japan, we are having some incredibly heavy rain. It feels a bit early this year, but since it is brought on by a typhoon, the rainfall is exceptionally high. Heavy rain warnings have been issued in many areas, so please stay safe, everyone.

Today, I would like to introduce a haiku about the rain and the poet who wrote it. He is a truly great figure who brought revolutionary changes to the history of Japanese literature and haiku. It was largely the achievement of Masaoka Shiki to bring such profound depth to the short, 17-syllable format, creating poems that instantly evoke visual imagery, as well as auditory and even olfactory sensations the moment you read them.

Masaoka Shiki was not physically strong, and in his later years, he was bedridden due to tuberculosis. Confined to his bed, his "window" became his only connection to the outside world.

Looking out from that window, he composed this poem during the Tsuyu (rainy season):

五月雨や 上野の山も 見あきたり (Samidare ya / Ueno no yama mo / miakitari) Endless summer rain— Even the hills of Ueno, I’ve grown tired of seeing.

It is a humorous haiku that essentially says, "Because of this endless summer rain, I am completely bored of looking at the exact same view of the Ueno hills from my window!"

Japan is a very hot and humid country. To stay comfortable and keep our minds at ease in this climate, perhaps having a sense of humor like Masaoka Shiki’s is essential.

Today, we have many ways to entertain ourselves besides writing haiku. If you ever find yourself "tired of seeing" the rainy season showers, I encourage you to find joy indoors. Watching a movie, enjoying a warm cup of herbal tea, or having a relaxing chat with your family—I hope you can spend your time in such a peaceful way.