我死なば墓守となれきりぎりす
ware shinaba haka mori to nare kirigirisu


after I die
guard my grave
cricket
—Issa


(Tr. David LaSpina)

_{("Cricket on Branch" by Seiko)}

There is some thought that this might be Issa's death poem, but as far as I'm aware researchers are divided on that idea. At any rate, this is one of Issa's more playful verses, talking to his insect friends. Issa's kindness towards all the creatures in nature is one of the reasons for his enduring popularity in Japan.

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Don't miss other great haiku in the Haiku of Japan series!

#1–10 — Haiku of Japan :: Collection #1
#11–20 — Haiku of Japan :: Collection #2
#21–30 — Haiku of Japan :: Collection #3
#31—40 — Haiku of Japan :: Collection #4
#41–50 — Haiku of Japan :: Collection #5
#51 — Dewdrop World
#52 — A Fleeting Life
#53 — The Only Sound
#54 — Autumn Clouds
#55 — Playing Dewdrops
#56 — To the Last Drop
#57 — A Rest From Moonviewing
#58 — Forever Young
#59 — Fading into the Mist
#60 — Wiping Horse Poop
#61 — Turncoat Umbrella
#62 — Ten Autumns
#63 — Scattering Leaves

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I post one photo everyday, as well as a haiku and as time allows, videos, more Japanese history, and so on. Let me know if there is anything about Japan you would like to know more about or would like to see.

Who is David?
	David LaSpina is an American photographer lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time.