Since our time in Japan, my husband and I have been dying to go back. During our 6 months in Yamanakako, we fell in love with the land, the people, and the culture, which is why I was so excited to get involved with the
Sakura Days Japan Fair here in Vancouver! It advertises itself as a fair that,
"celebrates all things Japan, from Japanese food, performances, to arts and culture." Any opportunity to immerse ourselves back in the culture, we're up for!
Initially, I offered to do a spoken-word performance of my haiku but the organizers approached me and asked if I would be up for hosting a haiku workshop too! How could I refuse? I can't wait to dive into haiku with everyone at the fair and to share my love of all things Japan (I've even dusted off my kimono which I definitely don't get enough opportunity to wear!)
We're 2 months away from the big day and preparations are furiously underway behind the scenes. I can't wait to see you there!
UPDATE
Sakura Days Japan Fair, Vancouver | April 13-14, 2024
Join me at the Sakura Days Japan Fair in Vancouver this April for a two-day celebration of Japanese art, culture, food, and more! I will be hosting a 30-minute haiku workshop at 1PM during the festivities at the Experience Japan Tent, and performing two spoken-word pieces of my haiku from the Floral stage (situated by the VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Center) on Saturday, one at 11:50AM and the second at 2PM.
Here's the official write-up of the workshop: Join Vancouver-Island-based poet, Sophia Conway, as she leads an interactive workshop introducing the ancient Japanese poetry form of traditional haiku. Hear the poetry of the old Haiku Masters; BashÅ, Buson, Issa, and Shiki, and practice writing your own! This is a fun and introductory class for all ages.
More information about the event itself here!
Workshop Resources
Haiku Society of America
British Haiku Society
Haiku Canada
Irish Haiku Society
Australian Haiku Society
African Haiku Network
The Haiku Foundation
Haiku International Association
About Haiku [The Poetry Foundation]
About Haiku [The Academy of American Poets]
The Haiku Masters [World-in-Words]
Recommended reading on Haiku [Graceguts]
