Renga

Renga (連歌) is a form of Japanese collaborative poetry. A Renga consists of at least three ku (句 translates to stanzas in English), often many more. The opening stanza of the Renga chain (the hokku), later became the basis for the modern Haiku style of poetry.

Terms of Renga

These words are presented as a Sikimoku and variations of rule may exist.

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Hokku (発句) : The first stanza of renga with 5-7-5 syllable count. Making of this stanza should be done by a special guest when present, and is considered a part of greeting in the Renga gathering. Must include Kigo (season word) as well as Kireji (cutting word - a break in the words, usually, but not always, at the end of a line).

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Waki (脇) : The second stanza of renga with 7-7 syllable count. The one who helped to organize the gathering is honored with making it. Rules of Touki and Taigendome must be followed.

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Daisan (第三) : The third stanza of renga with 5-7-5 syllable count. It must end with -te (て) to freely let the next poet make the stanza.

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Hiraku (平句) : Refers to all verses other than Hokku, Waki, Daisan and Ageku.

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Ageku (挙句) : The last stanza of renga. A care should be taken to wrap up the renga.

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Kuage (句上) : A note made after Ageku to count how many each poet read.

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Kougyou (興行) : To hold a renga. May also be called Chougyou (張行).

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Wakiokori (脇起り) : To start with a Hokku of a famous poet like Basho and to have a poet make a new Waki.

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Tsukeai (付合) : May also be called Tsukekata (付け方) or Tsukeaji (付け味). To mix and match a unlikely combination of words to drive an imagination or an image. One of Renga's interesting feature.

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Maeku (前句) : The verse where Tsukeai is done.

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Uchikoshi (打越) : The verse before Maeku.

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Shikimoku (式目) : A set of rules to make sure changes occur and to avoid a Renga from falling apart.

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Renku (連句) : Modern renga in the style of Matsuo Basho.

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Kukazu (句数) : When the theme of verse is of popular topic of "Love, Spring, or Fall", continue at least two verses but not more than five verses with the same theme. One may drop the theme with one verse on any other topic.

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Sarikirai (去嫌) : A rule to prevent a loop of a image or a similar verse.

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Rinne (輪廻) : The name for a loop where the same theme, image, or word is repeated. Taken from Buddhism.

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Kannonbiraki (観音開き) : A type of loop where Uchikoshi and Tsukeku has identical image and theme.

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Haramiku (孕み句) : To prepare a stanza beforehand. Should be avoided as a stanza should be made on the spot.

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Asaru (求食) : To make two stanza in a row. Happens frequently when Dashigachi rule is used. Should be avoided to let others join.

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Dashigachi (出勝ち) : A rule to use the stanza of the first poet to make it.

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Hizaokuri (膝送り) : A rule where each poet takes a turn to make a stanza.

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Renjyu (連衆) : People who gathered for a Renga.

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Ichiza (一座) : When Renjyu is seated and a Renga has begun, the status they are in, is Ichiza.

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Soushou (宗匠) : May be called Sabaki (捌き). The coordinator of Ichiza, he or she is responsible for the completion of a Renga. Has the authority of dismissing a improper verse. The most experienced of Renjyu should be Soushou to keep a Renga interesting.

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Kyaku (客) : The main guest of Ichiza and responsible for making the Hokku.

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Teishu (亭主) : The patron of a Renga gathering, he provide the place.

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Shuhitsu (執筆) : A person who write down verses of Renga and responsible for the proceeding of Renga.

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Bunnin (文音) : To use letters, telegraph, telephone or even fax machines to making a Renga. Using the internet is considered a form of Bunnin.

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