The Great Peace began when the Tokugawa Shogunate closed Japan to most foreigners. A few ships from the Dutch and China were allowed at one port.

Edo Period

• 1600s to late 1800s
• Sakoku - policy of isolation from foreign influences
• Cities grew
• Merchants & Artisans flexible income.
• Daimyo patrons.
• Samurai, Nobility, Clergy - fixed income.

During this Isolation

• Banraku Theatre
• Geishas
• Kabuki
• Higher literacy
• All under a Confucius - influenced shogunate.

Senryu

Senryu

• human haiku
• Written in present tense and only references the human condition
• Irony and humour are key

Untitled Slide

• I go by car
• To the gym
• To ride a bicycle

Even a mole
Sometimes makes a
False step - up

A butterfly
That goes straight
Has free time
Kao

Gorilla Senryu

• Compose your own senryus
• Choose 5 strong ones
• Place them in public areas in a surprising manner
• Document them to share in class