Matsuo Bashō
The Narrow Road to the Deep North
Japanese
Near East and Asia
The Narrow Road to the Deep North is a poetic travel account by Matsuo Bashō, the Japanese haiku master. The final version was written in 1694, and the first edition was published posthumously in 1702. The original Japanese work consists of prose, poetry (haiku), and ink paintings. In 1689, Bashō (a Zen Buddhist) started on his journey to the northeastern part of Japan with his traveling companion, Sora. At that time, Northeast Japan was regarded as a dangerous and unexplored region. Bashō believed he might be able to get a glimpse of eternity in this mysterious place. His travelogue, which was probably revised and idealized after his journey, is an account of various geographical and historical sites in Japan, as well as an account of his spiritual journey through nature. The first English translation, Bashō: The Narrow Road to the Deep North and Other Travel Sketches (1966) was by Nobuyuki Yuasa. Back Roads to Far Towns (1968) by Cid Corman and Kamaike Susumu shows a more contemporary interpretation. Other translations include Narrow Road to the Interior (1991) by Sam Hamill, and The Narrow Road to Oku (1996) by Donald Keene.
Consider while reading:
- Haiku poets enjoy collages and juxtapositions. Select a haiku poem inside Basho’s The Narrow Road to the Deep North, and explore what comparison or contrast is being made in that haiku.
- Basho’s travelogue was written towards the end of the 17th century. What aspects of this travelogue reflect the history, culture, and religion of 17th-century Japan?
- Compose your own haiku in English, following a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. Also, consider adding a seasonal or nature reference and incorporating some kind of comparison or contrast in your haiku. Your haiku could be meditative or humorous.
Written by Kyounghye Kwon