Matsuo Basho

Matsuo Basho (1643-1694) originally Matsuo Chuemon Munefusa, was born in Ueno, Japan, in 1644 to a family of samurai descent. Basho was introduced to poetry at a young age by Todo Yoshitada, for whom he worked. After Yoshitada’s death in 1666, Basho moved to the capital city of Edo (now Tokyo), where he studied poetry and gained recognition for his use of the haiku form.

“Come, butterfly

It's late -

We've miles to go together.”

— Basho