Editorial
Preface
Poetry has been an inspiring companion since my teenage years, when I began writing in English, Urdu, and Punjabi. From traditional poetry to Japanese-form micropoetry, this transition has enriched my creative expression, refined my voice, and expanded my artistic horizons. It has been a journey worth sharing, one that has allowed me to discover the best within myself and become one of the pioneers of Japanese-form micropoetry in English from Pakistan, receiving international recognition and accolades.
Among the poetry forms I practice, haiku has emerged as a powerful medium for awareness, simplicity, and connection. My engagement with this form deepened during my early literary years when Dr. Afzal Khan, British MP, encouraged me to explore social issues through haiku and share the stories of unheard voices. This guidance led to the publication of my award-winning debut haiku collection her fading henna tattoo by Robin Smith, a significant milestone in my creative expression. The experience deepened my connection with the wisdom of saijiki, where the changing seasons taught me to observe nature with mindfulness and express human experiences with greater understanding and compassion.
The same poetic vision that guided my creative expression found resonance while editing and curating the Pakistan Japan Cultural Association Islamabad’s first international multilingual haiku anthology. As a landmark initiative, this has been a deeply meaningful experience. It began as a simple thought and has transformed into a reality beyond my expectations. From its initial concept to the final collection, this endeavour enriched my understanding of collaboration, creativity, and connection through shared human experiences, while leaving me with invaluable memories to cherish.
Sakura Fubuki is not simply a haiku anthology; it nurtures a sense of belonging where poets capture fleeting moments of life, bringing together nature, humanity, and emotions through the symbolism of cherry blossoms. Reflecting the wabi-sabi of nature, the ma of silence, and the yūgen of human experience, this collection embraces the many shades of existence, from joy and beauty to sorrow and quiet farewells—exploring our relationship with nature, one another, and the universe.
Connecting with poets and engaging in creative dialogues with many of them about what shaped their haiku was a deeply rewarding experience. Their genuine approach and artistic insight reflected the true spirit of haiku. The Urdu and Japanese translations, along with photographs and images, enriched this anthology. While translating the poems into Urdu, I experienced the delicate art of translation, where capturing the spirit and essence of each poem requires sensitivity, creativity, and thoughtful interpretation across languages and cultures.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan, particularly H.E. Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, for his kind appreciation, and to the PJCA Executive Team, Mr. Jamal Shah, and Mr. Mushtaq Moeeni, for their guidance and encouragement throughout this creative endeavour.
As editor and curator of PJCA’s First International Multilingual Haiku Anthology, I feel honoured and humbled to contribute to this historical milestone in cultural diplomacy between Pakistan and Japan, where poets from diverse cultural backgrounds have woven Sakura Fubuki into a tapestry of shared expression through the universal language of poetry.
Hifsa Ashraf
Editor & Curator
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