Served as Editor, Curator, and Urdu Translator for Pakistan Japan Cultural ssociation(PJCA)’s first International Multilingual Haiku Anthology 2026 produced in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan. The anthology is the first of its kind in the country, featuring 657 haiku submissions by 335 poets representing 45 countries.
Additional responsibilities included:
- Design, layout, and typesetting of the anthology
- Urdu translation and editorial coordination
- Writing regional section overviews
- Coordination and correspondence with all contributors
PJCA website: https://pjca-isb.org/pjca-1st-international-haiku-anthology-2026/
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Editorial
Preface
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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Team
Executive Team
Executive Director
Jamal Shah
Publication Director
Mushtaq Moeeni
Editorial Team
Editor & Curator
Hifsa Ashraf
Translators (haiku)
Hifsa Ashraf (Urdu)
Hidenori Hiruta (Japanese)
Yoshi Hozanshik Kohro (Japanese)
Reviewers & Proofreaders
Nicholas Klacsanzky (English)
Khawar Ejaz (Urdu)
Yoshi Hozanshik Kohro (Japanese)
Coordination & Correspondence
Hifsa Ashraf
Regional Section Overviews
Hifsa Ashraf
Compilation, Design & Typesetting
Hifsa Ashraf
Photo Credits
Front & Back Cover and Sections
Embassy of Japan in Pakistan
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Algeria
Australia
Bangladesh
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
England
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
India
Iran
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Malaysia
Malta
Montenegro
Nepal
New Zealand
Nigeria
Northern Ireland
Pakistan
Philippines
Poland
Romania
Russia
Scotland
Serbia
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
Switzerland
The Czech Republic
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom (UK)
United States of America (USA)
Ukraine
Wales
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Reviews/Notes of appreciation
Publication highlights by Hidenori Hiruta FOR Akita International Haiku Network, Japan
https://akitahaiku.com/2026/08/19/8-19-pjcas-first-international-haiku-anthology-2026-sakura-fubuki-%e6%a1%9c%e5%90%b9%e9%9b%aa/
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A note of appreciation by Issam on facebook about PJCA's anthology in Arabic.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18rpPLYBR4/
أبدعت الجمعية الثقافية الباكستانية اليابانية (PJCA)، بإدارة وإشراف الهايجن الصاعدة/ حفصة أشرف في إنتاج أول أنطولوجيا تضم نصوص هايكو من جميع أنحاء العالم بأسلوب كلاسيكي يحاكي القصيدة منذ النشأة، ويعطي بعداً يصف العمق ويشهق دهشة تسود بآنية الهايكو الجميل.
الهايكو عندما تراه أعين الهاجين من العالم أجمع، بنكهة مختلفة وتكون تلك التوليفة في ساكورا فوبوكي .. الثمار عالمية .. والنكهات يابانية ..
عندما تضم أنطولوجيا وفي عددها الأول 335 قصيدة هايكو، ومن 45 دولة فهو الإنجاز المبني على الايجابية والعمل وترك التنظير والانشغال بالأشخاص دون النصوص ...
الجمعية الثقافية الباكستانية اليابانية وبالتعاون مع سفارة إمبراطورية اليابان/ اسلام آباد والرائعة حفصة أشرف Hifsa Ashraf شكرا لكم على الجهد المقدر .. وإني سعيد جدا بهذه المشاركة ... وأدعو الجميع للمشاركة في هذه التظاهرة الثقافية الهايكوية بامتياز .
