Origins & Early Life

Ihara Saikaku (井原 西鶴) (Japanese pronunciation: [i.ha.ɾa saꜜi.ka.kɯ, iꜜ.ha.ɾa | saꜜi.ka.kɯ], 1642 – September 9, 1693) was a Japanese poet and creator of the "floating world" genre of Japanese prose (ukiyo-zōshi). His born name may have been Hirayama Tōgo (平山藤五), the son of a wealthy merchant in Osaka, and he first studied haikai poetry under a follower of Matsunaga Teitoku and later studied under Nishiyama Sōin of the Danrin school of poetry, which emphasized comic linked verse. Scholars have described numerous extraordinary feats of solo haikai composition at one sitting; most famously, over the course of a single day and night in 1677 Saikaku is known to have composed 1,600 haikai verses and an amazing 23,500 verses in a single day and night in 1684. Later in life he began writing racy accounts of the financial and amorous affairs of the merchant class and the demimonde.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

These stories catered to the whims of the newly prominent merchant class, whose tastes of entertainment leaned toward the arts and pleasure districts. Ihara Saikaku was born in 1642 into a well-off merchant family in Osaka. From the age of fifteen he composed haikai no renga (linked verse). In 1662...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Cardinal Richelieu — Contemporary (Died in 1642) (1642): Powerful French statesman who centralized royal authority and checked Habsburg power.
• Galileo Galilei — Contemporary (Died in 1642) (1642): Father of observational astronomy and modern science.
• Guido Reni — Contemporary (Died in 1642) (1642): Master of the Italian Baroque, renowned for classical religious paintings.
• Madame de La Fayette — Contemporary (Died in 1693) (1693): Pioneering French novelist, author of La Princesse de Clèves, a literary landmark.
• Mehmed IV — Contemporary (Died in 1693) (1693): Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, known as Mehmed the Hunter, who reigned from 1648 to 1687.
• Zera Yacob (philosopher) — Contemporary (Died in 1693) (1693): Ethiopian philosopher renowned for 'Hatata' exploring reason and tolerance.
• Adam Sandler — Shared historical date (09-09 · Born) (1966): Acclaimed comedian and actor known for his prolific career in Hollywood comedy.
• Ahmad Shah Massoud — Shared historical date (09-09 · Died) (2001): Afghan military leader, known as the "Lion of Panjshir", fought against foreign occupations.
• Hâfiz Osman — Historical peer (Born in 1642) (1642): Master Ottoman calligrapher renowned for script refinement and hilye layout.
• Isaac Newton — Historical peer (Born in 1642) (1642): English polymath whose work established classical mechanics and modern science.
• 1642 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1642
• 1693 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1693
• September 9 (09-09) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on September 9