Hakone Estate and Gardens Hosts Free Reading by Renowned Haiku-Master Shijin July 29

REDWOOD CITY-WOODSIDE, CA - From Hakone Estate and Gardens: Hakone Estate and Gardens - one of the oldest Japanese gardens in the Western Hemisphere – invites the public to hear renowned Haiku Master Shijin do an exclusive reading of his book “Eighty-Eight Lost Haiku” on Saturday, July 29, 2017 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The book features recently found Haiku by Shijin (Peter Coe Verbica), a former Hakone Foundation Trustee, whose masterpiece contains both the English text as well as the Japanese translation on facing pages in this single edition. Shijin will read from the book as well as answer questions from the audience. He will also sign copies of the book, which will be available for purchase for $20.

“Shijin masters the essence of haiku,” said Lon Saavedra, former Hakone executive director. “To experience his poetry is to be transformed."

Haiku poems consists of three lines, with the first and last lines having 5 moras --a sound unit much like a syllable but is not identical to it -- and the middle line having 7.

The event also offers the opportunity to see the recently launched finale exhibit for Hakone’s 2015-17 centennial celebrations, which commemorate the three-year process of creating Hakone 100 years ago from inspiration to completion. “Hakone, From Private Estate to Public Garden” features the story of the last owners of Hakone, a partnership of six couples who operated Hakone from 1961-1966 as a private retreat while stewarding its preservation.

The event is free with admission, which costs $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors (kids under 5 are free). For event tickets, more information on Hakone’s fascinating history and other upcoming programs visit www.Hakone.com.

Image via Hakone Estate and Gardens