Lovely senior life

Brain training with spring kigo! A collection of ideas for common words you can use in haiku and conversation

Brain training with spring kigo! A collection of ideas for common words you can use in haiku and conversation

Last updated:2026/3/16

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.

When you feel the arrival of spring, certain seasonal words naturally slip off the tongue, don’t they? The “seasonal words of spring,” which can be casually woven into haiku, letters, and everyday conversation, are filled with a uniquely Japanese sense of beauty.

In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of commonly used spring kigo.

From familiar expressions to surprising discoveries that make you think, “Is that a seasonal word too?”, you’ll find plenty of hints for savoring the season.

Try incorporating them into your daily life.

Brain training with spring kigo! A collection of ideas for common words you can use in haiku and conversation (1–10)

Japanese kerriaNEW!

Haiku Stroll, Vol. 5: Savor haiku like moving images. Let’s appreciate haiku about kerria (spring). Matsuo Basho, Masaoka Shiki, Minayoshi So’u, Takano Suju 20220409 060503 817

Japanese kerriaNEW!

It refers to small wild herbs and shrubs that bloom with vivid yellow flowers in spring.

They blossom in mountain villages, along rivers, and by roadsides, and their modest yet eye-catching hue conveys the brightness and joy of spring.

In haiku, the word is often used to express the arrival of spring, the breath of life, and the colors of nature shining in gentle sunlight.

If you look at kerria blooming by the roadside, or picture the flowers swaying in the wind and the yellow glowing in soft light as you write, a springlike scene will naturally unfold.

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spring soilNEW!

[Haiku Stroll • No. 165] Spring mud / spring soil (spring kigo) — brimming with the true intent of the season word: the joy of welcoming spring!

spring soilNEW!

It’s a word that describes the earth loosening after being frozen through the winter, the soil turning soft.

As the snow melts and the sun warms the ground, you can sense a gradual warmth and dampness, and a hint of life spreads as if grasses and flowers are preparing to sprout.

In haiku, it’s often used to express the arrival of spring, the beginning of new life, and nature awakening.

You might gently feel the change of seasons by saying, “Even the soil in the fields has become spring soil.” When you use it while picturing the softness underfoot and nature waiting to bud, a springlike scene naturally unfolds.

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spring mountainNEW!

“Spring Mountain” Large-Print Haiku [Spring Season Word]

spring mountainNEW!

These are words that describe a spring mountain scene where the winter snow is gradually melting and fresh greens and buds begin to appear on the slopes.

There may still be a faint trace of winter, but the sunlight and the air clearly carry the gentleness of spring, giving the whole mountain the feeling of slowly coming back to life.

In haiku, it is often used to depict the arrival of spring, nature’s awakening, and quiet, peaceful landscapes.

If you use it in conversation while picturing the budding of mountains and trees, a springlike scene will naturally unfold.

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Spring DayNEW!

Haiku and kigo “spring day” [spring kigo]

Spring DayNEW!

It’s a phrase that describes a calm day wrapped in the gentle sunshine of spring.

The sharp chill of winter eases, and the light feels warmly softened.

Step outside and even the air is tender—you might feel your heart loosen and relax.

In haiku, it’s often used to evoke tranquil scenery and the quiet flow of springtime.

It’s a word that gently conveys the season’s kindness.

Picture bright light that makes you want to take a walk and a laid‑back state of mind, then try putting that feeling into words.

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Spring StarNEW!

Haiku and the Seasonal Word “Spring Stars” [Spring Seasonal Word]

Spring StarNEW!

It’s a gentle expression for the stars seen in the spring night sky.

Unlike the sharp brilliance of winter constellations, spring’s hazier air makes the stars feel calmer and softer.

In haiku, it’s often used to evoke the quiet atmosphere of a spring night and the unhurried flow of time.

It’s also nice to enjoy a relaxed conversation while gazing up at the night sky, imagining spring’s tranquil air and stillness.

Put into words, the sense of the season comes through naturally.

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