Matsuo Bashô
Born 1644 
Died 1694
Not much is known about Matsuo Basho's early life. His father, Matsuo Yozaemon, was probably a low-ranking samurai who was a farmer during peacetime. Basho had not at first intended to make a lifetime career from his haiku poetry. Following in his father's footsteps he became a Samurai given the name Matsuo Munefusa.
In 1666 the tragic event of his master and close friend Yoshitada dying led Basho's future of a Samurai to be abandoned. He left his home in Ueno to become a wanderer and a traveller on a voyage of personal discovery where he found enlightment with his poetry.
Basho is considered one of the early masters of the Haiku. His Haiku is simplistic, yet they reflect his meditation on the life going on around him. Using nature in many of his themes Basho brought to haiku "the Way of Elegance" (fuga-no-michi)
He was born Matsuo Kinsaku and took up his poetic name after the banana tree which grew near Edo his home town later and where he died in November 24th 1694 after travelling and writing for most of his life.
Biography by Leeta
Submitted on 12.22.02