Haiku for Soulmates – Now in The Museum of Haiku Literature and Bashō Museum

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An Official Report from Tokyo by Hikari

On June 22, I had the immense honor of meeting with the President of the Association of Haiku Poets—the largest and most prestigious haiku organization in Japan, which operates The Museum of Haiku Literature—as well as the Director of its International Affairs Division.

On this momentous occasion, I formally presented and donated a permanent copy of Haiku for Soulmates on behalf of the press.

The President of the Association, Mr. Kenzo Nomura (能村研三氏), is one of Japan’s most distinguished living haiku masters. Likewise, Ms. Masako Kakutani (角谷昌子氏), Director of International Affairs, is a nationally recognized poet who has dedicated her life’s work to the global expansion of the art form. Opportunities to meet with cultural leaders of this magnitude are extraordinarily rare, and I wish to express my deepest gratitude for being granted such a precious audience.

(Photo: On the left is President Nomura; on the right is Director Kakutani, holding “Haiku for Soulmates” alongside Gabriela Marie Milton’s Woman of the month featured article in B.R.A.V.O Magazine)

1. In Conversation with President Nomura and Director Kakutani

During our meeting, I explained that Haiku for Soulmates is now distributed across 150 countries and features 200 contributors, each an accomplished author and professional in their respective fields.

Director Kakutani examined the archival volume with great care, pausing thoughtfully at each contributor’s name. She remarked on her deep respect for Western poets, noting that they hold some of the most revered positions among contemporary artists, and expressed a profound interest in the backgrounds of our authors.

Both President Nomura and Director Kakutani warmly praised Gabriela’s remarkable achievement in uniting poets from every corner of the world into a single, cohesive masterpiece.

2. Original Cover Artwork to Be Exhibited at The Museum of Haiku Literature

In a magnificent development, the original fine art piece used for the cover of Haiku for Soulmates—personally selected by Gabriela to symbolize a bridge connecting the hearts of 200 international contributors—will be officially exhibited at The Museum of Haiku Literature. To have this visual centerpiece displayed within such a revered institution is an extraordinary milestone.

3. Archival Honors at the Basho Museum & Educational Integration

Because Director Kakutani is deeply committed to the growth of English-language haiku, she has graciously arranged to archive three of Literary Revelations’ landmark anthologies—Petals of Haiku: An Anthology, Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku, and Haiku for Soulmates—at the historic Basho Museum (芭蕉記念館) in Tokyo.

Furthermore, she shared that these three volumes will be adopted as official teaching materials for elite haiku workshops in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture—the birthplace of the legendary haiku reformer Masaoka Shiki (1867–1902).

This means the voices of all our participants will not only be preserved in the birthplace of haiku, but will actively inspire and guide the next generation of Japanese master poets. I extend my most heartfelt congratulations to every contributor.

Finally, I want to express my sincere thanks to President Nomura and Director Kakutani for generously granting this audience and welcoming me as Gabriela Marie Milton’s representative.

Institutional Notes & Context

• President Kenzo Nomura（能村研三理事長） A master poet who has published numerous canonical collections, including Kamiau (“神鵜”), and the recipient of multiple prestigious literary awards. He also serves as the President of the Haiku UNESCO Promotion Council, leading the global initiative to register haiku as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. His father, Mr. Toshiro Nomura（能村登四郎氏）, was a legendary haiku master decorated with The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays (“勲四等瑞宝章”).
• Director Masako Kakutani（角谷昌子理事） An acclaimed poet and critic whose published collections include Underground Water Veins (“地下水脈”). She is a recipient of the prestigious Haijin Kyokai Criticism Prize and spearheads the international development and global footprint of the craft.
• The Association of Haiku Poets（公益社団法人俳人協会） The definitive and largest organization dedicated to the preservation, evolution, and dissemination of haiku culture in Japan. The Museum of Haiku Literature, curated by the Association, stands as the world’s only comprehensive archival research center dedicated exclusively to the medium. As of 2025, it permanently houses Petals of Haiku and Tranquility.

Reported by Hikari.

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Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Gabriela Marie Milton
Author and Founder of literary Revelations

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OUR BOOKS – BUY ON AMAZON

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1. Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power in Japanese Art
2. Fine art Photography: Lullscapes in Light and Shadow
3. Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku 
4. Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas 
5. Full Moon Confessions: Poetry by Tracey Anne
6. Petals of Haiku: An Anthology 
7. Hidden in Childhood: A Poetry Anthology
8. Echoes Lost in Stars: Poems by PS Conway
9. Love, Stars, and Paradigms: Poems by Swarn Gill
10. Building Sandcastles by C.X. Turner and James Welsh  
11. Greenlandos by Virginia Witch

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