KARACHI, Mar 31: The 21st Haiku mushaira was held by the Japan Cultural Centre of the Consulate General of Japan in collaboration with the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association and Danishgah (Association for Retarded Children).

As many as 40 poets, most of them well-known, enthralled the audience at the tranquil literary event. It was, in the words of the deputy consul-general of Japan, aimed at bringing the lovers of Pakistan and Japan together on one platform and let them share their views, the organizers said in a press statement here on Wednesday.

Haiku is a delicate form of poetry and has always maintained a status of distinguished traditional element of Japan's native culture. It is a unique way of expressing deepest emotions in a softest manner leaving the conclusion to the listener's comprehension and depth of sensuous perception.

In a short time the local poets have endeared themselves to the literary circles in Japan and Pakistan which has brought both countries much closer. Aftab Ahmed Khan, president of Anjuman Taraqqi-i-Urdu, was the chief guest on the occasion.

The Urdu translation and interpretation of selected Japanese Haiku poetry by eminent poets was presented on the occasion as well as original Urdu Haiku.

In his welcome address, the deputy consul-general of Japan, Hitoshi Neki, expressed his gratitude to the chief guest, the poets, Fatima Surraiya Bajia, president of the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association, Sindh, and the president of Danishgah, Dr Nusrat Riaz Awan, and other distinguished guests for showing interest in Japanese poetry and lending great support in making the evening a success.

Mr Neki further observed that Haiku required our purest and most profound spiritual appreciation as it portrayed a whole eastern world of religious and poetic experience. - APP