72nd Matsushima Basho Festival & National Haiku Convention

About this event

The "Matsushima Basho Festival and National Haiku Convention" is held to commemorate the anniversary of the haiku master Matsuo Basho and to pray for further recovery of disaster-affected areas. It will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026 (Reiwa 8), with the Basho Festival at the Zuigan-ji Temple Main Hall at 10:00 AM and the Haiku Convention at the Matsushima Town Cultural Tourism Exchange Center Hall from 1:00 PM. Participants of the Haiku Convention can attend the Basho Memorial Service in the Main Hall of Zuigan-ji Temple, a National Treasure (seating is limited). Renowned haiku poets will serve as judges, including Maya Okusaka, Iwai Tsukushi, Mutsuo Takano, Kazuko Narita, Mutsumi Nishiyama, Kane Sakauchi, and Seiichiro Watanabe. Haiku submissions are 1,000 yen per set of 3 verses and must be unpublished works. The submission deadline is Thursday, September 10 (postmarked on the day; online submissions accepted until 23:59). On the day of the convention, on-the-spot single verse submissions close at 12:30 PM, and the same-day admission fee is 1,500 yen. Participants receive admission to view Zuigan-ji Temple, the Treasure House, and the Kanrantei / Matsushima Museum. A shuttle bus between Zuigan-ji Temple and the Matsushima Town Cultural Tourism Exchange Center will also operate. Awards will be presented including the Matsushima Town Mayor's Award, Miyagi Prefecture Governor's Award, Miyagi Prefectural Board of Education Superintendent's Award, Miyagi Haiku Association Award, and Judges' Awards.

Venue

Zuigan-ji Temple Main Hall

91 Chonai, Matsushima-machi, Miyagi-gun, Miyagi 981-0213