Matsuo Bashō (1644–1694) is an important name in Japanese literature. He is famous for his haikus, which are short poems that express deep feelings. His poetry shows how closely we are linked to nature. Here are some key points about his work:

1. Nature is a Main Topic:

   • About 70% of Bashō's poems talk about nature.
   • He often mentioned seasons to show how people feel.

2. Simple Yet Deep:

   • Bashō believed that simple words can hold strong ideas.
   • In his well-known work, "The Narrow Road to the Deep North," he tells travel stories while describing nature beautifully.
   • His haikus use clear images that leave a big impact.

3. Influence of Zen:

   • Bashō was influenced by Zen Buddhism, which focuses on being in harmony with nature.
   • He captured the idea of "mono no aware," which means the beauty of things that don’t last. This idea shows how quickly nature can change.

In short, nature is at the heart of Bashō's poetry. It reflects human feelings and spirituality, showing how significant nature is in Japanese literature.