Iida Ryuta

Place: Yamanashi Prefecture

Born: 1920

Death: 2007

Biography:

Iida Ryuta was a Japanese haiku poet born on July 10, 1920, in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. He passed away on February 25, 2007, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most celebrated haiku poets of his time. Iida Ryuta was the son of Dakotsu Iida, also a renowned haiku poet.

Early Life and Education

Ryuta suffered from poor health in his childhood and was brought up by his grandmother. He attended Sakaigawa elementary school, where he developed a fondness for reading, particularly novels by Leo Tolstoy. After completing his education, Ryuta went on to graduate from university in 1947 with a thesis about Matsuo Bashō, a famous Japanese poet.

Career and Achievements

Ryuta began his career as a rice farmer and later worked as a journalist. In 1951, he started working as a librarian at the library of Yamanashi prefecture in Kōfu city. He eventually embarked on a new career as a creative writer, with his first book being published in 1954. Ryuta took an active part in the Modern Haiku Movement and won several awards, including the Yamanaki Literary Prize in 1956 and the Modern Haiku Association Award in 1957. Ryuta's work was not only limited to haiku poetry. He also worked as a columnist for the local newspaper Mica, writing articles since the end of the Second World War. After his father's passing in 1962, Ryuta took over as the editor of the prestigious haiku magazine Unmo. In 1969, he was awarded the 20th Yomiuri Literary Prize.

Legacy and Impact

Ryuta's contributions to Japanese literature are immense. He is regarded as one of the best haiku poets of the 20th century. His work has been recognized globally, with his complete works being published in ten volumes by Kadokawa Shoten Publishing in 2005.

• Iida Ryuta's biography can be found on Wikioo.org, which provides a comprehensive overview of his life and work.
• His haiku poetry is characterized by its simplicity, depth, and emotional resonance, making him a beloved figure in Japanese literature.
• Ryuta's legacy continues to inspire new generations of poets and writers, cementing his place as one of the most important figures in modern Japanese literature.

In conclusion, Iida Ryuta was a talented haiku poet who left an indelible mark on Japanese literature. His contributions continue to be celebrated, and his legacy serves as an inspiration for writers and poets around the world.