Saijiki

A saijiki (歳時記) is a Japanese reference book, typically used in the composition of haiku and other forms of seasonal poetry. It catalogs kigo (季語), or seasonal words, organizing them by season (spring, summer, autumn, winter, and New Year's) and further subdivided by topic within each season.

The saijiki is an essential tool for haiku poets because it provides a comprehensive listing of accepted kigo, indicating the specific season to which each word belongs. Using a kigo correctly is considered a key element of traditional haiku composition. The saijiki not only lists the words but often includes brief explanations or connotations associated with each seasonal term, aiding the poet in selecting the most appropriate kigo for their intended meaning.

While primarily associated with haiku, the saijiki can also be helpful for writing other forms of Japanese poetry and prose where seasonal awareness is important. The organization and content of a saijiki can vary, but generally includes nature words (plants, animals, weather phenomena), seasonal activities, festivals, and other cultural associations linked to specific times of the year.