The Meaning of "Hekigan"

On the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Path near Shiramineji Temple

When I first came to Japan, I traveled the pilgrimage route associated with the famed Oku no Hosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Deep North), a travel diary which was written by Matsuo Basho, who is known as the father of haiku poetry. Since then, I have continued my journey with haiku, writing in both English and Japanese. My haiku teacher gave me the haiku pen name “Hekigan,” which means “Blue Eyes,” so that I could participate in authentic haiku gatherings with other haiku poets.

I have published some of my older haiku and haibun (travel diaries that include haiku written between sections of prose) on the following blog for your enjoyment!

https://hekigan.blogspot.com/