ABOUT WORLD HAIKU REVIEW

Dear Kuyu,

The next issue is planned for Summer/Autumn 2008 (the publication date is not decided) and it will continue to be focused mainly on haiku and/or about haiku. However, if works of other genres are submitted they can be included if they are exceptionally good. We drastically simplified the contents of call for submission:

As for haiku poems in English or in English translation, send in by e-mail anything you like, traditional or untraditional and up to ten poems, which have not been published or are not planned to be published elsewhere at: kalaramesh8@gmail.com

AND    worldhaikureview@gmail.com 

The only criterion for selection is quality. 

We will put selected haiku poems in either the Neo-classical, Shintai (new style) or Vanguard sections according to their characteristics. You need not worry about this classification. Just write whatever haiku your muse dictates, choose the best and send them to us.

As for other works relating to haiku (haibun, articles, essays or bookreviews on haiku etc.), just send in whatever you think would deserve publication in WHR. Once again, quality is the key. I will mention some indications about our selection below for those who may be interested to know them.

We wish to continue to endeavour to present a unique haiku magazine which, while deeply rooted in tradition, is full of new ideas, innovative features or critical views. It will continue to aim at the highest standards and top quality as before.

Kengin to all,

Susumu Takiguchi
Managing Editor and Acting Editor-in-Chief, World Haiku Review
Chairman, The World Haiku Club



INDICATIONS FOR HAIKU SELECTION

THOSE LIKELY TO BE REJECTED

1 Hackneyed, clichés, imitative or derivative;
2 'So what?' haiku;
3 Too short to be good;
4 Made artificially vague or unintelligible (false 'yugen');
5 Gimmicky as opposed to real skills;
6 Bad English;
7 Template-like, or ticking-box-kind factory haiku;

THOSE LIKELY TO BE ACCEPTED

1 New and/or original;
2 Have something to say;
3 Reflecting poetic truths, sincerity and honesty;
4 Coming from your heart and soul;
5 Based on your real and deep experiences;
6 If products of your imagination, true, fine and deep at that;
7 Transcending rules & regulations and yet good;
8 Good choice and order of words;
9 Have good rhythm;
10 Pictorial and/or musical and other sensory feel;
11 Have some sense of humour;
12 Reflecting the grasp of the essence of haiku (a sense of brevity, humour, somewhat detached view or karumi)



INDICATIONS FOR SELECTION OF OTHER WORKS

Basically, many things about haiku would apply to them as well. Additionally:

THOSE LIKELY TO BE REJECTED

1 Repeating what others have said many times;
2 Trapped by and subservient to rules and regulations;
3 Uncritical parroting of received views or conventional wisdom;

THOSE LIKELY TO BE ACCEPTED

1 Critical (the more so, the better);
2 Innovative;
3 New contributions to the understanding of haiku;