The Art of Japanese Burnout: Corporate Poetry

Japanese poetry is often associated with cherry blossoms, quiet contemplation, and fleeting beauty. But another poetic tradition—senryū—turns its gaze toward something far more ordinary: people. In this episode, we explore the history of senryū, a form of short Japanese poetry that captures the humor, absurdity, and quiet tragedies of everyday life. From its roots in Edo-period literary culture to the modern Salaryman Senryū Contest, these deceptively simple verses reveal a surprising portrait of contemporary society. Along the way, we'll discuss burnout, corporate culture, aging, and why a handful of three-line poems can feel more devastating than some dystopian novels. Sometimes the most unsettling stories aren't set in the far future. Sometimes they're written on the evening commute home. Warning: This episode may cause unexpected reflection on work-life balance, mortality, and the emotional significance of heated toilet seats.