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A browser-based japanese haiku & tanka rhythm checker tool. No data sent to server.

📘 How to Use

  1. {'Select the poem format': 'Haiku (5-7-5) or Tanka (5-7-5-7-7).'}
  2. Enter the text for each line and an optional author name.
  3. Click "Download Image" to save your poem as a vertically-oriented PNG.

Japanese Haiku & Tanka Rhythm Checker

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info How to count syllables (Mora)

Small characters like "ya", "yu", "yo" are not counted as a single syllable but combined with the previous character. Long vowels, small "tsu", and "n" are each counted as one syllable. For non-Japanese text, normal characters are counted.

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Haiku & Tanka Image Maker | 5-7-5 Syllable Counter & Vertical Text Generator

This online tool helps you compose traditional Japanese Haiku and Tanka by checking the classic 5-7-5 syllable structure in real-time. Once your poem is ready, you can instantly generate a beautiful, shareable image with an authentic vertical text layout.

💡 Tool Overview

  • Haiku & Tanka Modes: Easily switch between the 3-line Haiku (5-7-5) and 5-line Tanka (5-7-5-7-7) formats.
  • Real-time Syllable Count: Automatically counts Japanese "mora" (syllables) as you type, providing instant feedback (Perfect, Short, or Extra) to help you maintain the correct rhythm.
  • Vertical Text Image Generation: Instantly creates a high-quality PNG image of your poem, written vertically from right to left, mimicking traditional Japanese aesthetics.
  • Author Attribution: Add your name or pen name to be elegantly displayed on the final image.
  • Browser-Side Processing: Your creative work is private. All text input and image generation happen entirely within your browser and are never sent to a server.

🧐 Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How does the syllable counting work for English text?

A. The counter is specifically designed for the Japanese phonetic system ("mora"). For English, it primarily counts characters while ignoring spaces and punctuation. While not a true English syllable counter, it can still be used to maintain a consistent length and rhythm for each line when creating Haiku-inspired poetry in English.

Q. Can I customize the font or background of the image?

A. The tool currently uses a classic, elegant Japanese serif font (similar to "Mincho") on a clean white background to evoke a traditional aesthetic. Customization options for fonts and backgrounds are not available.

📚 Did You Know? The Rhythm of Haiku: Mora vs. Syllables

The classic 5-7-5 structure of Haiku and Tanka is not based on syllables as understood in English, but on a Japanese phonetic unit called mora (音, on). A mora is a unit of sound timing. For instance, a long vowel like the 'ō' in "Tōkyō" counts as two morae (To-o-kyo-o = 4 morae), whereas in English it's one syllable. Similarly, the small "tsu" (っ), which indicates a pause, and the final "n" (ん) each count as one full mora. This subtle difference is why a 17-mora Haiku can feel rhythmically different from a 17-syllable English poem. This tool's counter embraces the mora system, making it an authentic aid for composing Japanese poetry.