Buson, also called Yosa Buson, original surname Taniguchi, (born 1716, Kema, Settsu province, Japan—died Jan. 17, 1784, Kyoto), Japanese painter of distinction but even more renowned as one of the great haiku poets.

Buson came of a wealthy family but chose to leave it behind to pursue a career in the arts. He traveled extensively in northeastern Japan and studied haiku under several masters, among them Hayano Hajin, whom he eulogized in Hokuju Rosen wo itonamu (1745; “Homage to Hokuju Rosen”).

In 1751 he settled in Kyoto as a professional painter, remaining there for most of his life. He did, however, spend three years (1754–57) in Yosa, Tango province, a region noted for its scenic beauty. There he worked intensively ...