One kigo is used in a conventional Japanese haiku. Discussion See the list below. Kigo Ji Yu is a term (GO Yu) that denotes the season (KI Ji) in which the haiku is set. This is an abbreviation for kisetsu no kotoba Ji Jie noYan Xie, which translates as seasonal word, seasonal phrase, and seasonal expression. The kigo is what gives meaning and direction to the poem. There are five classes of kigo: natural objects, places, feelings, states of mind, and ideas. Each has its own unique qualities that influence how it can be used in a haiku. Natural objects include things such as trees, stones, and waterfalls. Places can be found in nature or human-made structures such as temples and gardens. Feelings are emotions such as joy, sadness, anger, and fear. These can be experienced directly by someone or observed by others. States of mind include thoughts and beliefs. These can be positive or negative and may not be apparent right away. Ideas can be anything from a concept to a proverb. They can give direction to the poet who is exploring his/her imagination to create something new. All kigos play an important role in helping the reader understand the context of the poem. In general, the more specific the kigo is, the better. This will help the reader connect with the poem more deeply. Here, the tree is the kigo because it represents nature at its most beautiful.