1. Who is Matsuo Basho? List down 3 significant events in his life. 2. What is Ubasute? 3. Write 2 comparisons between Japan & Philippines about caring for the elderly.
Answer (1)
Who is Matsuo Basho? Matsuo Basho was a famous Japanese poet, best known for his haiku poems. He lived during the Edo period and is often considered the greatest master of haiku. Here are three significant events in his life:
1644 : Matsuo Basho was born in Ueno, Iga Province, Japan. His original name was Matsuo Kinsaku.
1679 : Basho's fame as a haiku poet started to grow following the publication of several well-received poems.
1684-1694 : Basho undertook a series of travels across Japan, during which he wrote 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North,' considered one of his most important works.
What is Ubasute? Ubasute is a legendary practice in Japan, which involved the abandonment of an elderly or infirm person in desolate places like mountains. It was often depicted in folklore, where a family leaves an aged relative to die, primarily due to economic hardships.
Comparisons between Japan & Philippines about caring for the elderly:
Family Structure : In Japan, the family traditionally plays a significant role in caring for the elderly, though this is changing due to modernization. Likewise, the Philippines places a high value on family, where the elderly often live with their children or extended family.
Government Support : Japan has a well-structured system of government support for the elderly, with various programs and pensions in place to assist them. In comparison, the Philippines is actively working on improving its systems, but currently, government support may not be as extensive as in Japan.
