Research Article
End-of-life Planning and Well-being in Bashō's "Oku No Hosomichi": A Structural Analysis Using PlantUML C4 Models
Osamu Okumura*,
Shuichi Ōhashi
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-16
Received:
12 November 2025
Accepted:
27 November 2025
Published:
29 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.llc.20260201.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This research examines three haiku from Matsuo Bashō's masterwork Oku no Hosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Deep North): "Inochi futatsu no naka ni ikitaru sakura kana" (Living within two lives-the cherry blossoms), "Hamaguri no futami ni wakare yuku aki zo" (Like a clam's shell at Futami, we part as autumn departs), and "Araumi ya Sado ni yokotau Amanogawa" (Turbulent seas-stretching toward Sado, the Milky Way). We employ PlantUML C4 models to conduct a structural analysis of these haiku. By applying the four abstraction layers of the C4 model (Context, Container, Component, and Code) to haiku interpretation, we systematically visualize the elements of end-of-life contemplation (shūkatsu) and well-being embedded within these poems. Our analysis reveals common themes across all three haiku: acceptance of the duality of life and death, re-recognition of relationships, and transcendence through devotion to nature-all core elements of spiritual well-being in the context of preparing for life's end. This methodology demonstrates the potential to rediscover the contemporary value of classical literature and suggests applications for practical end-of-life support. The findings provide a structured framework for understanding how poetic forms can encapsulate profound existential insights, offering valuable perspectives for both literary studies and contemporary well-being practices.
Abstract: This research examines three haiku from Matsuo Bashō's masterwork Oku no Hosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Deep North): "Inochi futatsu no naka ni ikitaru sakura kana" (Living within two lives-the cherry blossoms), "Hamaguri no futami ni wakare yuku aki zo" (Like a clam's shell at Futami, we part as autumn departs), and "Araumi ya Sado ni yokotau A...
Show More
Case Report
Structural Analysis of Well-being Concepts in Matsuo Bashō's Haiku: An Interdisciplinary Approach Using PlantUML C4 Model and DEMATEL Method
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
17-42
Received:
14 November 2025
Accepted:
26 November 2025
Published:
29 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.llc.20260201.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: In modern society, the pursuit of well-being (WB) has become a crucial issue. This study aims to analytically elucidate the structure of WB concepts inherent in Japanese classical literature, particularly Matsuo Bashō's haiku, by applying engineering and mathematical methods. Specifically, using representative haiku by Bashō as the object of analysis, we model the psychological and philosophical elements underlying them as system components. We then utilize the "PlantUML C4 Model," used in software architecture description, to comprehensively visualize the components of WB concepts. Furthermore, we apply the "DEMATEL method (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory)," one of the multi-criteria decision analysis techniques, to quantitatively identify causal relationships and influence levels among elements. This enables us to propose a multi-layered WB conceptual model unique to Japanese culture, encompassing "harmony with nature," "paradoxical integration of emotions," and "sustainable fulfillment through introspection" as demonstrated in Bashō's haiku. This research suggests possibilities for interdisciplinary fusion between classical literary studies and systems engineering, and contributes to the spiritual richness of modern people by presenting a new perspective on WB based on Eastern thought.
Abstract: In modern society, the pursuit of well-being (WB) has become a crucial issue. This study aims to analytically elucidate the structure of WB concepts inherent in Japanese classical literature, particularly Matsuo Bashō's haiku, by applying engineering and mathematical methods. Specifically, using representative haiku by Bashō as the object of analys...
Show More
