Taro Aizu of Japan is widely regarded in multicultural literary circles as a poet editor and global cultural mediator whose work transforms personal history into a shared human narrative. Born in 1954 in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture and now living in Ito near Tokyo he carries the memory of his homeland into a body of poetry that spans Japanese English and French and reaches readers across continents. His long dedication to gogyoshi and gogyohka reflects a commitment to concise forms that distill emotion memory and ecological awareness into luminous moments. Critics often observe that his voice blends regional rootedness with planetary consciousness allowing local landscapes to resonate with universal meaning.
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The events of March 2011 marked a defining moment in his literary journey when the earthquake tsunami and nuclear disaster struck Fukushima. His trilingual volume My Fukushima emerged as both testimony and healing gesture and gained remarkable global participation through translations by readers and fellow poets across social media networks reaching twenty languages. His Takizakura gogyoshi extended even further into thirty five languages demonstrating how poetry can mobilize international solidarity through grassroots collaboration. Multicultural press coverage frequently highlights this phenomenon as an example of participatory translation where community engagement becomes part of the creative process and where a regional tragedy is transformed into a shared global reflection on resilience and renewal.
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Beyond authorship Taro Aizu has played a significant role as an editor and compiler shaping the international presence of gogyoshi. Since 2019 he has produced successive anthologies of World Gogyoshi bringing together poets from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds and establishing a platform for cross cultural dialogue. His publications including The Lovely Earth La Terre Précieuse This Precious Earth and Our Lovely Earth created with Indian poet Dr Sigma Sathish reveal an enduring thematic concern for the planet and humanity’s responsibility toward it. Through these works he positions poetry as an ethical practice that fosters empathy environmental awareness and intercultural understanding.
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His influence extends into interdisciplinary collaboration where his poems have inspired exhibitions and performances across Europe Asia and South America including events in the Netherlands Brazil Germany Portugal Spain France South Korea and Macedonia. Collaborative concerts in Japan and international art projects demonstrate how his work moves fluidly between text image and sound creating a living network of artistic exchange. Honors from international festivals and literary organizations including awards in Japan the Philippines Macedonia and Greece affirm his standing within the global poetry community. Viewed through a multicultural lens Taro Aizu represents a model of contemporary literary citizenship whose writing editing and collaborative initiatives continue to build bridges across languages cultures and artistic forms.
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AWARDS
First Prize, 28th All Japan Modern Haiku Competition, Japan, 1991
Special Prize, 2nd Love Poems Competition, Japan, 1991
Three gogyoshi selected for TAKE FIVE Best Contemporary Tanka Volume 4, USA, 2012
Poet Laureate Award, Philippines, 2013
International Excellent Poet Award, Japan, 2014
Literary Career Award, Ditet e Naimit International Poetry Festival, Macedonia, 2015
Award of the Poem, Heraklion, Greece, 2016
ACHIEVEMENTS
Wrote gogyoshi and gogyohka in Japanese for over 12 years and in English and French for 6 years
Published My Fukushima in Japanese English and French following the 2011 Fukushima disaster
My Fukushima translated into 20 languages by global literary community
Takizakura gogyoshi translated into 35 languages through international collaboration
Inspired art exhibitions in Netherlands Brazil Germany Portugal Spain France South Korea Macedonia Belgium UK and Korea between 2012 and 2018
Invited guest and award recipient at international poetry festival Ditet e Naimit in Macedonia, 2015
Co published haiku collection Our Lovely Earth with Indian poet Dr Sigma Sathish, 2016
Compiler and editor of World Gogyoshi anthology series since 2019
Founder figure in global promotion of Gogyoshi Art Project International exhibitions
Collaborative poetry concerts held in Japan including Inawashiro Aizuwakamatsu Tokyo and Kanagawa
WORLD GOGYOSHI ANTHOLOGY SERIES
The First Anthology of World Gogyoshi, 2019
The 2nd Anthology of World Gogyoshi, 2020
The 3rd Anthology of World Gogyoshi, 2021
The 4th Anthology of World Gogyoshi, 2022
The 5th Anthology of World Gogyoshi, 2023
The 6th Anthology of World Gogyoshi, 2024
The 7th Anthology of World Gogyoshi, 2025
The 8th Anthology of World Gogyoshi, 2026 (forthcoming)
Gogyoshi is a contemporary poetic form that distills thought and emotion into five concise lines, yet within this brevity it offers remarkable depth, flexibility, and cross cultural adaptability. Originating in Japan and shaped through modern practice, gogyoshi differs from traditional syllabic forms such as haiku and tanka by freeing the poet from strict syllable counts while preserving a disciplined economy of language. Each line functions as a unit of perception, allowing images, reflections, and emotional shifts to unfold in quiet progression rather than in a single moment of revelation. This structure makes the form especially suited to contemporary themes including ecological awareness, displacement, memory, technological change, and spiritual inquiry, while still retaining the contemplative spirit associated with Japanese poetics. In international contexts gogyoshi has become a bridge form because it is easily translatable and adaptable across languages, enabling poets from diverse traditions to participate without losing their linguistic identity. The work of Taro Aizu has been central to this global expansion as both practitioner and editor, promoting the form through multilingual publications, world anthologies, collaborative exhibitions, and community translation projects that invite participation from poets, artists, and readers worldwide. Through these efforts gogyoshi has evolved from a national innovation into a shared global practice that encourages clarity, emotional resonance, and intercultural dialogue. Its five line architecture invites both discipline and freedom, allowing poets to juxtapose stillness and movement, personal memory and collective history, local landscapes and planetary concerns. As a result gogyoshi stands today as a living poetic form that embodies the values of accessibility, collaboration, and global literary citizenship, demonstrating how a concise structure can hold expansive human experience and foster meaningful connection across cultures.
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Gogyoshi stands today as one of the most open and adaptable forms of contemporary Japanese poetry, defined by its essential structure of a title and five concise lines while remaining free from rigid syllabic counts, rhyme schemes, or prescribed line lengths. First introduced in 1910 by poet Tekkan Yosano with specific syllabic patterns that saw limited adoption, the form was revitalized in the early twenty first century when poets began embracing a modern version liberated from numerical constraints, allowing expression to emerge through clarity, brevity, and layered meaning. Unlike related five line forms such as tanka or gogyohka, gogyoshi is distinguished by the presence of a title that frames the poem’s emotional and conceptual field, guiding readers into a compact yet resonant experience. The term gained international recognition when Mariko Sumikura introduced the English word gogyoshi in 2009, paving the way for global practice and translation. A significant milestone in its evolution came in 2018 when Taro Aizu proposed World Gogyoshi, a bilingual adaptation designed to foster intercultural dialogue and world friendship through poetry. His framework emphasizes seven guiding principles including the use of two languages, capitalization conventions, brevity in each line, and the goal of strengthening global connection. Through annual anthologies and collaborative initiatives World Gogyoshi has expanded into a participatory international movement that invites poets to retain their mother tongues while engaging a shared English medium, transforming the form into a living bridge among cultures. Today gogyoshi is recognized as the freest of Japanese poetic forms, valued for its accessibility, translatability, and capacity to hold profound reflection within minimal space, enabling poets worldwide to articulate personal memory, ecological awareness, spiritual inquiry, and collective experience in a structure that is both disciplined and boundless.
Not Rushing into Marriage: The Key to a Strong Family
Today, one of the most painful issues in our society is the steadily increasing divorce rate. At first glance, these may seem like mere statistics; however, behind every divorce lies a shattered destiny, tearful eyes, and most tragically, the uncertain future of children. After all, the family is the heart of society. When the heart is ailing, the entire body becomes weak.
A Woman’s Suffering
Life events often show that even young couples who marry for love find themselves parting ways far too soon. One woman’s story serves as a poignant example: a life that began with beautiful dreams gradually turned into darkness due to in-law conflicts, neglect, and betrayal. The husband’s unreasonable and persistent demand for a second wife was the final straw. She was forced to return to her father’s home. This is not just one woman’s tragedy; it is a reality for hundreds of families.
Why Are Families Breaking Up?
Experts and life experiences highlight several primary causes for family breakdowns:
* Haste: Many individuals make life-altering decisions based on fleeting emotions without understanding the weight of family responsibility.
* Distrust: Doubt and suspicion act like a virus, eroding the very foundation of the family.
* External Interference: Excessive meddling by parents or relatives in a young couple’s private affairs poisons the domestic environment.
* Violence and Betrayal: Physical or psychological pressure on a spouse, along with infidelity, are unforgivable mistakes that destroy trust.
A Lesson for Youth and Parents
Choosing a life partner is not like choosing clothes. One should look beyond external beauty and value the inner world and character of a person. Love is not merely a beautiful word; it is the commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder during difficult times, practicing patience and forgiveness.
We also appeal to parents: do not pressure your children into marriage simply because “they are getting older” or because the suitor is “wealthy.” A forced choice is often the first step toward lifelong unhappiness.
The Man as the Pillar of the Family
The stability of a home depends greatly on a man’s wisdom, integrity, and humility. A real man is one who protects and cherishes his wife, not one who seeks to dominate her. Every word that wounds a woman’s heart slowly dismantles the peace of the home.
Conclusion
Divorce should serve as a lesson, not just a tragedy. The best path, however, is to preserve the family by learning from mistakes rather than repeating them. Where there is loyalty and genuine affection, any hardship can be overcome. Ultimately, saving a marriage requires both courage and profound wisdom.
Modern Science and Its Role in Society Scientific Supervisor Abdullajonova Shakhnoza Qudratovna Kokand University, Andijan Branch, Department of Foreign Languages, English Teacher Azamova Kumushoy Akramjon qizi
Abstract: This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the formation and development of modern science and its role in societal progress. It substantiates that scientific and technological advancement is a key factor in enhancing economic competitiveness, fostering innovation-driven development, improving the quality of education, and ensuring social well-being across various sectors of human life. Particular attention is given to the impact of globalization and digitalization on scientific research, as well as to the contribution of modern science to addressing contemporary social challenges and shaping the knowledge-based economy.
Keywords: modern science, social development, scientific and technological progress, innovation- driven development, digitalization, globalization, knowledge-based economy.
Introduction The 21st century is distinguished by the unparalleled importance of science and technology in the development of humanity. Modern science deeply permeates all spheres of societal life, emerging as a key driving force in ensuring economic growth, social stability, quality of education, healthcare systems, and human well-being. The processes of globalization and digitalization accelerate the rapid dissemination and practical application of scientific knowledge, shaping a new stage of societal development.
Science is no longer just a collection of theoretical knowledge but also serves as a practical tool aimed at solving societal problems. Innovative technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, information-communication systems, and ecological research are the main directions of modern science, serving to enhance economic competitiveness, create new jobs, and ensure social equality. At the same time, the advancement of science also presents new responsibilities and challenges to society. The rational use of scientific achievements, adherence to ethical norms, and a deep understanding of the interdependence between science and society are of great importance. From this perspective, a scientifically grounded analysis of the role and impact of modern science in society is a relevant issue. The main objective of this research is to comprehensively analyze the impact of modern scientific development on societal progress, determine the socio-economic significance of scientific-technical advancement, and scientifically substantiate the interrelationships between science and society.
Research Methodology
This research process was conducted based on a systematic and comprehensive methodological approach. Qualitative and quantitative analysis elements were integrated to thoroughly study the role of modern science in society. Firstly, the method of scientific literature analysis was applied, studying local and international scientific sources, monographs, scientific articles, and reports of international organizations dedicated to issues of modern science, scientific-technical progress, and societal development. This analysis helped identify the main development directions and theoretical approaches of science. Secondly, the comparative method was used to compare the impact of science and technology on societal development in different countries and regions. Using examples of developed and developing countries, the impact of scientific potential on economic growth and social well-being was analyzed. Thirdly, analytical and generalizing methods were employed to systematize the economic, social, and cultural aspects of scientific-technical progress in society and draw key conclusions. Additionally, the impact of globalization and digitalization processes on scientific activity was separately analyzed. Furthermore, using logical analysis and scientific forecasting methods, the future prospects of scientific development in society were evaluated. The chosen methodology allowed achieving the research objective and conducting an in-depth analysis of the interdependence between science and society.
Review of Literature Used The literature used in this research illuminates the issue of the impact of modern science on societal development from various perspectives. Analysis of foreign and local sources shows that scientific- technical progress directly influences economic, social, and cultural spheres. UNESCO (2023) and OECD (2022) reports analyze the role of science in sustainable development within the context of globalization and digitalization, serving as a basis for identifying issues of globalization and science integration in this research.
Statistical data from the State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2024) enabled the assessment of the economic and social impact of science at the national level. Scholars such as Freeman and Louçã (2001), Ziman (2000), and Merton (1973) theoretically explain the interdependence between science and society and clarify the impact of scientific achievements on economic and social efficiency. The research by Etzkowitz and Leydesdorff (2000) analyzes the “Triple Helix” model of university-industry-government collaboration, demonstrating the strategic role of science in innovative development. Additionally, R&D Magazine (2022) reports enabled the assessment of countries’ competitiveness by comparing global innovation indexes and scientific capacity indicators. Based on these sources, the research systematically identified the impact of science on economic growth, social stability, and cultural development.
Overall, the literature used not only strengthened the theoretical basis of the research but also enabled a comprehensive analysis of the role and importance of modern science in society. With the help of these sources, scientific results were compared in international and local contexts, ensuring the scientific validity of the research.
Analysis and Results The research results show that modern science significantly impacts various aspects of societal development.
Economic Impact: According to the analysis results, scientific-technical achievements increase production efficiency and reduce costs in enterprises. The implementation of artificial intelligence and digital technologies serves to create new jobs and stimulate innovative development. Comparative analysis shows that in developed countries, the impact of scientific development on economic growth is significantly higher (20–30% difference) compared to developing countries.
Social Impact: Scientific achievements in biotechnology and healthcare help improve the population’s standard of living and health indicators. The implementation of pedagogical and educational technologies contributes to improving the quality of education.
Cultural and Ethical Impact: Scientific achievements influence the development of ethical values and cultural norms in society. The processes of globalization and digitalization ensure the rapid dissemination and practical application of scientific knowledge, which strengthens the scientific capacity of society. The analysis shows that the interdependence between science and society is complex and multifaceted. Science not only ensures economic efficiency and social stability but also contributes to cultural and ethical development. At the same time, the irrational use of scientific achievements or non-compliance with ethical norms can exacerbate social problems.
Conclusion The research results show that modern science plays a crucial role in all spheres of societal development. Scientific-technical achievements increase economic efficiency, create new jobs, and contribute to the development of education and healthcare systems. At the same time, science also influences the formation of cultural values, ethical norms, and ecological responsibility in society. The research determined that:
· The interdependence between science and society is complex and multifaceted, holding strategic importance for sustainable development. · The rational use of scientific achievements and their practical application in accordance with societal needs are key factors in ensuring future competitiveness and prosperity.
Overall, modern science is the main driving force of societal progress, and its development holds decisive importance in ensuring socio-economic stability, cultural advancement, and human well-being.
Conclusion The research results show that modern science plays a crucial role in all spheres of societal development. Scientific-technical achievements increase economic efficiency, create new jobs, and contribute to the development of education and healthcare systems. At the same time, science also influences the formation of cultural values, ethical norms, and ecological responsibility in society. The research determined that:
· The interdependence between science and society is complex and multifaceted, holding strategic importance for sustainable development. · The rational use of scientific achievements and their practical application in accordance with societal needs are key factors in ensuring future competitiveness and prosperity.
Overall, modern science is the main driving force of societal progress, and its development holds decisive importance in ensuring socio-economic stability, cultural advancement, and human well- being.
References
Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development. – Paris: UNESCO Publishing, 2023.
State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Statistical Yearbook of Uzbekistan. Tashkent: SSC Publications, 2024.
The Impact of Science and Technology on Society. – Paris: OECD Publishing, 2022.
Freeman, C., & Louçã, F. As Time Goes By: From the Industrial Revolutions to the Information Revolution. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001.
Ziman, J. Real Science: What It Is, and What It Means. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000.
Etzkowitz, H., & Leydesdorff, L. The dynamics of innovation: From national systems and “Mode 2” to a triple helix of university–industry–government relations. Research Policy, 2000, pp. 109–123.
R&D Magazine. Global Innovation Index. New York: R&D World Publications, 2022.
Merton, R. K. The Sociology of Science: Theoretical and Empirical Investigations. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1973.
As the soft rain washes young blood from the street
Do they even know why they have died?
What kind of burden do they want us to carry?
Are we the sheep as we were?
In between old and new
What about those rebellions
Where wretches were sacrificed in the feast
Prepared by jackals for their wolf
The lion kept on roaring from the zoo
But the master knew how to keep his dogs happy with bones
Everything changed for the same thing to return
Can the Lucifer restore glory to this lost Shangri-La?
What if his dark glasses can’t find the vision?
Will the clown get up and perform on the stage again?
Jokers are ready to follow in the footsteps
Our red stars have fallen cold
And the sun doesn’t even have its shadows
But the bells of the temple are bustling
After the ritual of fire, smoke, ashes and sacrifice
Are we still searching for the way from one hell to another?
Who will find our golden calf that has gone astray?
For a nation without ideals
Grass remains green on the other side.
Beggars have no choice, they say
Like a kite hovering over an unknown horizon
What a monstrous torture
Who will fly us this time?
Oh! Generation of fire and zeal
Don’t let them crawl back
With the promises that resemble a hoax
Revolutions where pawns die for their savior
Listen to what they don’t say
Say what? They don’t want to listen
To the kings, queens, and those who remain unspoken
With their enchanters and bandwagons
Horses, donkeys, camels and ministers
They will weave their magic, play out their tricks
But don’t let them turn your hopes
Into just another circus
(Gaurav Ojha is a faculty member specializing in communication, critical thinking, management, and research at various educational institutions in the Kathmandu Valley. As part of his creative pursuits, Mr. Ojha regularly publishes opinion pieces, poems, and non-fiction articles covering a wide range of topics, including death, disease, social issues, humanism, and spirituality.)
