It's a given that life has a bottomless stock of awkward moments for us to experience. But we tend to forget that we're all human, and a lot of what we go through are relatable to the vast majority of people just trying to live their lives.

Japanese illustrator Takayuki Yamada jots down such moments and turns them into relatable haikus written alongside ukiyoe-style illustrations. Though a web designer by day, in his free time the Fukuoka-based artist conjures his alter ego Yamada Zenjidou, a haiku poet from the Bakumatsu-Meiji periods living in a modernized society. Using the voice of Zenjidou, Yamada creates artwork reminiscent of traditional Japanese art that humorously reflect the everyday woes of current times.

Yamada's vast collection of relatable illustrations is a work of 4 years in the making, but we can't imagine he will run out of material to write about any time soon.


When you feel guilty for taking forever to order, only to choose the most unadventurous dish on the menu. (I'll have ramen, please...)

Source: @y_haiku

When the ones who "don't care" about the party come dressed to kill.

Source: @y_haiku

When you check out your reflection only to find someone on the other side.

Source: @y_haiku

When you make punny jokes to your pun-loving superior, only to have him smile pityingly back at you.

Source: @y_haiku

When you realize dogs have zero clue of what's happening during their birthday celebrations.

Source: @y_haiku

When someone is giving you a passionate lecture, but you can't stop looking at the eyelash on their cheek.

Source: @y_haiku

When you feel dejected after hearing your recorded voice for the first time.

Source: @y_haiku

When a friend comes over and you hide all your self-improvement books.

Source: @y_haiku

When you really want to taste that sample but you try to act uninterested.

Source: @y_haiku

When you highlight everything and can't figure out which parts are important.

Source: @y_haiku

That feeling of disappointment when you think you found a stylish cafe, only to discover that it's a beauty salon.

Source: @y_haiku

To see more relatable moments depicted in ukiyoe-style illustrations, visit Yamada Zenjidou's Twitter and Instagram!


By - grape Japan editorial staff.