The ritual of renku thrived. Here are some notable masters of linked poetry in Japan:
- In the 14th century Nijô Yoshimoto simplified the rules of renku in his guide, Ôan shinshiki ("Northern Court Era New Form"), creating pretty much the same rules that we follow today;
- In the 15th century Sôgi led 100-verse sessions (that's him in the picture below, being visited by ghosts);
- In the 16th century Sôgi's student Shôchô, a Buddhist monk, famously composed a "solo renga" of 1,000 verses, which he donated to a Shinto shrine in Susono;
- In the 17th century Matsuo Bashô was the foremost renku master, preferring the 36-verse kasen format.