The Great Fire of Meireki in 1657 devastated Edo (modern Tokyo), destroying over 60 percent of the city and claiming more than 100,000 lives. This catastrophic event reshaped urban planning and architecture in Japan, leading to the development of fire-resistant building techniques and improved city layouts. The fire also had lasting social and economic impacts, prompting changes in governance and disaster preparedness.

The Great Fire of Meireki in 1657 catalyzed the development of the 'Ukiyo' literary philosophy, influencing poets like Matsuo Basho. This philosophy emphasized the transient beauty of life, deeply impacting the emotional depth and thematic richness of early Haiku poetry.