Izumi (泉) is the Japanese word for "spring of water, fountain." **Izumi Shikibu (c. 976-?)** was the **Heian-period waka poet** famous for her passionate love poetry — included in the imperial poetry anthologies. **Her affairs with two imperial princes were the scandal of the Heian court**, and her *Izumi Shikibu Diary* is a masterpiece of intimate court literature.
Used widely in modern Japan.
Izumi reduces to eight — the number of Heian love-poet.