Issa, Kobayashi

Kobayashi Issa (1763-1827) is one of the "Big Four" of Japanese haiku poetry. He began writing haiku at the age of 25. Numerous strokes of fate left a lasting impression on him, including the loss of his wife and several children. It was only later that he was able to improve his living conditions slightly by accepting a small inheritance. Throughout his life, he cannot get rid of his poverty, so he thematises it. Nowhere is there the slightest hint of bitterness or sadness. Issa's works are characterised by cheerfulness and contentment.