Issa
Kobayashi Issa (1763–1828) was born in Kashiwabara, Shinano Province (now Nagano Prefecture). He lost his mother in childhood and endured a strained relationship with his stepmother. He began writing haiku as a teenager and later studied in Edo under the haikai master Nirokuan Chikua. Known for his humor and compassion, Issa wrote from the perspective of the downtrodden, finding beauty and pathos in everyday life. Despite personal tragedies — including the deaths of his children and wife — he continued to write prolifically until his death in 1828.
New Year / 新年
Spring / 春
- A Spring Day ~ Issa and Bashō
- Blessing of the Cats
- Cheering Blossoms at Kisakata
- To Be a Fool
- Tomcat, Your Wife is Calling