About Issa, Japanese Haiku Poet

“He was born in the little village of Kashiwabara in the mountains of
Japan’s Shinano Province on the fifth day of Fifth Month, 1763: June 15
on the Western calendar. He died in the same village on the 19th of
Eleventh Month in the old Japanese calendar year that corresponds to
1827: the equivalent of January 5, 1828 on the Western calendar. In the
long time between these dates he learned the art of haiku (then called haikai)
and wandered the length and breadth of Japan, writing everywhere he
went. Though his real name was Kobayashi Yatarô, he chose Issa
(Cup-of-Tea) as his haiku
name. He called himself “Shinano Province’s Chief Beggar” and “Priest
Cup-of-Tea
of Haiku Temple.” A devout follower of the Jôdoshinshû sect, he imbued
his work with Buddhist themes: sin, grace, trusting in Amida Buddha,
reincarnation,
transience, compassion, and the joyful celebration of the ordinary.”