“Scattered in Loneliness”: Illness in the Haiku of Masaoka Shiki and Kobayashi Issa

Authors

John J. Han, Missouri Baptist University

DOI

10.5703/1288284318420

Abstract

This paper explores the characteristics and cultural underpinnings of Japanese illness haiku through the works of Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902) and Kobayashi Issa (1763-1828), two of Japan’s haiku masters. Shiki, a modern reformer of haiku, suffered from tuberculosis for most of his life and passed away at thirty-five, while Issa’s illness haiku primarily reflect the final days of his father. This study incorporates biographical details and applies insights from health psychology to deepen the analysis.

Recommended Citation

Han, John J. (2024) "“Scattered in Loneliness”: Illness in the Haiku of Masaoka Shiki and Kobayashi Issa," KAUPA Letters: Vol. 12 : Iss. 1, Article 11.
DOI: 10.5703/1288284318420
Available at: https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/kaupa/vol12/iss1/11