KOBAYASHI ISSA (1763-1827) is one of the "Big Four" of Japanese haiku poetry. His works show his respect and esteem for all living beings. "Issa's wisdom is nourished by Confucian frugality and Buddhist piety" (Kindler). His loving humor is also shaped by this philosophy and is omnipresent in this small volume. The caricature drawings by ElgA give the text a contemporary character.