Luo Lijia

Kobayashi Issa’s haiku

Lijia is an MA (RSH) student of Japanese Studies. Her research centers on the haiku of Kobayashi Issa in Oraga Haru (The Spring of My Life), specifically analyzing Issa’s mental state and the relationship between his suffering and self-expression.

Her passion for Japanese classical literature began during undergraduate studies, where she was profoundly drawn to haiku and moved by Issa’s life story, poetic philosophy, and emotional depth. Her previous thesis explored the literary brilliance of Issa’s work and its manifestation of the Buddhist concept of impermanence (mujō).

Driven by this deep engagement, Lijia now focuses on uncovering the enduring power of Issa’s haiku to resonate with and offer insight to present and future generations. She aims to illuminate how Issa’s response to hardship continues to hold profound meaning for the modern world.