Matsuo Kinsaku, better known as Basho (1644 - 1694), was born in Kyoto, Japan. While the rest of his siblings became farmers, Basho worked as a servant for a young lord, which offered him the chance to become familiar with literature. He became a master of haiku and, eventually, of haibun and was widely published during his lifetime. Basho was well-known for his wanderings on foot across Japan as he explored nature and enjoyed experiences that inspired his writing.

Robert Hass is an American poet and translator.