Kokin Wakashu
Compiled under the order of Emperor Daigo, it contains waka poems from earlier periods up to the compilers' time, including works not selected for the Manyoshu. The four compilers were Ki no Tsurayuki, Ki no Tomonori (who died during compilation), Mibu no Tadamine, and Ono no Yukinari.
Taketori Monogatari
Considered the oldest fictional tale in Japan. Both its author and date of creation are unknown. It is one of the earliest narratives written using kana script.
Ise Monogatari
A poetic narrative from the early Heian period, also known as 'Zaigo no Monogatari' and 'Diary of the Middle Captain'. The author is unknown. Composed of 125 episodes, it follows the life of a man from youth to death through prose and waka poetry. Many poems by Ariwara no Narihira are included, and the protagonist is portrayed as a reflection of him. It greatly influenced later literature, including The Tale of Genji, as an ideal depiction of romantic elegance.
Yamato Monogatari
It is a uta monogatari (poem tale) that was composed from the early to middle Heian period. It is believed to have been established around the latter half of the 10th century, although its author is unknown. The work consists mainly of stories about love and relationships between men and women in the imperial court and aristocratic society, accompanied by waka poems and anecdotes related to them. Influenced by The Tales of Ise, it also contains many stories that seem to depict real historical figures, making it an important work for understanding the aristocratic society and views on love of the time.
Genji Monogatari
The Tale of Genji is a long narrative written by Murasaki Shikibu during the mid-Heian period. Through the lives and romances of Hikaru Genji and his descendants, it depicts aristocratic society and the transience of human life.
Heike Monogatari
The Tale of the Heike is an epic war chronicle depicting the rise and fall of the Taira clan in the late Heian period. Set against the Genpei War, it traces the Taira clan’s rise to power under Taira no Kiyomori and their eventual downfall at the Battle of Dan-no-ura. Centered on the Buddhist concept of impermanence, symbolized by the famous opening lines about the bells of Gion Shōja, the work vividly portrays the courage of warriors and the sorrow of those caught in the turmoil of war. It is one of Japan’s most renowned works of classical literature.
Izayoi Nikki
It is a travel diary written by Abutsu-ni in the late Kamakura period. The work centers on her journey from Kyoto to Kamakura to pursue a legal dispute over the inheritance of her late husband Fujiwara no Tameie. In addition to describing her journey and life in Kamakura, she expresses her feelings through waka poems, making it a valuable work for understanding the lives of women and society at the time.
Tsurezuregusa
An essay collection traditionally attributed to Yoshida Kenko. Along with The Pillow Book and Hojoki, it is considered one of the three greatest Japanese essay works.
Ugetsu Monogatari
A major yomihon work written by Ueda Akinari during the late Edo period. It remains highly influential in modern Japanese literature.