Ihara Saikaku
Edo-period novelist and haiku poet who pioneered the genre of ukiyo-zoshi (floating world fiction). His frank, witty portrayals of merchant-class life and sexuality were scandalous and commercially successful.
Works
- The Life of an Amorous ManPicaresque novel following a pleasure-seeking protagonist through Edo society
- Five Women Who Loved LoveFive interconnected tales exploring passionate romantic desires of women
- The Japanese Family StorehouseDidactic satire on merchant life and financial prudence in merchant class