17th Century Japanese Literature

examples of the kanazōshi genre

kanazōshi included a wide-variety of forms, many of which were non-fictional (travel journals, memoirs) but also included poetry and stories. (The emphasis seems to be self-expression and education, rather than for fame or profit.)

It also included translations of other works,

such as this Japanese version of Aesop's Fables: Isoho Monogatari

examples of the ukiyo-zōshi genre

Here's a peek at a museum exhibition about the Floating World of Japan's Edo Period.

And, if you have an hour-and-a-half to spare, you might enjoy watching Akira Kurosawa's Dreams. 

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Finally, if you want to watch a very rapid and amusing take on Japanese History, check out this video...