The monograph is dedicated to the development of the Japanese medieval novel, which has no analogues in the literature of other countries of the corresponding era. The book analyzes the works that have survived to our time, created during the X-XII centuries, reveals their origins, relationship, the influence of works of other genres, including Buddhist literature, and analyzes the style. The medieval novel is presented in development, the main themes of this genre are revealed. Most of the analyzed works had not previously attracted the attention of researchers and were introduced into scientific use by the author.