kusazushi

Kusazushi is a genre of Japanese popular literature that flourished during the Edo period. It is characterized by its humorous and often satirical content, frequently depicting everyday life and social commentary. The term "kusazushi" translates roughly to "grass books" or "weed books," suggesting their lowbrow and common origins, in contrast to more refined literary forms.

These books were typically printed as woodblock prints and were accessible to a wide audience, including merchants and the urban commoner class. They often featured illustrations alongside text, making them visually engaging. Common themes in kusazushi include parodies of classical literature and poetry, critiques of government officials and social customs, and tales of everyday struggles and triumphs.

Key examples of kusazushi authors include Santo Kyoden, who was known for his witty and sometimes risqué stories, and Shikitei Sanba, whose works often focused on the lives of ordinary people in Edo. The genre played a significant role in the development of popular entertainment and literary expression during the Edo period, contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of the time. Kusazushi is considered a precursor to modern manga and popular fiction.