There are many research methods that can allow a person to gain insight into a specific time period and place. Historical documents, books, essays and school lessons are just a few examples. However, perhaps one of the most important and effective ways to see into the past is through literature. This also applies to medieval Japan. The literature written during Japan's medieval period is very different from the literature written during previous periods, and the differences show the changes and innovations that occurred during the medieval period, thus reflecting important aspects of medieval Japanese society. These changes and innovations can be seen by comparing some works from the medieval period with written works from earlier periods. Comparing written works such as The Tale of Genji and The Tale of Heike, Kokinshuu and Shinkokinshuu, and The Pillow Book and Essays in Idleness successfully shows the changes and innovations that occurred during the medieval period of Japan. The literature of the Heian period is known for its emphasis on romance. The story of Genji is an example of this. Genji's many love affairs are described throughout the novel. Emphasis is placed on his relationships and his feelings for those he loved. The poems used in The Tale of Genji are usually love poems sent back and forth between Genji and his various lovers, or Genji's personal feelings about his situation. An example of this is when Genji is exiled and Murasaki writes a poem for him: "I would soon give up this unhappy life of mine if it could last but a little while farewell is now sudden upon us" (The Tale of Genji, 233 ). .This poem provides an example of the emphasis placed at the center of the paper, what was found beautiful in that time, and shows how the political world was changing. It is through examples of literature like these that people are given insight into the medieval world of Japan and what was happening during that time. Works Cited Huey, Robert N. “The Medievalization of Poetic Practice.” Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies 50.2 (1990): 17. Harvard-Yenching Institute. Network. 9 August 2009.http://www.jstor.org/stable/2719210 Shikibu, Murasaki. The Story of Genji. Reduced. New York, New York: Penguin Books, 2001. Print. Heike's Story. Tokyo, Japan: University of Tokyo Press, 1975. Print. The Tale of Heike. New York: Columbia University Press, 2006. University of Hawaii at Manoa Libraries. Network. March 30, 2011.http://site.ebrary.com.eres.library.manoa.hawaii.edu//lib/uhmanoa/docDetail.action?docID=10183590