Literature has always reflected the perceptions, ideals, and environments of its authors; Japanese waka and prose during Japan's transition from the “classical” Heian period (794-1185) to a more turbulent medieval period (1100-1500) represent a fascinating window into this cultural metamorphosis. During this period Japan changed irrevocably both politically and ideologically, and Japanese literature followed suit. Many characteristics of Japan's "classical" Heian period were the introduction and refinement of different schools of Buddhism, literature focused on court life and associated intrigue, and a fascination with Chinese culture and its emulation. Japan's political landscape was relatively stable during this period; there were several upheavals, but power was exclusively in the hands of the court nobles. There was very little class mobility and power came through birth rather than through the threat of violence. The introduction of the medieval period dramatically changed this fairly benign situation with the rise of the samurai warrior class and the fall of the Japanese aristocratic class and the power they held. Power was now determined by blade and fire instead of birth. During the medieval period Japan was subject to frequent warfare, not to mention a series of devastating natural disasters; both of these factors contributed to a mild religious movement and interest in alternative schools of Buddhism that emphasized asceticism. The Japanese people lived in a much harsher world than during the Heian period, and this was evident in their writings. The Heian period was a very complex period for Japanese literature; Japanese poets and authors not only developed their own kana writing system, but also began to explore different... changes and innovations in medieval literature, and, as in the Heian period, were created by the social situations of the time. Court life did not disappear; but now it has been modified and populated by samurai. Works Cited History of Bushido. History of Bushido. 2009. June 19, 2011. Encyclopedia Britannica. Japanese philosophy: the medieval period. 2010. June 19, 2011. Huey, Robert N. “The Medievalization of Poetic Practice.” Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies (1990). Keene, Donald. Anthology of Japanese literature. Grove Press Inc., 1955. Tyler, Royall (Murasaki Shikibu). The Story of Genji. Penguin Classics, 2006.Watson, Burton. The tales of the Heike. New York: Columbia University Press, 2006.