Here are some of his most famous works:
Novels:
* "The Life of an Amorous Man" (好色一代男, Kōshoku Ichidai Onna): This masterpiece is a picaresque novel about a womanizer's exploits and his eventual downfall. It is a satirical commentary on the hypocrisy of Edo society.
* "The Gossamer Years" (傾城物語, Keisei Monogatari): This novel tells the story of a courtesan's life and love. It is known for its detailed descriptions of the pleasure quarters and its nuanced portrayal of women's lives in Edo.
Short Story Collections:
* "Tales of the Floating World" (浮世草子, Ukiyo Zoshi): This collection of short stories includes a wide range of themes, from romance and love to gambling and prostitution.
* "The Japanese Talking-Book" (日本永代蔵, Nihon Eitaizo): This collection of stories features tales about wealthy merchants and the challenges they faced.
Other Works:
* "The Ten Virtuous Women" (十訓訓話, Jukkun Kinwa): A collection of moral tales designed to teach women about proper conduct.
Ihara Saikaku's work is significant because it offered a glimpse into the daily lives of ordinary people in Edo, and it captured the changing social landscape of Japan during the Edo period. His writing is known for its wit, humor, and realism.