What is "shinsarugakuki"

is an 11th-century Japanese work of fiction written by Fujiwara no Akihira (989–1066). The lead character deals with trade in Japan, both exports and imports, with Korea, China, South Asia, South East Asia, and Central Asia. It centres on a merchant named Hachirō-mauto, who traveled to the land of the Fushū in the east and to Kika Island in the west. Although a work of fiction, it is an important piece, revealing an insight into Chinese trade at the time, and the goods the merchant was involved with including perfumes, medicines, animal hides, dyes, brocades, and nuts. He describes an "exaggerated story about people who came to the Sarugaku theatre" and a particular narration of an idealistic landholding farmer who is the son-in-law, the husband of his third daughter. The book also provides accounts of comic sketches, lion dances, puppets, rice-planting songs, and solo sumo wrestling.