noun
historical novel
A novel set in a historical period, often featuring samurai, commoners, or famous events. In Japanese publishing, 時代小説 is a recognized genre distinct from 歴史小説 (historical fiction that may focus more on documented history).
彼は時代小説を読むのが好きで、特に江戸を舞台にした作品をよく手に取る。
He likes reading historical novels, and often picks up works set in Edo.
歴史小説 often focuses on real historical figures and events with more documentary intent, while 時代小説 emphasizes period atmosphere and fictional characters within a historical setting.
Compound of 時代 (jidai, 'era, period') and 小説 (shōsetsu, 'novel'). The term became common in the early 20th century as a genre label for popular fiction set in the Edo period and earlier.