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Asia's literary heritage is manifested in diverse forms, which may in simple terms, be defined as Traditional, Classical and Modern. The traditional literature of the region is manifested in several categories including Myths, Epics, Romances, Legends, Folk Tales and Fairy Tales. Many of these sub-genres of literature continue to live on in the oral tradition. The vast corpus of Classical Literature in a host of Asian languages takes the forms, principally, of drama and poetry. Significant prose works such as Romances and Memoirs or Diaries have also been produced, particularly in Japan. Modern,Western-inspired forms of literature, in the various languages of the continent, including the short story, the novel and drama have become increasingly important in recent decades.

All in all a vast corpus of literary output, traditional, classical and modern exists. The mythological material, epics, hero-tales and romances from various regions continue to be performed in folk and classical theatre genres such as the shadow play or dance theatre styles. Classical writers such as the women diarists of Japan, or the Indian writers of devotional songs continue tol have devoted followers, and modern Asian writers have, since the late 19th century made a considerable impact worldwide through their works. Several have been rewarded with the Nobel Prize for literature.