The best selection from Japanese literature (5)
I believe the answer is:
elite
'the best' is the definition.
(elite can mean the very best of a group)
'selection from japanese literature' is the wordplay.
'selection from' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'ELITE' can be found hidden inside 'japanese literature'.
(Other definitions for elite that I've seen before include "Selected as the best" , "Superior or favoured group of people" , "Letter size; superior group" , "Identified as the best" , "Creme de la creme" .)