The Tale of Genji was written in the early 11th century (Heian period). Kanji characters were the primary language used in Japan at this time, but it seems that from this time on, an increasing number of works began to use kana characters, which are equivalent to modern hiragana. The Tale of Genji is a famous piece of classical literature that is often included in high school textbooks, and research into it continues to this day. In this article, we will introduce the plot, setting, and author of The Tale of Genji.

What is the Tale of Genji?

The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu, is set mainly in the Imperial Court during the Heian period. It is a lengthy work consisting of 54 chapters, and due to the large number of characters and the complex relationships between them, there are many parts that are difficult for even modern Japanese people to understand. First, let's take a look at Genji's upbringing, which is described in the opening section.

The Birth of Genji

Genji, the main character of the story, was the second prince of Emperor Kiritsubo. His mother was Kiritsubo no Koi. Although Kiritsubo no Koi was of low social status, she was the unwavering favorite of Emperor Kiritsubo. The other nyogo (high-ranking court ladies) became deeply jealous of Kiritsubo no Koi, and the pain became so great that she became frequently ill. Finally, when Genji was three years old, Kiritsubo no Koi passed away. Genji lost his mother at an early age, but his mother's presence would have a huge impact on his life.

The woman Genji loved

One of the defining features of The Tale of Genji is his wide range of relationships with women. Among them are his relationships with Fujitsubo and Wakamurasaki, who remind him of his mother and to whom he is drawn.

First, there is his relationship with Fujitsubo. Fujitsubo was welcomed into the Imperial Court after the death of Kiritsubo no Koi. As a result, Fujitsubo became Genji's stepmother, but because Fujitsubo's features resembled Kiritsubo no Koi, Genji began to fall in love with her. Fujitsubo accepted this, and the two of them had a child.

In other words, Genji developed a deep relationship with Fujitsubo, who was his father's favorite, and as a result, he had a child with his stepmother.

Next is his relationship with Wakamurasaki. Genji and Wakamurasaki met when she was still a child, and Genji saw a resemblance of his mother in her. To his surprise, Wakamurasaki was the daughter of Fujitsubo's older brother. Genji took in the young Wakamurasaki and decided to raise her himself.

A sense of impermanence that permeates the work

The Tale of Genji is often thought of as being roughly divided into three parts. The first part depicts the glamorous first half of Genji's life, while the second part focuses on his downfall. Finally, the third part tells the story of Genji's children and grandchildren after his death.

The Tale of Genji depicts the rise and fall of the Genji clan throughout the story. It also features characters such as Genji who are at the mercy of various human relationships and absurdities. Their struggles with life and love seem to have a timeless universality. This may be one of the reasons why The Tale of Genji is still read around the world today.

Shinden-zukuri style of residence for aristocrats

During the Heian period, when The Tale of Genji is set, aristocrats lived in buildings of an architectural style called shinden-zukuri. A distinctive feature of shinden-zukuri is the double structure made up of an outer wall and buildings built around a garden. Nijo-in, the mansion depicted in The Tale of Genji, is also said to have been a typical shinden-zukuri style.

Another feature of shinden-zukuri was the buildings and gardens called "tsui." The northern tsui was apparently called "kita-tsui." Perhaps there was a custom of naming things after directions. It is said that aristocrats lived and held ceremonies there. There were multiple living spaces for aristocrats within shinden-zukuri, and these were determined by their social status.

In the mansion where Genji was born, it seems that women of lower status were required to live in rooms far from the Emperor. Because of her status, Kiritsubo no Koi lived in a faraway room, and when the Emperor called, she had to pass by the rooms of the other consorts. This is also thought to have been an excuse for the consorts to harass Kiritsubo no Koi.

Murasaki Shikibu, author of The Tale of Genji, who served at the Imperial Court

Murasaki Shikibu's father was a Chinese poet, and it is believed she was familiar with literature from a young age. She was known as a talented young woman who had a penchant for waka poetry from an early age. Her education caught the eye of Fujiwara no Michinaga, an aristocrat who was looking for a tutor for his daughter, Shoshi (the Empress of Emperor Ichijo).

Murasaki Shikibu entered the Imperial Court at the request of Fujiwara no Michinaga. While serving Akishi, Murasaki Shikibu wrote The Tale of Genji. After Akishi gave birth to a prince, she also wrote the Murasaki Shikibu Diary, making her a woman who lived for literature.

The relationship between Murasaki Shikibu and Sei Shonagon

It is also a famous episode that Murasaki Shikibu criticized Sei Shonagon in her "Murasaki Shikibu Diary," saying, "She writes kanji proudly, but there are many shortcomings." Episodes like this have given rise to the theory that there was a rift between Murasaki Shikibu and Sei Shonagon (author of "The Pillow Book").

Sei Shonagon also served Fujiwara no Teishi (Empress of Emperor Ichijo) at the Imperial Court. However, since Murasaki Shikibu and Sei Shonagon were at the Imperial Court at different times, some believe that there may not have been any direct conflict between them. The prevailing theory is that Murasaki Shikibu criticized Sei Shonagon because her pride was hurt by her good reputation.

We have introduced the plot, setting, and author of The Tale of Genji. There are many translations of The Tale of Genji, so please be sure to pick up a copy.