The Tale of Genji - World's First True Novel Written in Japan
Oct 1, 2023
World's First True Novel "The Tale of Genji" 源氏物語 written 1000 years ago in Japan! This post by Trip To Japan sheds light on the Japanese classic novel, The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu written back in the 11th century. It's not just a life story of a man's life and love but also a meticulous observation of the court life back in the day.
Dive into a world a millennium away, yet eerily familiar in its human passions and aspirations. The Tale of Genji takes us on an immersive journey into the heart of Heian-era Japan, a time of graceful courtly life, profound cultural development, and intricate political maneuverings.
This 11th-century masterpiece, often hailed as the world’s first true novel, provides a deeply nuanced narrative that transcends time, resonating with readers today. With a rich narrative, this Japanese novel remains a timeliness classic.
This post aims to create an informed experience for you. We'll talk about the novel, the author, the lead character Genji, and how this novel still lives through pop culture.
Let's delve into the saga of Genji!
While this novel is a work of imaginative fiction, it vividly and accurately portrays both the descriptive and psychological aspects of life.
It delves into society, spirituality, and individuals with remarkable insight, capturing the essence of how things were. The talented author, Lady Murasaki, independently crafted this novel as a true literary masterpiece.
Experts at Trip To Japan also found that the novel leaves the readers with a deep understanding of the transcience of worldly pleasures and the inherent sadness in the passage of time.
The Tale of Genji (源氏物語 )is an epic Japanese novel that follows the life and love affairs of the Shining Prince Genji, the son of Emperor Kiritsubo. It is also famously known as "Genji Monogatari" in Japanese.
It spans over a period of 60 years, weaving a complex and intricate tale that explores themes of beauty, love, jealousy, and loss. The novel is divided into 54 chapters with 800 inserted poems, each focusing on different characters and events, all connected to the life of Genji.
Genji, originally written in an archaic language with a poetic style, was challenging to read without specialized study. However, it was not until the early 20th century that the poet Akiko Yosano translated Genji into modern Japanese. The first English translation was attempted in 1882 by Suematsu Kencho.
The novel has a traditional structure with three parts. The first two parts explore Genji's life, while the final part centers on the early years of Genji's notable descendants, Niou and Kaoru. There are also a few shorter transitional chapters, sometimes considered separately, and their authorship is occasionally questioned.
Murasaki Shikibu, a Japanese court lady, penned this remarkable piece in the 11th century CE.
Murasaki Shikibu, also known as Lady Murasaki was one of the Heian court ladies. She penned the masterpiece "Genji Monogatari". She was born in c. 798 to a father serving in the imperial court. Murasaki went on to become a poetess and a great author. She passed away in c. 1014.
An interesting fact about her is that Murasaki Shikibu is only a descriptive name and her original name still remains unknown.
It is believed that she derived the name Murasaki from the protagonist of her novel. The name Shikibu signifies her father's role in the Bureau of Rites.
Did you know - In tribute to Murasaki Shikibu, the Bank of Japan released the 2000 yen banknote, showcasing a captivating scene from the novel inspired by the 12th-century illustrated handscroll.
She was born into a lesser branch of the influential Fujiwara family. The young Murasaki received a comprehensive education, including studying Chinese, which was predominantly a male domain. She entered into matrimony with Fujiwara Nobutaka, a much older distant relative, with whom she had a daughter.
The novel's protagonist, Genji, is the second son of Emperor Kiritsubo and a low-ranking concubine, Lady Kokiden. Upon learning about his true parentage, Genji is exiled from the palace as per court customs.
He goes on to become a dashing and handsome young man with a penchant for romance. He has numerous affairs with women of different ranks and backgrounds, leading to various political complications.
Genji is known for his charm, intelligence, and artistic abilities. He also has a deep interest in Buddhism and poetry, which he often uses to express his emotions.
Fun Fact - The character of Genji is believed to be based on an actual historical figure - Minamoto no Tōru, who was a member of the Fujiwara clan and also known for his romantic pursuits.
The Tale of Genji was written in the Heian period, a time of cultural and artistic flourishing. The novel is often seen as a reflection of the court life and customs during this era.
It also highlights various aspects of Japanese culture, such as waka poetry, Buddhist influence, and the complex hierarchical structure of society.
For centuries, Genji has been celebrated as one of the greatest works of classic Japanese literature. It continues to be studied and appreciated by scholars, authors, and readers worldwide.
Did you know - Google celebrated 1000 years of the Tale of Genji on November 1, 2008
Here's a quick novel summary of The Tale of Genji. To make it easier for you, we have made pointers with all important events included.
The novel begins with the birth of Prince Genji, the son of Emperor Kiritsubo, and a low-ranking concubine, Lady Kokiden.
Genji, famed for his incredible charm and talents, navigates his youth in the imperial court, indulging in romantic pursuits and evoking both admiration and jealousy.
The story takes a dramatic turn when Genji, upon the death of his father, is demoted from his royal status due to palace scheming.
Despite his demotion, Genji's life remains filled with passionate love affairs, including with the high-ranking lady Fujitsubo, who bears him a son who later becomes Emperor Reizei.
Genji's romantic endeavors often lead to complications, including the discovery of his secret child with Fujitsubo, causing political tension within the court.
The story continues to follow Genji's life as he experiences loss, love, and spiritual growth, with subsequent chapters dedicated to his relationships with other women, like the tragic Lady Rokujo and the mysterious Lady of the Evening Faces.
The second part of the novel, often referred to as the "Uji chapters", shifts focus to Kaoru and Niou, two characters connected to Genji, and their complicated love lives.
The novel concludes with open-ended narratives, leaving the fate of the characters to the reader's imagination, a feature that has kept the Tale of Genji a subject of discussion and admiration for over a millennium.
The Tale of Genji has a profound influence on the pop culture. It has inspired several adaptations in movies, anime, and manga.
The novel has been adapted into an anime series, Genji Monogatari Sennenki (2009), which follows the life of Genji with a focus on his romantic relationships and spiritual growth.
There have been a minimum of five manga adaptations of Genji. The manga series, Genji Monogatari: Sennen no Nazo, adds supernatural elements to the story, making it a unique take on the original novel. Other Manga series inspired by the novel are Asaki Yumi Mishi (1980) and Mange by Miyako Maki (1988).
Several film adaptations of the novel have been made, including The Tale of Genji (1951) directed by Kōzaburō Yoshimura, and Genji Monogatari: Asaki Yumemishi (2011), a live-action movie based on the manga adaptation. Another film named O Desejado came out in 1987.
TV dramas such as *Asakiyumemishi – The Tale of Genji (2009) and a live-action drama - Genji Monogatari Tsuki no Naki (2010), have also been made.
Of course, the Tale of Genji inspired several theatre plays and operas. In 1981, a spectacular play about the Tale of Genji was performed by Takarazuka Revue, an all-female musical theatre group. It was again performed in 2015.
The novel has been adapted into a Kabuki play in Japan and has also inspired several operas, including Genji Monogatari (1961), composed by Minoru Miki. The opera was first performed in Japan and later had international productions.
Genji Monogatari has been the subject of several illustrated adaptations, including a 12th-century handscroll with numerous illustrations depicting scenes from the story.
This scroll is the oldest surviving illustration of a Japanese "picture scroll" that gathered artwork and calligraphy from a single piece. The original scroll is thought to have consisted of 10 to 20 rolls, encompassing all 54 chapters.
The Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya displays three scrolls that have been passed down through the Owari branch of the Tokugawa clan. Additionally, one scroll from the Hachisuka family is currently held at the Gotoh Museum in Tokyo.
Every year in November, the Tokugawa Museum has been showcasing them since 2001. The exhibition lasts for about a week.
The novel also inspired a professor at Harvard Univerity, Melissa McCormick. In 2018, she created an illustrated guide titled "The Tale of Genji: A Visual Companion".
In 2019, New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) hosted a special exhibition focused on the Tale of Genji with more than 120 pieces.
The novel has been referenced and alluded to in various literary works, including Murasaki (2001) by Piers Anthony, which retells the story of Genji from a different perspective.
The novel has also inspired other writers and poets throughout history, making it a crucial piece of literature that continues to influence culture and art.
The Tale of Genji is an important part of Japanese culture and history. Here are a few ways to experience the novel's legacy in modern-day Japan:
The Tale of Genji experienced a cultural revival during the Heian period, which saw an influx of artists and writers to the imperial court in Kyoto. Today, visitors can still experience the beauty and grandeur of this ancient capital city.
Several sites mentioned in the novel can be visited, such as the Shrine Hōjōji, Shrine Uji (shown below), and the Katsura Imperial Villa, which inspired one of the most iconic scenes in the novel.
Trip To Japan has the perfect tour if you want to visit old shrines and palaces in Kyoto. Check out Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Kyoto Palaces and Temples
Explore Kyoto's most recommended spots.
The Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing The Tale of Genji. It houses several scrolls and artwork inspired by the novel, giving visitors a chance to see the story come to life before their eyes.
Visit Tokugawa Museum and Garden in Nagoya.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum hosts a special exhibition on the Tale of Genji, showcasing various pieces of artwork and calligraphy. The museum also has a permanent collection that includes rare illustrations and scrolls from the novel.
Check out a detailed guide by Trip To Japan about Must-Visit Museums in Japan
Visit Kyoto Palaces and Temples
Several festivals held in Japan are inspired by The Tale of Genji, such as the Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto and the Ujigami Shrine's Heian Jingu Gyoen Garden. These festivals offer a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture and traditions, rooted in The Tale of Genji.
The novel has heavily influenced traditional Japanese art forms such as calligraphy, painting, and embroidery. Visitors can experience these art forms through workshops and classes offered at various places in Japan.
Learn how to write kanji with this calligraphy workshop.
Of course, the best way to experience The Tale of Genji is by reading it. Visitors can find English translations of the novel in many bookstores and online. Reading the original text provides a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, literature, and art. '
If you plan on visiting Japan, make sure to add The Tale of Genji-related sites to your list of must-sees and share it with Trip To Japan. We will make sure to provide you with all the information and assistance you need for an unforgettable experience. Trip To Japan offers a wide range of well-curated tours. See you in Japan!
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