Approaching Hikaru Genji: The History and Culture of the Tale of Genji

The Tale of Genji has been read all over the world for over a thousand years. Focusing on the protagonist, Hikaru Genji, this book approaches the story from a variety of angles, including history, literature, and art. It explores the politics, society, and culture of the time when the author, Murasaki Shikibu, lived, exploring not only his life and love life, but also the true nature of aristocrats as seen in the figures of the Head Chamberlain, the landscape of shinden-style gardens, the activities of artisans, and appreciation of Genji paintings, and invites readers into the Heian dynasty, the setting of the story.