Illustrated guide to characters from the Tale of Genji

An introduction to The Tale of Genji, with illustrations of the main characters!

-------------------------------- The Tale of Genji is one of the most representative works of classical Japanese literature. The story, which tells of the turbulent life of its protagonist, Hikaru Genji, and the world after his death, spans over seventy years and is said to feature over 450 characters. The dozens of main characters alone are unique and indispensable to the world of the story.

This book focuses on these characters. Understanding each character will help you connect with the story, and putting yourself in their shoes will deepen your understanding of the world. (From the book's "Introduction") --------------------------------

Explore the fascinating characters who color the life of Hikaru Genji!

The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu, the protagonist of the 2024 taiga drama "To You, the Shining Light." This illustrated character encyclopedia introduces the love lives of Heian aristocrats set in the imperial court, along with the charms of the main characters. We'll also include a relationship chart and help you understand The Tale of Genji through its characters.

[Main Contents of this Book] -------------------------------- ● Introduction ● Chapter 1: Birth to Childhood ・Emperor Kiritsubo / Kiritsubo no Koi / Empress Kōkiden / Crown Prince (Emperor Suzaku) / Fujitsubo / Lady Aoi...etc. ● Chapter 2: Youth ・Leadership Leader / Utsusemi / Nobukiba Ogi / Kokimi / Yugao / Koremitsu / Suetsumuhana...etc. ● Chapter 3: Adolescence ・Wakamurasaki (Lady Murasaki) / Minister of Hyobu / Crown Prince (Emperor Reizei) / Minamoto no Teiji / Rokujō no Miyasudokoro / Lady Aoi / Saigū (Consort Akikono) / Oborozukiyo no Kimi / Hanasachirusato...etc. ● Chapter 4: Adulthood (1) ・Lady Murasaki / Lady Akashi / Princess Akashi / Empress Jokōden / Emperor Suzaku / Emperor Reizei / Minister of the Interior / Empress Akikono / Princess Asagao...etc. ● Chapter 5: Adulthood (2) ) ・Lady Murasaki / Yūgiri / Kumoi Gan / Fuji no Naishi / Tamakazura / Hotaru Hyobukyonomiya / Higekuro / Omi no Kimi / Makibashira...etc. ●Chapter 6: Later Years ・Lady Murasaki / Suzakuin / Third Princess / Kashiwagi / Kaoru / Akashi no Nyōgo / Yūgiri / Ochiba no Miya...etc. ●Chapter 7: Afterlife ・Dainagon Kobai / Daifu no Kimi / Okimi / Naka no Kimi...etc. ●Chapter 8: The World of Uji ・Niounomiya / Empress Akashi / First Princess / Second Princess / Eighth Princess / Okimi / Naka no Kimi / Ukifune...etc. ●Chapter 9: Murasaki Shikibu and the Heian Period ・Murasaki Shikibu / Clothing / Food / What You Need to Know About the Life of the Heian Aristocracy / Housing ●Index

[Editor] Masahiko Takeuchi -------------------------------- Professor, Department of Japanese Literature, Faculty of Letters, Kokugakuin University. Born in Nagano Prefecture in 1963. Graduated from Kokugakuin University Graduate School with a PhD in Literature. Her major is Heian period literature, with a focus on The Tale of Genji. Her publications include The Manifestation of the Tale of Genji (Musashino Shoin), A Historical Study of the Origins of the Tale of Genji: The Horizon of the Akashi Clan Tale (Shintensha), A Two-Hour Review of the Tale of Genji (Daiwa Bunko), and The Tale of Genji Encyclopedia (co-edited and published by Yamato Shobo).

[Illustrations] Nako Masaki -------------------------------- A Tokyo-born illustrator who always celebrated her birthday with rice porridge with seven herbs. Since 2016, she has been active in a variety of media, including children's books, education, magazines, games, and posters. Her diverse style ranges from pop illustrations to dark fantasy.