Discover an Ancient Work From More Than 1,000 Years Ago, One of the Earliest in the World

Murasaki Shikibu, a court lady in Japan, composed “The Tale of Genji” more than a millennium ago during the Heian era. Often regarded as the first novel in history, it depicts the experiences and romantic escapades of Prince Genji through a narrative filled with emotion and intricacy. Notably, Shikibu employed kana, a phonetic writing system that was accessible to women, setting her work apart from the esteemed kanji literature that was predominantly for men. While it faced some initial backlash for its fictional approach, the novel’s deep character exploration and rich understanding of human nature have ensured its enduring recognition and impact.