This story is set in aristocratic society in the mid-Heian period and depicts the glory and the torment of the protagonist, Hikaru Genji, and two generations of his descendents. Genji, blessed with incomparable talent and beauty, was the second prince of the Emperor. However, because his mother was not from high aristocracy, he was demoted in rank and given the family name of Genji. This very long tale is considered, in general, as a narrative in three parts.

The First Part, from Chapter 1, “Kiritsubo,” to Chapter 33, “Fuji no Uraba”
The first half of Hikaru Genji’s life. He has many love affairs and achieves great glory.

The Second Part, from Chapter 34, “Wakana,” to Chapter 40, “Maboroshi”
The second half of Hikaru Genji’s life. The collapse of his love life makes him realize the impermanence of all things, and Genji hopes to become a priest.
The text of Chapter 41, “Kumogakure,” is missing.

The Third Part, from Chapter 42, “Niō Miya,” to Chapter 54, “Yume no Ukihashi”
After the death of Hikaru Genji. His descendant’s romances and way of life.


The Tale of Genji has been praised as a first-rate feature-length romantic novel.


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