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The Tale of Genji offers an unparalleled glimpse into the spirit and grandeur of the Heian era of Japan, which extended from 794 AD to 1191, between the Nara and Kamakura eras. During this era of peace and economic stability, an aristocracy controlled by the Fujiwara family dominated Japan, and the nation's capital was located at Kyoto. This period was a classic age of art and literature. Japan's culture was no longer one largely borrowed from China but had become distinctively Japanese. The ruling classes lived lives of luxury and prosperity, pursuing the fine arts and music. A man was measured as much by the quality of his poetry as by the strength of his sword.
Prince Genji, the hero of this sparkling chronicle of court life, is a complex personality and a peerless lover. It is on the field of love, not on the fields of battle, that the romantic Genji excels. With consummate sensitivity, he responds differently to meet the needs of each woman he captivates. That his character has enthralled readers ever since the tale first appeared is a tribute to its author. But the novel is also unforgettable for its rich poetry, imagery, and imaginative wordplay.
An instant success, The Tale of Genji exerted wide influence over Japanese literature for centuries. This influence was both good and bad. The novel set a standard for excellence, but it also spawned a multitude of imitations and derivative books based on the story. Because it was so highly esteemed and widely imitated, its immediate effect was to inhibit innovative writing by the court society.
The author, Murasaki Shikibu, was born in about 978 in Kyoto. Her real name is unknown, and it is thought she was called Murasaki after the heroine in her novel. After her husband's death in 1001, she considered devoting her life to religious service, but by 1005 she was a courtier to the empress Joto Mon'in. Murasaki charmed the court with her beautiful verses, as is evident from the diary she kept from 1007 to 1010, the main source of information about her life. The Tale of Genji was composed sometime between 1001 and 1010. The novel demonstrates Murasaki's sensitivity to human elnotions, her love of nature, and her great learning in many subjects, including Chinese. The best-known English translation of this work was made by Arthur Waley in 1935, although a more modern translation was produced by Edward Seidensticker more recently. Murasaki Shikibu's diary is also published in English. Murasaki died in Kyoto in about 1014.
This animated version of Genji was produced in 1987 as a joint production
of Asahi Publishing, the Asahi National Broadcasting Company, and Nippon
Herald Films. The purpose was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the
Asahi Newspaper, the 30th anniversary of Nippon Herald Films, as well as
the 30th anniversary of the commencement of Asahi National Broadcasting.
The film won a special designation from Japan's Ministry of Education as
one of the most significant movies ever produced in Japan. It has also been
accorded the honor of "cultural masterpiece," from the Japan Film
Appreciation Society.
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The creative team for Genji included many major talents. The director, Gisaburo Sugii, also directed the award winning "Night on the Galactic Railroad," as well as the more action-oriented, "Street Fighter II." Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, who did the original character artwork, is famous for his character designs for "Wings of Honneamise." Masahiro Maeda, the animation director, is also famous for "Night on the Galactic Railroad," as well as dozens of other anime. Finally, the music director was Haruomi Hosono, famous as a member of the band, Yellow Magic Orchestra.
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