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The World's Oldest Novel, Read for a Thousand Years — Murasaki Shikibu and the Tale of Genji

The Tale of Genji, written by the Heian court lady Murasaki Shikibu, is often called the world's oldest novel. Centering on Hikaru Genji, it portrays the loves and lives of court society — and is still read and translated worldwide a thousand years later.

A deep read

The Tale of Genji, written around 1000 years ago by the court lady Murasaki Shikibu, is often called the world’s oldest novel. Its 54 chapters follow Hikaru Genji, an emperor’s son made a commoner, through his loves, glory, and decline — capturing the Heian aesthetic of mono no aware. Legend says Murasaki conceived it at Ishiyamadera while gazing at the moon over Lake Biwa. It has been translated worldwide.

Ishiyamadera, Otsu, Shiga — the ancient temple where Murasaki Shikibu is said to have conceived the Tale of Genji while gazing at the moon over Lake Biwa

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Heian court — the aristocratic world depicted in the Tale of Genji, which Murasaki wrote while serving Empress Shoshi

Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

Byodoin Phoenix Hall, Uji — a World Heritage site conveying the aesthetic of the Heian aristocracy of Genji's era; Uji is the setting of the tale's final chapters

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Key Figures

Murasaki Shikibu

Author of The Tale of Genji

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