Plants and Trees in the Tale of Genji

Plants and Trees of The Tale of Genji
At some time or other, a female courtesan was hanging around in a variety of robes,And yet, she is a woman of great poise. (Murasaki Shikibu, original text)

In the reign of whichever emperor, among the many female courtesans and courtesans in service, there was one who, though not so high in rank, was a woman of great beauty and beauty,Among the many ladies and courtesans who served the emperor, there was one who was not very high in rank, but was especially favored by him. (Translated by Akiko Yosano)

What is "The Tale of Genji"?
The Tale of Genji, which begins with such a description, begins with this "Kiritsubo" and continues through 54 chapters as follows.

1 Kiritsubo, 2 Hahakigi, 3 Utsusemi, 4 Yugao, 5 Wakamurasaki, 6 Suetsumuhana, 7 Momijinoga, 8 Kann-no-en, 9 Aoi, 10 Sakaki, 11 Hanachirusato, 12 Suma, 13 Akashi, 14 Miotsukushi, 15 Yomogiu, 16 Sekiya, 17 Eawase, 18 Matsukaze, 19 Usugumo, 20 Asagao(Morning glory), 21 Otome(Girl), 22 Tamakazura, 23 Hatsune, 24 Kocyo (Butterfly), 25 Hotaru(Firefly), 26 Tokonatsu(Always Summer), 27 Kagaribi(Bonfire), 28 Nowaki, 29 Miyuki, 30 Fujibakama, 31 Makibashira, 32 Umegae(Plum branch), 33 Fuji-no-uraba(Wisteria leaves), 34 Wakana(Ue)
, 35 Wakana(Ge), 36.Kashiwagi, 37 Yokobue, 38 Suzumushi(Bell cricket), 39 Yugiri(Evening mist), 40 Minori, 41 Maboroshi(Phantom), 42 Niounomiya. 43.Koubai(Red plum), 44 Takegawa, 45 Hashi-hime, 46 Shigamoto, 47 Agemaki, 48 Sawarabi, 49Yadorigi, 50 Azumaya, 51 Ukifune, 52 Kagero(Dragonfly), 53 Tenarai, 54 Yume-no-ukihashi.

The Tale of Genji is considered the world's oldest women's literature written by Murasaki Shikibu. Of the 54 chapters of the tale, the first 41 depict "Hikaru Genji" and the 42nd to 54th chapters depict "Kaoru" as the main character, and they were very popular at the time and were read competitively from the moment they were written.
The main character is a shiningly beautiful man named "Hikaru Genji" whose life is depicted.
How wonderful that such a novel was written 1,000 years ago and is still being read today.

What is the "Tale of Genji" series?

We have decided to launch the "Tale of Genji Tree and Grass Series" on New Year's Day, 2024.
The reason for this is the NHK Taiga Drama "To the Luminous Kimi," which will begin on January 7 (Sun.) of this year. The program will focus on Murasaki Shikibu, the author of "The Tale of Genji," and will depict her life and the glittering aristocratic society that served as the background of the era.

The "Plants and Trees of The Tale of Genji" series in Kagiken Hana Nikki will focus on "The Tale of Genji" and introduce about 110 species of plants and trees that appear in the Tale of Genji as subjects.
Please look forward to it!

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