春雨直播app

The most important aspect of this book is its title, Love and Hate. Last year, there was considerable talk about Murasaki Shikibu and The Tale of Genji, partly because of the NHK historical drama Hikaru Kimi e, which was broadcast last year. The Tale of Genji has been read, copied, published, and studied by several researchers. New works, such as Hikaru Kimi e are extensions of this enduring engagement with The Tale of Genji. The ongoing transmission of the novel across millennium —through books, adaptions, and scholarly discourse —can be described as a “millennial relay.”
 
The charm of The Tale of Genji can be described in many ways, but its most compelling aspect often lies in the reader’s perspective. When discussing specific scenes from The Tale of Genji in classes or lectures, we generally assume that the audience shares an interest in the work. Moreover, The Tale of Genji is included in high school textbooks on ancient Japanese literature, with scenes from Kiritsubo and Wakamurasaki, particularly at the beginning of the story, serving as standard study materials. Beyond its literary significance, The Tale of Genji is also a work meant to be read and experienced.
 
However, just as this is not the only way to view The Tale of Genji in the Reiwa era, a look back over the past thousand years reveals that the tale has not always received positive reviews. While it has been cherished since its early reception, it has also received harsh criticism. This book is an anthology of essays on The Tale of Genji, offering insights into both sides of critics’ love-hate relationship.
 
This book is divided into two parts. Part I, the Classics section, includes texts from the same period as The Tale of Genji through the Edo period. Part II, the modern and contemporary section, features texts from the Meiji period onward. The subject matter extends beyond criticism and editorials to include a wide range of works referencing The Tale of Genji. In selecting works and passages, I prioritized those well known for their references to The Tale of Genji while also selecting works and passages that make it easier for readers unfamiliar with the novel to understand each author’s perspective and interpretation. The main excerpts are concise and accompanied by a brief lead sentence. Regardless of whether you like or dislike The Tale of Genji today, your reasons may vary. The writings in this book explore the tale’s strengths and shortcomings from unexpected angles, offering fresh insights with each reading —whether or not you agree with them. I hope this book serves as a guide to engaging with The Tale of Genji, using these discourses as entry points. I believe that each of these love-hate relationships contributes to what I call a “millennial relay,”—a testament to what makes a classic endure.
 

(Written by TAMURA Takashi, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences / 2025)

Related Info

Related Project:
Digital Tale of Genji  (Ura Genji Study Group)

 
Digital Archive Japan Award 2025

 
The 6^th Japan Society for Digital Archive Award  (2024)

 
The 59^th Japan Association of National University Libraries Award  (2024)

Try these read-alike books: