The Tales of Genji | TATE: The Diary of a Japanese Man

2022-05-07

The Hannya mask shows complicated emotions mixed with anger and sadness

“Aoi no Ue” is a masterpiece in terms of Noh plays. The ”Hannya mask” (female demon mask) is well known as the most representative Noh mask, and it is used in Aoi no Ue. This is because it was believed that women could be demonized through a jealous rage. The Hannya mask is used as a symbol of the female...

Culture

2022-04-17

“Suma-genji” was like a dream seen during a spring night

The season has completely changed to spring. The other day, I saw a Noh play called “Suma-genji”. Suma-genji is based on some classical literature that is characteristic of Japan, and it is known as ”The Tale of Genji”. I felt that Suma-genji symbolized the spring moon. The spring mist is characteristic of Japan. Because of that, the moon in springtime...

Culture

2022-01-16

The world of “The Tale of Genji” is the same as ours

I’d like to write about the charm of “The Tale of Genji”. The Tale of Genji is recognized as representing classic Japanese literature. It was written over 1,000 years ago. The author was a noblewoman called, Murasaki Shikibu. The Tale of Genji is a story of love and politics. Though it is a fictional story, I feel that the character’s...

Culture

2021-10-03

I often feel as if Lady Rokujyo were a real person

I may have feelings for Lady Rokujyo. However, she is a fictitious character in “The Tales of Genji” which is a work of classic Japanese literature. A male aristocrat called Hikaru Genji is the main character, and he is a man of many loves. Lady Rokujyo was one of the women who was loved by him. I often feel as...

Culture

Tag: The Tales of Genji

The Hannya mask shows complicated emotions mixed with anger and sadness

“Suma-genji” was like a dream seen during a spring night

The world of “The Tale of Genji” is the same as ours

I often feel as if Lady Rokujyo were a real person