Murasaki Shikibu

Murasaki Shikibu was a Japanese author. She was born around 978 in Kyoto, Japan. She wrote The Tale of Genji, which is often called the world's first novel. Her book was written over 1,000 years ago and is still read today.

Early Life

Murasaki was born into a noble family that loved literature. Women were not supposed to study Chinese writing, but she learned it by listening to her brother's lessons. She became a lady-in-waiting at the imperial court. Life at court inspired her writing.

Big Achievements

Murasaki wrote The Tale of Genji around the year 1000. It tells the story of the life and loves of a prince named Genji. The novel has 54 chapters and hundreds of characters. It is considered one of the greatest works of literature in any language.

Fun Facts

• The Tale of Genji was written over 1,000 years ago.
• Her real name is unknown. Murasaki Shikibu was a nickname.
• She appears on the Japanese 2,000-yen banknote.

Did You Know?

The Tale of Genji was written about 600 years before the first European novels. It shows the beauty and complexity of Japanese court life. Murasaki's work proves that great literature has been written in every part of the world.