Murasaki Shikibu Biography

Murasaki Shikibu was a renowned Japanese author, poet, and lady-in-waiting at the Imperial court during the Heian era in Japan. She is considered to be the first novelist in the world and wrote the famous "The Tale of Genji," which was widely popular in its time and is still regarded as one of the most significant works in Japanese literature. She was a force to reckon with because women weren't considered “intelligent people” in the era she lived in. She overcame numerous social restrictions to emerge as a pioneer who helped shape the Japanese language. “Murasaki Shikibu” is an assumed name as her real name is not known. She has been called Murasaki based on the heroine of her novel, while “Shikibu” is a name adapted from her father’s rank. She was a gifted child and learned Chinese quickly. Back then, not many girls were taught the language. As a young woman, she was requested to serve as a lady-in-waiting to Empress Shōshi at the Imperial court because of her status as a writer. She served as a companion and tutor to the empress.