A thousand years later, the legacy of Sei Shonagon and Murasaki Shikibu still echoes through the centuries.

Delving into Beautiful Japanese Literature:

Please read this article to learn more about the relationship between Sei Shonagon and Murasaki Shikibu, their thoughts and emotions, and the experiences of women who lived a thousand years ago.

Contents

1.Were Sei Shonagon and Murasaki Shikibu Rivals?

2.Sei Shonagon and Her Service to Fujiwara no Sadako

3.Murasaki Shikibu: A Prominent Court Lady and Writer

4.Summary

Murasaki Shikibu, a renowned writer, was invited to serve as a court lady due to her literary talents.

Could it be that Sei Shonagon and Murasaki Shikibu were rivals? Let's explore the historical context in which they lived, including their connections to influential figures of their time.

It is also interesting to consider the relationship dynamics within the court, particularly between Empress Sadako and Fujiwara no Akiko, as well as between Sei Shonagon and Murasaki Shikibu. Even if you are not particularly familiar with literature, you may recognize these names.

Sei Shonagon is known for her work "The Pillow Book," which is often considered a seminal literary piece.

Murasaki Shikibu wrote "The Tale of Genji," widely regarded as the world's first novel.

Though they are often depicted as rivals, it is believed that Sei Shonagon and Murasaki Shikibu never actually met.

This might be because they served different figures within the court and were from slightly different generations.

Sei Shonagon was an attendant to Empress Sadako, whose father, Fujiwara no Michitaka, was embroiled in a power struggle with his younger brother, Fujiwara no Michinaga.

In the midst of these political tensions, Sadako was married to Emperor Ichijo.

Murasaki Shikibu served Fujiwara no Michinaga’s daughter, Fujiwara no Akiko. Although there was political opposition between Sadako and Akiko, by the time Murasaki Shikibu began her service at the palace, Sadako had already passed away and Sei Shonagon had left the court.

Exploring the relationships between Murasaki Shikibu, Sei Shonagon, and Sadako may prove insightful. While Sei Shonagon had left the court by the time Murasaki Shikibu arrived, her influence lingered through works like "The Pillow Book," which continued to captivate the aristocracy.

Upon her arrival at the all-female court, Murasaki Shikibu was already esteemed as a writer. Initially unsure of her responsibilities, she was reluctant to stay for long periods.

Gradually, she learned to navigate the complexities of court life, an experience she detailed in her "Murasaki Shikibu Diary," which chronicles her commitment to her role.

The "Murasaki Shikibu Diary" includes some disparaging remarks about Sei Shonagon. These were likely more than mere emotional outbursts; they served to subtly inform the aristocracy that Akiko's time had come, essentially marking the end of Sadako's influence.

Murasaki Shikibu's critical comments may have been an effort to solidify her allegiance to her patron, Akiko, while managing her emotions amidst the political dynamics of the court.

Sei Shonagon was a court lady in the service of Fujiwara no Sadako.

Let us consider the circumstances surrounding Sei Shonagon's writing of the Pillow Book while serving Fujiwara no Sadako.

The End of Love (A Poem)

I will never forget our enduring bond through the night.

夜もすがら　契りしことを　忘れずは　恋ひむ　涙の色ぞゆかしき

I yearn to fall deeply in love with you again, feeling the sweetness of tears that reflect my deep affection.

Should fate claim my life,

May you remember the joyous times we shared.

I would cherish learning more about you.

If so, I am eager to see your response.

I hope these memories will remain with me forever.

Your kindness is deeply appreciated.

Sadako died at the age of 24, shortly after giving birth to her third child. She left this poem for Emperor Ichijo, foreseeing her own demise. Their union, typical for that time, was marked by an exceptional and sincere love.

After her death, Emperor Ichijo is said to have been involved with Sadako's younger sister, maintaining this relationship until his own death. The nature of their bond, whether based on dependence or true love, remains uncertain.

Challenges in Sadako's Court Life

Sadako and Emperor Ichijo shared a profound love that transcended the political strategies at play.

Following the death of her father, Fujiwara no Michitaka, from illness, and the loss of her brother Isyu’s position, Sadako was initially forced to leave the palace.

However, Emperor Ichijo intervened decisively, recalling her in an unprecedented act that underscored their strong personal connection.

Their love remained a unifying force in the face of the palace's complexities.

Around this period, Sei Shonagon started composing The Pillow Book.

In her writings, Sei Shonagon often expressed deep admiration for Lady Sadako, portraying her with warmth and admiration.

Rather than focusing on potential hardships, Sei chose to vividly depict the vibrant court life and their sophisticated exchanges.

The court held the works of the esteemed writer Murasaki Shikibu in high regard.

Let's delve into the stories of notable figures from her era.

Before we proceed,

一声も　君につなげむ　時鳥　この五月雨は　闇にまどふと

I'd like to share a poem I wrote about the melancholic May rains. It captures the darkness and the muddiness that permeates.

May I introduce myself?

If it's not too much trouble, could you please relay a message to that young lady?

"I find myself in a dark place right now,

unsure of when it will end.

The rain tests my resilience,

chilling my spirit."

This poem, penned by Fujiwara Akiko in a period of deep personal grief following the death of her son, Emperor Goichijo, was inspired by Murasaki Shikibu's style.

The phrase "mired in darkness," a nod to a poem by Murasaki Shikibu's ancestor, symbolically refers to the challenges posed by children.

Akiko Fujiwara's Love

Akiko Fujiwara was married to Emperor Ichijo at the young age of 12. During this period, Emperor Ichijo was also involved with Sadako, and Akiko's relationship with him was strained.

Following Sadako's death when Akiko was 14, she assumed the role of foster mother to Sadako and Emperor Ichijo's child.

At the age of 18, Akiko facilitated the introduction of Murasaki Shikibu to the court, although it was Fujiwara no Michinaga who formally invited Murasaki, renowned for her work on "The Tale of Genji."

Akiko gave birth to a son with Emperor Ichijo at the age of 21, an event noted in the "Murasaki Shikibu Diary."

As Emperor Ichijo's health declined and succession became a pressing issue, Prince Atsunari, Akiko's son, emerged as a likely successor.

However, Akiko demonstrated great respect and affection by advocating for Prince Atsuyasu, Sadako and Emperor Ichijo's son.

Despite her preference, her father, Fujiwara no Michinaga, supported Prince Atsunari, who eventually ascended the throne as Emperor Goichijo.

Throughout her time at court, Akiko supported talented women including Murasaki Shikibu, Izumishikibu, and Ise, thereby enhancing the court's literary and poetic landscape.

Akiko lived to the age of 87, witnessing her family embark on various significant journeys, her life marked by both personal challenges and profound contributions to court culture.

Passing on Feelings

A thousand years ago, these women, navigating numerous challenges, continued to express their love.

It's as if they passed a metaphorical baton from Sadako to Akiko, from Sei Shonagon to Murasaki Shikibu, and beyond.

The waka poems and literary works that have survived to this day stand as a testament to the legacy of these women, woven into our collective history.

Their stories still resonate with us today.

SUMMARY

Waka poetry and literature by Sei Shonagon and Murasaki Shikibu still resonate today.

Their insights into human emotions and societal norms continue to echo in our modern lives.

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We are pleased to announce the fourth round of casting for the 2024 Taiga Drama, "To the Glowing Kimi.（光る君へ）” Mitsuki Takahata will portray Sadako Fujiwara, the eldest daughter of Michitaka Fujiwara and wife of Emperor Ichijo.

Ai Mikami will take on the role of Akiko Fujiwara, the eldest daughter of Michinaga, with Mahiro Murasaki portraying her attendant.

Shohei Miura will play Fujiwara no Ishu, Michinaga's rival.

As relationships between the characters grow more complex, we have created a correlation chart to help viewers better understand their connections.

Sadako Fujiwara, portrayed by Mitsuki Takahata, is Michitaka's eldest daughter and will be featured in the series.

She advances her father's ambitions for the family's prosperity through her strategic marriage to the younger Emperor Ichijo.

She establishes a salon that attracts talented figures such as Sei Shonagon, and becomes a beloved spouse of the Emperor. Unfortunately, her story takes a tragic and unforeseen turn.