The Tale of Genji | The World’s First Novel Explained

The Tale of Genji, written in the 11th century by Murasaki Shikibu, is widely considered the world’s first novel. Set in the refined world of imperial Japan, it follows the life of Hikaru Genji — a man admired by all, yet driven by an unfulfilled longing. But this is more than a story about court life. It is a deep exploration of desire, memory, and the things we can never truly hold onto. Through Genji — and later Kaoru — the story reveals a powerful truth: we are shaped by what we lose, and drawn to what cannot return. In this video, we uncover the full story and its deeper meaning — revealing why it can still feel so modern, even after a thousand years.