The sixth volume is Wakana, Volumes 1 and 2. It covers events from the winter when Genji was 39 years old to the end of the year when he was 47 years old.
Although Onna San no Miya, the daughter of Emperor Suzaku, is married to Genji, Genji is disappointed by her immaturity, and even makes the blunder of being seen by Kashiwagi during a kemari game at Rokujo-in. Since that incident, Kashiwagi's feelings for Onna San no Miya have grown stronger, and he finally gets his wish when Rokujo-in is empty. The pair's affair leaves Genji stunned by the horror of karma. Meanwhile, Kashiwagi, tormented by the gravity of his crime, falls ill...
The essay at the end of the volume examines the lifestyles of the aristocracy. How many people were actually sneaking around in the "Yugao" chapter? Should the blinds in the scene in "Wakana" (Wakana) where Kashiwagi catches a glimpse of the Third Princess be interpreted as being "rolled up" or "pulled open"? This book delves into the reality of aristocratic lifestyles that are beyond our modern understanding.
[Features of this Book]
1. The translation is written in beautiful, correct Japanese, making the most of the narrative style that is the essence of storytelling.
2. The story is faithfully translated, and in a first attempt, the translation is contrasted with the story itself in the bottom column, using a text-to-text format.
3. Quotations that cannot be included in the translation, as well as explanations of place names, annual events, and court duties, are clearly shown in the top column.
4. The translation is effective and careful, emphasizing honorific language and taking into account the characters' status and interpersonal relationships.
5. Subjects omitted in the main text of the story are added as appropriate, and names are given in parentheses where appropriate for characters who are referred to as official titles or ladies or princesses, to aid reading comprehension.
6. The translation is divided into paragraphs, and subheadings are used to clearly show the content. In addition, a "list of subheadings" is provided at the beginning of the volume, allowing the development of each volume to be seen at a glance.
7. At the end of each volume, there are accompanying illustrations and interesting essays to help deepen understanding of The Tale of Genji.
