The Tale of Genji, written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu, is important to Japanese culture died to that act that “it is written, unlike the great pics of the classical period, as prose, not poetry” (R. Janaro). This piece of work has often been dubbed as the first modern novel written in the world. The Tale of Genji was written during the Heian time period, named after the city of Hein-kyo, or Kyoto. This took place from 794 to 1185 where the religions of Taoism, and Buddhism were the main influences. Art, literature, and poetry was also at it’s peak. Shikibu wrote the tale for aristocratic women. Although it does not contain a plot, it portrays many of the characteristics found in modern novels we read today. The presence of over four hundred characters,