Gentlewomen, nurses, page girls (general)

Gentlewomen, nurses, page girls

Ateki (serves Aoi), 9; Ateki, later called Hyôbu (daughter of Dazai no Daini, serves Tamakazura), 22, 24; Azechi (serves Onna San no Miya), 49; Ben (Shônagon's daughter, serves Murasaki), 9; Ben (serves Fujitsubo), 10; Ben (serves Ôigimi and Naka no Kimi, then a nun), 45, 46, 47, (as a nun) 48, 49, 50, 51, 52; Ben (serves Empress), 52; Chûjô (serves Utsusemi), 2; Chûjô (serves Rokujô no Miyasudokoro), 4; Chûjô (serves Asagao), 10; Chûjô (serves Genji, then Murasaki, then Genji), 12, 19, 23, 41; Chûjô (serves Higekuro's first wife), 31; Chûjô (serves Tamakazura's elder daughter), 44; Chûjô (serves Onna Ichi no Miya), 52; Chûnagon (serves Sadaijin), 2, 9, 12; Chûnagon (serves Oborozukiyo), 10, 12, 34; Chûnagon (serves Kokiden no Nyôgo 2), 26; Dainagon (serves Onna Ichi no Miya), 52; Gosechi (serves Ômi no Kimi), 26; Inuki (serves Murasaki), 5; Jijû (serves Suetsumuhana, also her foster sister, 6, 15; Jijû (serves Ukifune), 50, 51, 52; Kojijû (serves Onna San no Miya, also her foster sister), 34, 35, 36; Komoki (serves Ukifune), 53; Koshôshô (serves Ochiba no Miya), 39; Kozaishô (serves Onna Ichi no Miya, Kaoru's lover), 52, 53; Miruko (serves Tamakazura), 24; Miya no Kimi (serves Empress, 52; Moku (serves Higekuro), 31; Nakatsukasa (serves Sadaijin), 2, 6; Nakatsukasa (serves Genji), 12, 35; Nareki (serves Tamakazura's elder daughter), 44; Nurse (Akashi no Himegimi's), 14, 18, 19; Nurse (Yûgao's), 22; Nurse (Onna San no Miya's), 34; Nurse (Ukifune's), 50, 51, 52, 53; Ômyôbu (serves Fujitsubo), 5, 7, 10, 12; Saemon (serves Yokawa no Sôzu's sister, as a nun), 53; Saishô (Yûgiri's nurse), 12, 21, 33; Saishô (serves Tamakazura), 24, 30, 44; Sanjô (serves Tamakazura), 22; Senji (serves Asagao), 20, 21; Shônagon (serves Murasaki), 4, 7, 9, 10, 12; Shôshô (serves Suetsumuhana), 15; Shôshô (serves Naka no Kimi), 49, 50, 51; Shôshô (serves Yokawa no Sôzu's sister, as a nun), 53; Taifu (serves Suetsumuhana), 6; Taifu (Kumoi no Kari's nurse), 33; Taifu (serves Tamakazura's younger daughter), 44; Taifu (serves Naka no Kimi), 48, 49, 50; Ukon, (Yûgao's nurse, then serves Murasaki), 4, 22; Ukon (serves Naka no Kimi, also Taifu's daughter), 50, 51; Ukon (serves Ukifune at Uji, a daughter of Ukifune's nurse), 52; Yugei no Myôbu (serves Kiritsubo no Mikado), 1

Higekuro

Higekuro

Also Known As: Tamakazura's husband, The Commander (of the Right), the Left Commander, Minister of the Right
Gender: M
Age: 31 or 32 -
First Introduced: Chapter 24 “Butterflies”
Relations: grandson of the (Udaijin) Minister of the Right, cousin of the Suzaku Retired Emperor, brother to Suzaku’s Shōkyōden Consort (the mother of the Heir Apparent), married to Murasaki’s elder half-sister; married to Tamakazura, father (by Tamakazura) of (daughters) The Haven (the elder), the Mistress of Staff (the younger), (sons) The Left Palace Guards Captain, the Right Controller, the Fujiwara Adviser
Rank / Office / Title: The Commander (of the Right), 24, 29, 30, 31; the Left Commander, then Minister of the Right, 35
Other Relevant Information: His traditional reader sobriquet, Higekuro, means “Blackbeard.”

Yūgao’s Entourage

Yūgao’s Entourage (From Chapter 22 “The Tendril Wreath”)


Ukon

See: Ukon

Yūgao’s nurse

Having lost track of Yūgao when Genji took her away, this nurse in time moved to Tsukushi (modern-day Kyūshū) as wife to the Dazaifu Assistant (Dazai no Shōni). She took Yūgao’s young daughter (Tamakazura) with her.

Dazai no Shōni (The Dazaifu Assistant)

The husband of Yūgao’s nurse.

The Bungo Deputy

This is the eldest son of the Dazaifu Assistant (Dazai no Shōni) by Yūgao’s nurse.

Hyōbu (Ateki)

Yūgao’s nurse’s younger daughter. She accompanies her mother and Tamakazura to the capital.

Taifu no Gen

Taifu no Gen

Also Known As: The Audit Commisioner, Tamakaura's suitor
Gender: M
Age: About 30
First Introduced: Chapter 22 "The Tendril Wreath"
Relations: Pursues Tamakazura in Tsukushi
Rank / Office / Title: The Audit Commissioner, 22
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Kumoi no Kari

Kumoi no Kari

Also Known As: The young lady
Gender: F
Age: 14 - 16 to ?
First Introduced: Chapter 21 “The Maidens”
Relations: Tô no Chûjô's daughter, Ōmiya’s granddaughter, Yûgiri's wife
Rank / Office / Title: Tô no Chûjô's daughter, later Yûgiri's wife 21, 26, 28, 32; the young lady, 33; the Commander's wife, 37, 39, 44
Other Relevant Information: She has grown up in her grandparents household (with her grandmother, Ōmiya. This arrangement is out of the ordinary, but it seem it is due to her mother being married to someone other than Tō no Chūjō. We are no told whether they were never married to begin with, or whether she has divorced Tō no Chūjō and remarried.

Hotaru / Sochi no Miya

Hotaru / Sochi no Miya

Also Known As: Hotaru Hyōbukyō no Miya (meaning “The Fireflies Prince, His Highness of War”), His Highness, the Viceroy Prince
Gender: M
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 12 "Suma"
Relations: Genji's half-brother
Rank / Office / Title: His Highness, the Viceroy Prince (Sochi no Miya), 12, 17; His Highness of War (Hyôbukyô no Miya), 21, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 38, 41
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Onna Go no Miya

Onna Go no Miya

Also Known As: Her Highness, Asagao’s aunt, The Fifth Princess
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 20 "The Bluebell"
Relations: Asagao’s aunt, younger sister of Ōmiya (“the Third Princess”) (Aoi’s and Tō no Chūjō’s mother), sister of Kiritsubo no Mikado (?)
Rank / Office / Title: Her Highness (she is an imperial princess), the Fifth Princess, 20, 21
Other Relevant Information: N/a

The Intendant of the Left Watch

The Intendant of the Left Watch

Also Known As: Murasaki's half brother
Gender: M
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 30 “Thoroughwort Flowers”
Relations: Murasaki's half brother, full brother of Higekuro no Kita no Kata, son of Hyōbukyō no Miya by his primary wife (who years ago harassed Murasaki’s mother to death).
Rank / Office / Title: The Intendant of the Left Watch, 30
Other Relevant Information: N/a

The Aide of the Right Palace Guards

The Aide of the Right Palace Guards

Also Known As: N/a
Gender: M
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 16 “At the Pass”
Relations: The Younger brother of Ki no Kami I, son of the Iyo no Suke, stepson of Utsusemi.
Rank / Office / Title: An Aide of the Right Palace Guards, 16
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Suetsumuhana's Entourage

Suetsumuhana's Entourage


Jijū

Suetsumuhana’s foster sister and most trusted gentlewoman.

The wife of the Dazaifu Deputy (The Deputy’s wife, the aunt, this lady)

A well-off sister of Suetsumuhana’s mother’s

Suetsumuhana’s brother
(AKA her most reverend brother, her brother)
A Buddhist monk, described (suspiciously) as "most saintly"

Shōshō (an old woman)

An elderly gentlewoman of Suetsumuhana’s, Jijū’s aunt.

Kokiden no Nyôgo II

Kokiden no Nyôgo II

Also Known As: The Kokiden Consort, the Consort
Gender: F
Age: Age 11–12 -
First Introduced: Chapter 14 “The Pilgrimage to Sumiyoshi”
Relations: Tô no Chûjô's daughter by his principal wife (a daughter of Udaijin), Reizei's Consort
Rank / Office / Title: The (Kokiden) Consort, 14, 17, 21, 26, 29, 44
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Yoshikiyo

Yoshikiyo

Also Known As: Genji's retainer, son of the Governor of Harima, the Minamoto Junior Counselor, the Governor of Ômi
Gender: M
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 5 “Young Murasaki”
Relations: Genji's retainer, son of the Governor of Harima, he has a crush on Akashi no Kimi (as noted by Herschel Miller)
Rank / Office / Title: Genji's retainer, son of the Governor of Harima5; Yoshikiyo, 8, 12; the Minamoto Junior Counselor, 13; the Governor of Ômi, 21
Other Relevant Information: He accompanied Genji into exile in Suma

Reikeiden Consort

Reikeiden Consort

Also Known As: F
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 11 “Falling Flowers
Relations: consort of Genji’s father (Kiritsubo no Mikado), sister of Hanachirusato
Rank / Office / Title: Reikeiden Consort, 11
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Suzaku

Suzaku

Also Known As: Emperor, then Retired Emperor; Kiritsubo no Mikado's eldest son
Gender: M
Age: He is appointed Heir Apparent at 7 when Genji is 4
First Introduced: Chapter 1 “The Paulownia Pavilion”
Relations: Kiritsubo no Mikado's eldest son by Kokiden no Nyôgo I, Genji’s half-brother, Udaijin’s grandson (the Minister of the Right), the nephew (and later husband as well) of Oborozukiyo
Rank / Office / Title: Appointed Heir Apparent, 1; the Heir Apparent, 7, 8; His Majesty, 10, 12, 13; His Majesty the Emperor, then His Eminence, 14; His Eminence, 17, 21, 33, 34; His Cloistered Eminence, 35, 36, 37, 39
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Asagao

Asagao

Also Known As: Her Highness of the bluebells
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 2
Relations: Shikibukyô no Miya's daughter, Genji’s cousin
Rank / Office / Title: Daughter of His Highness of Ceremonial, 2; The lady of the bluebells, Her Highness, 9; The lady of the bluebells, the High Priestess of the Kamo Shrine, 10; Her Highness, the Former Kamo Priestess, 20, 21, 32
Other Relevant Information: She is an imperial princess. Genji avidly pursues her in chapter 20 “The Bluebell (Asagao)” but does not succeed in his attempts. When Genji’s “Oborozukiyo affair” (chapter 10 “The Green Branch”) is discovered, his pursuit of Asagao is an example cited by the Udaijin and Kokiden no Nyôgo I
as another instance of his philandering ways.

Ōmiya

Ōmiya

Also Known As: Her Highness, the Third Princess
Gender: F
Age: n/a
First Introduced: Chapter 9 “Heart-to-Heart”
Relations: Kiritsubo no Mikado's sister and Genji’s aunt and mother-in-law, Sadaijin's wife, Aoi and Tô no Chûjô's mother, Yûgiri and Kumoi no Kari's grandmother, elder sister of Onna Go no Miya (the Fifth Princess)
Rank / Office / Title: The Princess, 1; Her Highness, 9, 12, 28, 29; Her Highness, the Third Princess, 21
Other Relevant Information: She is an imperial princess, though Aoi, her daughter, is not (due to her father being a commoner).

Oborozukiyo

Oborozukiyo

Also Known As: A young woman, sixth daughter of the Minister of the Right
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 8 “Under the Cherry Blossoms”
Relations: Udaijin's sixth daughter, sister of Kokiden no Nyôgo I, Genji's lover (e.g. chapter 8 “Under the Cherry Blossoms”), both the niece and wife of Emperor Suzaku
Rank / Office / Title: The lady of the misty moon, 8; the Mistress of the Wardrobe, 9; the Mistress of the Wardrobe, then the Mistress of Staff, 10; the Mistress of Staff, 12, 14, 21, 34; the Nijô Mistress of Staff, 35
Other Relevant Information: The sobriquet Oborozukiyo means “Misty-Moon Night.”

Udaijin

Udaijin

Also Known As: His Excellency, the Minister of the Right
Gender: M
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 1 “The Paulownia Pavilion”
Relations: Father of the Kokiden consort (Kokiden no Nyogo I) and Oborozukiyo, the grandfather of the Heir Apparent (Suzaku), the political rival of the Minister of the Left (Sadaijin)
Rank / Office / Title: The Minister of the Right, 1, 9, 10; the Minister of the Right, His Excellency, 8, 12; the Chancellor, 13
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Gen no Naishi

Gen no Naishi

Also Known As: A randy old woman
Gender: F
Age: About 58 -
First Introduced: Chapter 7 “Beneath the Autumn Leaves”
Relations: A gentlewoman in his Majesty’s service who has a fling with Genji
Rank / Office / Title: The Dame of Staff, 7, 9; the former Dame of Staff, 20
Other Relevant Information: She is about 58 when Genji is 19--she could aptly be termed a cougar (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cougar_%28woman%29)

Suetsumuhana

Suetsumuhana

Also Known As: Her Highness, daughter of the Hitachi Prince
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 6 “The Safflower”:
Relations: Youngest daughter of the deceased His Highness of Hitachi (an imperial prince), Genji’s lover
Rank / Office / Title: Her Highness, daughter of His Highness of Hitachi, 6, 15; the safflower, 22; Her Highness of Hitachi, 23
Other Relevant Information: The youngest daughter of an imperial prince, Suetsumuhana is of very high rank, but, with no one alive to support her, she and her gentlewomen and servants live in poverty.

Hyōbukyō no Miya

Hyōbukyō no Miya

Also Known As: His Highness of War, becomes Shikibukyō no Miya
Gender: M
Age: 33 -
First Introduced: Chapter 5 “Young Murasaki”
Relations: Murasaki’s father, Fujitsubo’s elder brother; the son of an empress (and therefore an imperial prince)
Rank / Office / Title: His Highness of War, His Highness, 1, 5,7, 10, 12, 14, 17; the Lord of Ceremonial, 21; His Highness of Ceremonial, 31, 34, 35
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Kitayama no Amagimi

Kitayama no Amagimi

Also Known As: The nun
Gender: F
Age: Past 40 - death (Chapter 5 “Young Murasaki”--the only chapter she significantly features in)
First Introduced: Chapter 5 “Young Murasaki”
Relations: Murasaki’s aged grandmother
Rank / Office / Title: A nun, 5
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Murasaki

Murasaki

Also Known As: The mistress of Genji’s west wing, Lady Murasaki
Gender: F
Age: 10 - death (Chapter 40 “The Law)
First Introduced: Chapter 5 “Young Murasaki”:
Relations: Genji’s lover and adopted daughter, daughter of an imperial prince, His Highness of the Bureau of War (Hyōbukyō no Miya), who is also Fujitsubo’s elder brother, Murasaki is raised by her maternal grandmother, Kitayama no Amagimi, who is a nun
Also, Murasaki’s mother’s father was a senior noble of the third rank.
Rank / Office / Title: A little girl, 5, 6; Genji’s young lady, 7, 8, 9; the mistress of Genji’s west wing, 10, 12, 21; Genji’s lady at Nijō, 13, 14; Genji’s lady, 18, 22, 23, 25, 29; the lady in Genji’s west wing, 19, 20; Genji’s love, 23; the mistress of the southeast quarter, 24, 28, 29 32; the lady of spring, 31; the mistress of Genji’s east wing, 33; the mistress of the east wing, 34, 35; Lady Murasaki, 35, 39, 40
Other Relevant Information: Murasaki notably has no children in the tale, though we are not told why

Akashi no Kimi

Akashi no Kimi

Also Known As: The Akashi lady
Gender: F
Age: 17 or 18 -
First Introduced: Chapter 5 “Young Murasaki” (as a rumor)
Relations: Akashi no Amagimi and Akashi no Nyūdō’s daughter, Genji’s lover, mother of Akashi no Himegimi by Genji
Rank / Office / Title: Akashi no Nyūdō’s daughter, the mother of Genji’s daughter, 5, 12, 13, the lady from Akashi, 14, 18, 25, 28, 35, 41; the lady at Ōi, 19; Akashi, 23, 33, 34, 40
Other Relevant Information: She is of relatively high birth, as her father is the son of a Minister and her mother (see chapter 18) is the daughter of an imperial prince, but she's born and raised in the disreputable Harima Province.

Akashi no Nyūdō

Akashi no Nyūdō

Also Known As: The Akashi Novice, the Novice, former governor of Harima
Gender: M
Age: Late 50’s -
First Introduced: Chapter 5 “Young Murasaki” (as a rumor)
Relations: Husband of Akashi no Amagimi, father of Akashi no Kimi, grandfather (by Genji and Akashi no Kimi) of Akashi no Himegimi
Rank / Office / Title: The (Akashi) Novice, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 34
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Akashi no Amagimi

Akashi no Amagimi

Also Known As: The Akashi Nun, the nun
Gender: F
Age: Early 50’s -
First Introduced: Chapter 5 “Young Murasaki” (as a rumor)
Relations: Akashi no Nyūdō’s wife, mother of Akashi no Kimi by Akashi no Nyūdō, grandmother (by Genji and Akashi no Kimi) of Akashi no Himegimi
Rank / Office / Title: The Akashi Nun, 12; mother of Akashi no Kimi, 13; the Nun, 18, 19, 34, 35
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Ukon

Ukon

Also Known As: N/a
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 4 “The Twilight Beauty”
Relations: A gentlewoman long in Yūgao and (later) Murasaki’s service. (Tyler characterizes her as Yūgao’s “nurse” [i.e. as her menoto, “wet nurse”]; but that is contradicted by Ukon’s words on pp. 72b, 73m, and 76t.),
Rank / Office / Title: See above
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Koremitsu

Koremitsu

Also Known As: N/a
Gender: M
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 4 “The Twilight Beauty”
Relations: Genji’s foster brother and trusted attendant, the son of Genji’s wet nurse, Daini no Menoto
Rank / Office / Title: Koremitsu, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 18; the Commissioner of Civil Affairs, 12, the Governor of Tsu and Left City Commissioner, 21
Other Relevant Information: N/ a

Tamakazura

Tamakazura

Also Known As: Fujiwara Ruri-gimi (by Ukon, [Murasaki’s gentlewoman, formerly Yūgao’s gentlewoman]), the pink, the young lady, the (young) lady of the west wing, the lady, the Mistress of Staff
Gender: F
Age: 3 (Chapter 4 “The Twilight Beauty) -
First Introduced: Chapter 2 “The Broom Tree” p. 32t, as the “little pink”
Relations: Yūgao’s daughter by Tō no Chūjō, the adopted daughter of Genji, who keeps her existence secret from her father and brings her home (in a Murasaki-style way), but he is rebuffed; cared for (due to Genji commanding it) post-adoption by Hanachirusato,
Higekuro’s wife, beloved by To no Chujo's son, Kashiwagi and Genji's younger half-brother, Hotaru, whom she also rebuffs, mother (by Higekuro) of (daughters) The Haven (the elder), the Mistress of Staff (the younger), (sons) The Left Palace Guards Captain, the Right Controller, the Fujiwara Adviser
Rank / Office / Title: The Pink 2, 4; the young lady, 22; the (young) lady of the west wing, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29; the lady, 30; the Mistress of Staff, 31, 34, 35, 44
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Yūgao

Yūgao

Also Known As: The “gillyflower” woman (31m-33t) by Tō no Chūjō
Gender: F
Age: 19 - death (Chapter 4 “The Twilight Beauty, around p. 69)
First Introduced: Chapter 2, “The Broom Tree”
Relations: Mother of Tamakazura by Tō no Chūjō, an orphan, lover of Genji (they begin sleeping together on p. 61), she is presumed killed by the Rokujō Haven by means of spirit possession (around p. 69)
Rank / Office / Title: Mother of Tamakazura, 4
Other Relevant Information: Yūgao’s status as an orphan puts her in a position of vulnerability socially / politically speaking (and perhaps emotionally as well).

Rokujō no Miyasudokoro

Rokujō no Miyasudokoro

Also Known As: The Rokujō Haven, Rokujō, the great lady on Rokujō
Gender: F
Age: Around 24 - death (Chapter 14, The Pilgrimage to Sumiyoshi)
First Introduced: Chapter 4 “The Twilight Beauty”
Relations: Lover of Genji, widow of a former Heir Apparent (her husband and Genji’s father were half-brothers), mother of Akikonomu by said Heir Apparent, presumed killer of Yūgao by spirit possession.
Rank / Office / Title: The Rokujo Haven, 4, 9, 10, 12, 14; (as a spirit), 35, 36
Other Relevant Information: N/ a

Ki no Kami I

Ki no Kami I

Also Known As: The Governor of Kii, The Governor of Kawachi
Gender: M
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 2 "The Broom Tree"
Relations: Iyo no Suke's son, Utsusemi's stepson
Rank / Office / Title: The Governor of Kii, 2; the Governor of Kawachi, 16
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Iyo no Suke (Hitatchi no Suke)

Iyo no Suke

Also Known As: Hitatchi no Suke (later in the Genji), The Iyo Deputy, the Deputy Governor of Hitachi
Gender: M
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 2 "The Broom Tree"
Relations: Father of Ki no Kami I, husband of Utsusemi
Rank / Office / Title: The Iyo Deputy, 2, 4; the Deputy Governor of Hitachi, 16
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Nokiba no Ogi

Nokiba no Ogi

Also Known As: That other young woman, the young woman from the west wing
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 3 "The Cicada Shell"
Relations: Ki no Kami's sister, Iyo no Suke's daughter, Utsusemi’s stepdaughter
Rank / Office / Title: The lady from the west wing, 3; the daughter of the Iyo Deputy, 4
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Kogimi

Kogimi

Also Known As: Utsusemi's younger brother
Gender: M
Age: 12 or 13 -
First Introduced: Chapter 2 "The Broom Tree"
Relations: Utsusemi's younger brother, a helper of sorts of Genji whom some find to have homoerotic / homosocial overtones
Rank / Office / Title: Utsusemi's younger brother 2, 3; the Second of the Right Gate Watch, 16
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Utsusemi

Utsusemi

Also Known As: The wife of the Iyo Deputy
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 2 "The Broom Tree"
Relations: Stepmother of Ki no Kami I, the Iyo Deputy's wife, romantic interest of Genji's who's inaccessible to him
Rank / Office / Title: Stepmother of Ki no Kami I, the Iyo Deputy's wife 2, 3; the lady of the cicada shell 4, 16; the cicada shell, 23
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Fujitsubo

Fujitsubo

Also Known As: N/a
Gender: F
Age: 16 - death (Chapter 19 "Wisps of Cloud")
First Introduced: Chapter 1 “The Paulownia Pavilion”
Relations: Kiritsubo no Mikado's Empress, Reizei's mother, a surrogate for Kiritsubo no Koi, Genji's mother (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oedipus_complex)
Rank / Office / Title: Daughter of an earlier Emperor, 1; Her Highness, 5; Her Highness, then Her Majest, 7; Her Majesty, 8, 9; Her Majesty, then Her Cloistered Eminence, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19; a dream phantom, 20
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Sadaijin

Sadaijin

Also Known As: His Excellency, the Minister of the Left
Gender: M
Age: Becomes Genji’s father-in-law at 46 when we are first introduced to him
First introduced: 1, “The Paulownia Pavilion”
Relations: Aoi and Tō no Chūjō’s father, Genji’s father-in-law, Omiya’s husband
Rank / Office / Title: The Minister of the Left (resigns), the Chancellor; Aoi’s father His Excellency 1,2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; (resigns), 12, 14; becomes Chancellor 19 Other relevant information: Ministers are of the second rank, so Sadaijin is an extremely important political figure.

Genji

Genji

Also Known As: The shining prince
Gender: M
Age: Birth through death (see the chapter "Vanished into the Clouds," approx. mid 50's)
First Introduced: Chapter 1 "The Paulownia Pavilion"
Relations: TBA
Rank / Office / Title: (Birth through 12), 1; a Captain in the Palace Guards, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; a Captain in the Palace Guards, then a Consultant, 7; a Consultant, 8; the Commander of the Right, 9, 10, 11; no rank, 12; no rank, then promoted to Acting Grand Counselor, 13; becomes Palace Minister, 14; the Commander, then the Acting Grand Counselor, 15; the Palace Minister, 16, 17; His Grace, the Palace Minister, 18, 19, 20; His Grace, the Chancellor, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32; His Grace, the Chancellor, then the Honorary Retired Emperor, 33; His Grace, the Honorary Retired Emperor, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Kashiwagi

Kashiwagi

Also Known As: The Captain, the Right Captain, the Secretary Captain, Counselor, the Intendant of the Right Gate Watch, Acting Grand Counselor
Gender: F
Age: 20 or 21 -
First Introduced: Chapter 24 "Butterflies"
Relations: Tō no Chūjō’s eldest son, Yūgiri’s close friend
Rank / Office / Title: The Captain, 24, 29; the Right Captain, 25, 26; the Secretary Captain, 27, 30, 31, 32, 33; the Intendant of the Right Gate Watch, 34; the Intendant of the Right Gate Watch, then also Counselor, 35; the Intendant of the Right Gate Watch, then Acting Grand Counselor. 36; (as a phantom), 37
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Ōmi no Kimi

Ōmi no Kimi

Also Known As: Ōmi daughter, Tô no Chûjô's lost daughter
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 26 "The Pink"
Relations: Tô no Chûjô's lost daughter whom he encouters in chapter 26 when they meet. She claims to be his daughter by an “outside wife.”
Rank / Office / Title: Tô no Chûjô's lost daughter 26; the girl from Ômi, 29, 31
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Higekuro no Kita no Kata

Higekuro no Kita no Kata

Also Known As: Higekuro’s primary wife, his wife, His Highness of Ceremonial’s elder daughter
Gender: F
Age: Mid-30's
First Introduced: Chapter 30 "Thoroughwort Flowers" (she is referred to in this chapter, but does not actually appear until chapter 31 “The Handsome Pillar”)
Relations: Higekuro’s primary wife, the daughter of the His Highness of Ceremonial; the sister of the Intendant of the Left Watch; Murasaki’s half sister
Rank / Office / Title: Higekuro’s primary wife 30, 31
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Onna Ni no Miya

Onna Ni no Miya

Also Known As: The Second Princess
Gender: F
Age: 14
First Introduced: Chapter 49 “The Ivy”
Relations: Kaoru’s wife, daughter of the Emperor (Kinjo)
Rank / Office / Title: Her Highness, the Second Princess, 49, 52
Other Relevant Information: N/a

The Emperor (Kinjo)

The Emperor

Also Known As: His Majesty, Kinjo. He became Emperor in “Spring Shoots II” (631) when Reizei abdicated, he has no reader sobriquet (Tyler refers to him as "Kinjo" in one of the indexes ??), and is the emperor regnant from Spring Shoots II until the end of Genji
Gender: M
Age: 2 or 3 -
First Introduced: N/a
Relations: Suzaku’s son by his Shōkyōden Consort, he became Emperor in “Spring Shoots II” (631) when Reizei abdicated. His Empress (chūgū) is Genji’s daughter, the Akashi Consort. Rank / Office / Title: The Shōkyōden Prince, named Heir Apparent, 14; His Highness, the Heir Apparent, 32, 34; His Highness, the Heir Apparent, then His Majesty, the Emperor, 35; His Majesty, 36, 42, 44, 45, 49
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Ben no Ama

Ben no Ama

Also Known As: Ben, the nun Ben, the old woman
Gender: F
Age: Late 60s
First Introduced: Chapter 48 “Bracken Shoots”
Relations: She's the same Ben no Kimi we met earlier, but she's known as Ben no Ama post-tonsure (when she is no longer in service as a gentlewoman).
Rank / Office / Title: Nun, 48
Other Relevant Information: She lives at the Uji estate as a solitary nun and is supported by Kaoru.

Kokiden no Nyogo

Kokiden no Nyogo I

Also Known As: The Kokiden Consort, Mother of the Heir Apparent
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First introduced: 1, “The Paulownia Pavilion”
Relations: Mother of the Heir Apparent (Suzaku), Daughter of Udaijin, Lover of Kiritsubo no Mikado (Genji’s father)
Rank / Office / Title: The Kokiden Consort 1, 7, 8, 9, 10; the Empress Mother 13, 14; Her Majesty, the Empress Mother 21
Other relevant information: Her name comes from the fact that she lives in the part of the imperial palace known as the “Kokiden.”

Kiritsubo no Koi

Kiritsubo no Koi

Also Known As: The Haven, The Kiritsubo Intimate
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 1 “The Paulownia Pavilion”
Relations: Genji’s Mother, Haven / Intimate of the emperor (Kiritsubo no Mikado), daughter of the “Grand Counselor”--a noble of the third rank
Rank / Office / Title: The Haven, the Kiritsubo Intimate 1
Other Relevant Information: Her father was a noble of the third rank (the “Grand Counselor”) who dies before she enters palace service. She had no influential male relative on her mother’s side, which made things difficult for her when events took place, despite the fact that her mother “saw to it that she should give no less to court events than others whose parents were both alive and enjoyed general esteem” (1).

Kiritsubo no Mikado

Kiritsubo no Mikado

Also Known As: His Majesty, the Emperor
Gender: M
Age: N/a
First introduced: 1, “The Paulownia Pavilion”
Relations: Genji’s father, Lover of Kiritsubo no Koi (Genji’s mother) and the Kokiden Consort (as well as numerous others )
Rank / Office / Title: His Majesty 1, 2, 7, 8; His Eminence (the Retired Emperor) 9; His Eminence / His Late Eminence 10; His Late Eminence 12, 13, 14
Other relevant information: N/a

Ben no Kimi

Ben no Kimi

Also Known As: N/a
Gender: F
Age: In her 60's (as of chapter 46 "Beneath the Oak")
First Introduced: Chapter 46 "Beneath the Oak"
Relations: An aged gentlewoman serving the Eighth Prince’s daughters. The daughter of a gentlewoman who served as nurse to the Intendant (Kashiwagi). Thus she is Kashiwagi’s foster sister, and Kojijū’s cousin. Ben no Kimi is also distantly related to the Eighth Prince’s deceased wife. (p. 860)
Rank / Office / Title: An aged gentlewoman serving the Eighth Prince’s daughters, 45
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Uji no Ajari

Uji no Ajari

Also Known As: The Uji Adept
Gender: M
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 45 "The Maiden of the Bridge"
Relations: Hachi no Miya's spiritual adviser
Rank / Office / Title: The Adept, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49; the Master of Discipline, 52
Other Relevant Information: Interesting fact from Herschell Miller:

"Ajari, the term Tyler renders as “Adept,” is a Japanese transliteration of the Sanskrit ācārya, meaning something like “master” or “preceptor” (or “adept”!). It was a title given to a relatively high-level monk of one of the “esoteric” (i.e. tantric) sects: either Shingon or Tendai. Sometimes the term referred to such a monk assigned to his clerical position by imperial decree."

Naka no Kimi

Naka no Kimi

Also Known As: the younger one, the younger, the middle lady
Gender: F
Age: 20 -
First Introduced: Chapter 45 "The Maiden of the Bridge"
Relations: Second daughter of Hachi no Miya, eventually wife of Niou
Rank / Office / Title: Second daughter of Hachi no Miya, eventually wife of Niou, 45, 46, 47, 48; the lady in the wing at Nijo, 49; the wife of his Highness of War, 5; Her Highness, the wife of His Highness of War
Other Relevant Information: Naka no Kimi literally means “the middle lady.”

Ōigimi

Ōigimi

Also Known As: The elder one, the elder
Gender: F
Age: 22 -
First Introduced: Chapter 45 "The Maiden of the Bridge"
Relations: Hachi no Miya's elder daughter
Rank / Office / Title: Hachi no Miya's elder daughter, 45, 46; Her Highness, 47
Other Relevant Information: Ōigimi literally (and unfortunately) means “the big lady.”

Hachi no Miya

Hachi no Miya

Also Known As: The Eighth Prince, His Highness
Gender: M
Age: Listed as around 60 in chapter 46 "Beneath the Oak"
First Introduced: Chapter 45 "The Maiden of the Bridge"
Relations: He is a younger half brother of Genji and Suzaku. He shares the same father as Genji (Kiritsubo no Mikado), but is born of a different mother (perhaps the Kokiden Consort?). He is the father of Ukifune by Chujo, but does not recognize her as his daughter, he is also the father of Oigimi and Naka no Kimi.
Rank / Office / Title: Genji and Suzaku's half brother His Highness, the Eighth Prince, 45, 46
Other Relevant Information: He lost his political chops when the Empress Mother's attempt to have him named Heir Apparent (instead of Reizei) failed (all his supporters were forced to retire from public office).

The Fujitsubo Consort

The Fujitsubo Consort

Also Known As: N/a
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 49 "The Ivy"
Relations: A consort to the Emperor
Rank / Office / Title: A consort to the Emperor
Other Relevant Information: She is likely (according to Herschel Miller) the “Reikeiden Consort” of “The Plum Tree Branch.”

Kōbai’s younger daughter

Kōbai’s younger daughter

Also Known As: His younger daughter, the young lady on the west
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 43 “Red Plum Blossoms”
Relations: The younger of Kōbai’s non-adopted daughters (by Makibashira)
Rank / Office / Title: N/a
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Kōbai’s elder daughter

Kōbai’s elder daughter

Also Known As: His elder daughter
Gender: F
Age: 17 -
First Introduced: Chapter 43 “Red Plum Blossoms”
Relations: The elder of Kōbai’s non-adopted daughters (by Makibashira), a Consort to the Heir Apparent
Rank / Office / Title: Consort to the Heir Apparent, 43
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Kōbai’s son

Kōbai’s son

Also Known As: The boy
Gender: M
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 43 “Red Plum Blossoms”
Relations: Kōbai’s and Makibashira’s son
Rank / Office / Title: N/a
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Makibashira’s daughter by Hotaru

Makibashira’s daughter by Hotaru

Also Known As: Her Highness
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 43 “Red Plum Blossoms”
Relations: Makibashira’s daughter by Hotaru (“His Late Highness of War”), later adopted by Kōbai
Rank / Office / Title: Her Highness, 43 (She is referred to as “Her Highness” because she is a recognized imperial princess)
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Makibashira

Makibashira

Also Known As: N/a
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 31 “The Handsome Pillar”
Relations: Higekuro’s daughter by his original primary wife (Murasaki’s half sister), later Kōbai’s wife
Rank / Office / Title: Higekuro’s daughter, later Kōbai’s wife, 31; the daughter of the Left Commander, 35; Kōbai’s wife, 43, 44
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Kōbai

Kōbai

Also Known As: The Inspector Grand Counselor, the Grand Counselor
Gender: M
Age: Age 8 -
First Introduced: Chapter 10 “The Green Branch”
Relations: Tō no Chūjō’s second-born son (after Kashiwagi) by Udaijin's fourth daughter, Makibashira's husband, father of "Kōbai's son," "Kōbai's elder daughter," and "Kōbai's younger daughter" by Makibashira
Rank / Office / Title: 10, 14 The Controller Lieutenant, 23, 36, 27, 29, 32, 33; the Inspector Grand Counselor, 43, 49; the Grand Counselor, then Minister of the Right, 44
Other Relevant Information: His post places him in the third rank of the court nobility.

The Wife of His Highness of Ceremonial

The Wife of His Highness of Ceremonial

Also Known As: N/a
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 31 "The Handsome Pillar," formally, though she is the lady who is said to have hounded Murasaki's mother to death and with whom Murasaki would have lived if not for Genji's abduction of her
Relations: Murasaki's stepmother, Higekuro’s mother-in-law, Hyōbukyō no Miya's wife
Rank / Office / Title: The Wife of His Highness of Ceremonial, 1
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Tō no Chūjō

Tō no Chūjō

Also Known As: N/a
Gender: M
Age: N/a
First introduced: 1, “The Paulownia Pavilion”
Relations: Aoi’s brother, the Minister of the Left’s (Sadaijin) eldest son, Genji’s friend and rival throughout the bulk of the tale
Rank / Office / Title: The Chamberlain Lieutenant 1; the Secretary Captain 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; the Third Rank Captain 9; the Captain 9, 10; the Captain, also appointed a Consultant 12, the Consultant Captain, then the Acting Counselor 14; the Acting Counselor 17; the Acting Counselor, then Grand Counselor and Commander of the Right 19; the Commander, then His Excellency, the Chancellor, 34; His Retired Excellency 36, 37; His Excellency 39, 40
Other relevant information: N/a

Aoi

Aoi

Also Known As: Aoi no Ue, Lady Aoi, the lady at His Excellency’s
Age: 16 -26 (see p. 176b for death)
First introduced: 1, “The Paulownia Pavilion”
Relations: Genji’s first wife, Daughter of Omiya and SadaijinRank / Office / Title: Genji’s first wife, Sadaijin’s daughter 1, 2, 5, 7, 9
Other relevant information: Genji is 12 and Aoi is sixteen when they are married to each other. Aoi’s mother (Omiya) is the full sister of Genji’s father (Kiritsubo no Mikado), and she is thus Genji’s first cousin as well as his wife.

Reizei’s First Princess

Reizei’s First Princess

Also Known As: The First Princess, Her Highness
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 42 “The Perfumed Prince”
Relations: Retired Emperor Reizei’s eldest (and only) daughter by his Kokiden Consort (who is a daughter of Tō no Chūjō’s by his primary wife).
Rank / Office / Title: The First Princess, Her Highness
Other Relevant Information: It’s important to note that there are two different characters in the Genji called “the First Princess.”

The Emperor’s First Princess

The Emperor’s First Princess

Also Known As: the First Princess
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 42 “The Perfumed Prince”
Relations: The eldest daughter of the Emperor regnant by the Akashi Empress (Akashi no Himegimi), Niou’s full sister.
Rank / Office / Title: The First Princess
Other Relevant Information: She resides “in the east wing of the southeast quarter at Rokujō,” (p. ??), which is significant, as it was once Murasaki’s residence. It’s important to note that there are two different characters in the Genji called “the First Princess.”

Akikonomu

Akikonomu

Also Known As: Her Majesty, High Priestess of Ise, Her Highness, the former Ise Priestess, the Ise Consort, Her Majesty
Gender: F
Age: 13 -
First Introduced: Chapter 9 “Heart-to-Heart”
Relations: Rokujō’s no Miyasudokoro’s daughter by a now-deceased Heir Apparent, Genji’s daughter by adoption (by Rokujō’s no Miyasudokoro’s request), an object of Genji's sexual desire (is their relationship ever consummated??) and the Empress of the now retired Reizei Emperor.
Rank / Office / Title: High Priestess of Ise, 9, 10, 14; Her Highness, the former Ise Priestess, the Ise Consort, 16; the Ise Consort, 19; the Ise Consort, Her Majesty, 21; Her Majesty, 24, 28, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38, 40, 42
Other Relevant Information: Her sobriquet means “The One Who Favors Autumn.”

Akashi no Himegimi

Akashi no Himegimi

Also Known As: Akashi no Nyogo, Akashi no Chugo, the Akashi Empress
Gender: F
Age: Birth -
First Introduced: Chapter 14 “The Pilgrimage to Sumiyoshi”
Relations: Daughter of Genji and Akashi no Kimi, mother of the Emperor regnant’s First, Second, and Third Princes and his First Princess
Rank / Office / Title: (Born), 14; the young lady, 18, 19, 22, 23, 25,28, 32; the Consort (of the Heir Apparent), 33; the Heir Apparent’s Kiritsubo Consort, then Haven, 34; the Kiritsubo Consort, the Consort, 35; the Consort, 36, 37; Her Majesty, the Empress, 40, 42, 47, 39, 52, 53
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Reizei

Reizei

Also Known As: The Reizei Retired Emperor, His Eminence
Gender: M
Age: Birth -
First Introduced: Chapter 7 “Beneath the Autumn Leaves”
Relations: Son of Genji and Fujitsubo in reality, as Genji cuckolded his father, so he is thought to be Fujitsubo’s son by the Kiritsubo Emperor (Kiritsubo no Mikado)
Rank / Office / Title: (Born), 7; the Heir Apparent, 9, 10, 12, 13; His Highness, the Heir Apparent, then His Majesty, 14; His Majesty, 17, 18, 19, 21, 29, 31, 33, 34; His Majesty, then His Eminence, Retired Emperor, 35; His Eminence, 38, 44, 45
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Ochiba no Miya

Ochiba no Miya

Also Known As: Ochiba, Her Highness of Ichijō, Her Highness
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 35 “Spring Shoots II”
Relations: Suzaku’s second daughter by the Ichijō Haven (a junior Intimate), an elder sister of the Third Princess (Onna San no Miya), the widow of Kashiwagi who later is married toYūgiri, Roku no Kimi’s adoptive mother
Rank / Office / Title: Her Highness, the Second Princess, 35, 36, 37; Her Highness at/of Ichijō, 39, 42; Her Highness, 49
Other Relevant Information: She seems to have no children (see p. 790m).

Onna San no Miya

Onna San no Miya

Also Known As: Her Cloistered Highness
Gender: F
Age: Mid-teens -
First Introduced: Chapter 34 “Spring Shoots I”
Relations: Sukaku’s (the retired emperor) favorite daughter, Genji’s (“sometimes”) wife, mother of Kaouru (in a scandalous fashion)
Rank / Office / Title: Her Highness, the Third Princess, 34, 35; Her Highness, the Third Princess, Her Cloistered Highness, 36; Her Cloistered Highness, the Third Princess, 37, 38, 41, 42, 45, 49
Other Relevant Information: Late in the Genji she becomes a Buddhist nun.

Roku no Kimi

Roku no Kimi

Also Known As: The Sixth Daughter, his Excellency’s Sixth Daughter
Gender: F
Age: 10 or 11 -
First Introduced: Chapter 42 “The Perfumed Prince”
Relations: Yūgiri’s sixth-eldest daughter by Koremitsu’s daughter (the Dame of Staff), Niou’s wife
Rank / Office / Title: His Excellency’s sixth daughter, 42, 29
Other Relevant Information: She’s characterized as smart and hot despite her relatively low status…see p. 790m

Yūgiri

Yūgiri

Also Known As: The Minister of the Right, His Excellency, the Commander
Gender: M
Age: Birth -
First Introduced: Chapter 9 “Heart-to-Heart” (page 175t)
Relations: Son of Genji and Aoi
Rank / Office / Title: (Born) 9, 12, 14; a student at the Academy, the Adviser, 21, the Captain, 22, 23, 24, 25, 25, 27, 28, 29; the Consultant Captain, 30, 31, 31; the Consultant Captain, then Counselor, 33; the Counselor, then Right Commander, 34; the Right Commander, then also Grand Counselor, 35; the Right Commander, 36; the Commander 37, 38, 39, 40, 41; His Excellency, the Minister of the Right, the Commander of the Left Palace Guards, 42; His Excellency, the Minister of the Right, 43; His Excellency, the Minister of the Right, then of the Left, 44; His Excellency, the Minister of the Right, 47, 48, 49, 51
Other Relevant Information: Even though Yūgiri is Genji’s son, his rather conventional manner has led some to describe him as “vanilla.”

Shi no Miko / Hitachi no Miya

Shi no Miko / Hitachi no Miya

Also Known As: The Fourth Prince, His Highness of Hitachi
Gender: M
Age: N/a
First Introduced: N/a
Relations: The fourth son of the Emperor regnant. His mother is an Intimate in His Majesty’s service.
Rank / Office / Title: The Fourth Prince, His Highness of Hitachi, 42
Other Relevant Information: He is not a significant character in the Genji.

Niou

Niou

Also Known As: The Third Prince, His Highness of War, His Highness of the Bureau of War, Niou no Miya, San no Miya, Hyōbukyō no Miya, Niou Hyōbukyō, Niou Hyōbukyō no Miya
Gender: M
Age: 15 -
First Introduced: Chapter 42 “The Perfumed Prince”
Relations: Akashi no Himegimi’s son, the third eldest son of the Emperor regnant, Murasaki’s favorite, Naka no Kimi’s husband, Ukifune’s lover, Genji’s grandson, and the friend and rival of Kaoru.
Rank / Office / Title: His Highness, the Third Prince, 37, 40, 41; His Highness of the Bureau of War, His Highness of War, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52
Other Relevant Information: Both Niou and Kaoru’s sobriquets mean “perfume” or “fragrance.”

Ni no Miya

Ni no Miya

Also Known As: The Second Prince
Gender: M
Age: N/a
First Introduced: N/a
Relations: The second son of the Akashi Empress and the Emperor regnant. He is married to Yūgiri’s second daughter, whose mother is Kumoi no Kari.
Rank / Office / Title: The Second Prince, 42
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Kisaki no Miya / Kisai no Miya

Kisaki no Miya / Kisai no Miya

Also Known As: The Empress Mother, the former Shōkyōden Consort
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: N/a
Relations: Consort to the Suzaku Emperor, mother of the current Emperor, paternal grandmother to the Emperor’s other princes and princesses
Rank / Office / Title: The Empress Mother, the (former) Shōkyōden Consort
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Ichi no Miya

Ichi no Miya

Also Known As: The First Prince, the Heir Apparent
Gender: M
Age: N/a
First Introduced: N/a
Relations: Married to Yugiri’s first daughter, whose mother, Koremitsu, is the Dame of Staff. He is the eldest son of the Akashi Empress and the Emperor regnant.
Rank / Office / Title: The First Prince, the Heir Apparent
Other Relevant Information: N/a

Hanachirusato

Hanachirusato

Also Known As: the lady of Falling Flowers
Gender: F
Age: N/a
First Introduced: Chapter 11 “Falling Flowers”
Relations: One of Genji’s lovers, younger sister of his father’s (Kiritsubo no Mikado) Reikeiden Consort, a foster mother of sorts to Yūgiri
Rank / Office / Title: Younger sister of the Reikeiden Consort, 11; the lady of the falling flowers, 12, 14; the lady of the village of the falling flowers, 13; the lady of the Falling Flowers, 18, 40; the lady in Genji’s east pavilion, 19; the lady of the northeast quarter of Rokujo, the lady of summer, 22; the lady in/of the northeast quarter, 35; the lady of summer, 41
Other Relevant Information: Her reader sobriquet literally means “the Village of Falling Flowers.”

Kaoru

Kaoru

Also Known As: The Consultant Captain, the Captain, Her Cloistered Highness’s young son
Gender: M
Age: 14 -First Introduced: Chapter 42 “The Perfumed Prince”
Relations: Son of Suzaku’s Third Princess (Onna San no Miya) by Kashiwagi, but believed by the world at large to be her son by Genji. Kaoru is a 1/2 nephew of the reigning Emperor (name not given) and the friend and rival of Niou.
Rank / Office / Title: (Born), 36; the little boy, 37; the Consultant Captain, 42; the Minamoto Counselor, 43; the Minamoto Adviser, the Consultant Captain, then Counselor, 44; the Consultant Captain, 45; the Consultant Captain, then Counselor, 46; the Counselor, 47, 48; the Counselor, then the Commander, 49; the Commander, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54
Other Relevant Information: Both Niou and Kaoru’s sobriquets mean “perfume” or “fragrance.”