# The Tale of Genji circulates at court (1008)

URL: https://history-japan.com/timeline/1008-the-tale-of-genji-circulates-at-court
Location: Japan
Categories: main-event

Murasaki Shikibu’s Tale of Genji was known at court by around 1008. Its portrayal of relationships, rank and impermanence became a landmark of Japanese literature. The date is a milestone in the work’s circulation rather than a securely documented publication day.

Ruler at the time: [Fujiwara no Michinaga](https://history-japan.com/rulers/fujiwara-no-michinaga)

## Sources
- [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tale_of_Genji)