The Tale of Genji
Brian Smith
Tennessee Standards:
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7.27 Compare the major features of Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion, and Japanese
Buddhism.
7.28 Explain the influence of China and the Korean peninsula upon Japan as Buddhism,
Confucianism, and the Chinese writing system were adopted.
7.29 Trace the emergence of the Japanese nation during the Nara, 710-794, and the Heian
periods, 794-1180.
7.30 Describe how the Heian (contemporary Kyoto) aristocracy created enduring Japanese
cultural perspectives that are epitomized in works of prose such as The Tale of Genji, one of the
world’s first novels.
Primary Documents and Supporting Text to Read: excerpts from The Tale of Genji
Common Core Literacy Standards for Social Studies:
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Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences
drawn from the text.
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
National Geographic Standard: The characteristics, distribution, and complexity of Earth's
cultural mosaics; specifically, Changes in cultural characteristics and the distribution of cultures
result from migration of people and the diffusion of ideas and technology.
Time: one 50 minute class period
Procedures
Review tenets of Shintoism, Confucianism and Buddhism from previous background knowledge.
Watch video resources if necessary. The goal is for students to identify cultural diffusion from
mainland Asia as reflected in life depicted in the Heian court. Students will also indicate examples of
traditional culture.
Students will receive printed materials that have excerpts from the The Tale of Genji. Students will
be expected to either highlight, underline or in some manner indicate whether the examples are
Traditional, Buddhist or Confucian influences upon Japan’s Heian culture.
Extension Activity: You can either assign this as homework or provide class time. If assigning
during class add an extra period and make sure students have a recording device. Students can
create an emakimono or paper slide presentation that exemplifies life during the Heian Period.
Online Resources and background knowledge:
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/shinto/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/
THE HEART OF HISTORY The Tale of Genji
Genji to Godzilla Using Art and Film to Teach Japan
Teaching about Heian Japan
Annenberg Learning Activity on The Tale of Genji
Tale of Genji
Heian Japan: An Introductory Essay
http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/at/genji/ttog02.html