Tale of Genji begins with the birth of the main character, Genji. Even at birth, everyone around the child remarked on his beauty. It was not until his seventh birthday that he was finally given a name. (Genji refers to the high post he would eventually hold in the court: prince.) The personal name that was finally bestowed upon him by a visiting Korean diplomat was Hikaru（光る） which means "to shine" or "to glow."
For centuries, this 'shining prince' would define beauty in Japan.
But what is beauty? And is it the same in all places at all times, or do people's perception of beauty differ depending on their setting?
Is beauty gender specific? In other words, is it only possible for a man or a woman to be "beautiful?" If so, why?
YOUR TASK:
1) Look at the images of Hikaru Genji posted above. The first photo is a popular boy-band from the late 90's in Japan, who adopted the name "Hikari Genji" after the main character of the famous novel. The second picture is a doll that was created after the images of Genji found in woodblock prints.
2) What do you find interesting about these pictures?
3) Judging by these images, what do you think defines "beauty/handsomeness" for young men in Japan? Would you say these characteristics the same for young men in your culture?
4) Thinking of both young men and women, what defines beauty in your culture? Why are those characteristics valued over others? Do you agree or disagree with your culture's definition of "beauty"?
5) Using Hikaru Genji as an example, write a short essay in which you interpret the phrase: "Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder."
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