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Primary sourceDiary entryc. 1008–1010

The Diary of Lady Murasaki

Murasaki Shikibu · c. 1008–1010

Murasaki Shikibu's own diary fragments describing her years serving Empress Shōshi at the Heian court.

Her own first-person record of court service and emotions.

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About this source

What it is

This is a collection of diary fragments written by Murasaki Shikibu, probably between 1008 and 1010, while she served as a lady-in-waiting to Empress Shōshi. It is written in kana, the script used mostly by women at the time.

Why it matters

Much of what we know about Murasaki's life comes from this diary. It shows her education in Chinese, her feelings of loneliness after her husband's death, and her sharp opinions of other court women, including the writer Sei Shōnagon.

Look closer

  • Why do you think Murasaki wrote in kana rather than Chinese characters?
  • What does her description of court life tell us about the role of women in the Heian court?
  • What might be missing from a diary written for, or about, people she worked closely with?

This diary entry is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Murasaki Shikibu on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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