On December 15, 2023, the much-anticipated finale of the NHK historical drama "光る君へ" (Hikari ni Mukatte), featuring the life of Murasaki Shikibu, captivated audiences and stirred discussions about its innovative storytelling and historical interpretations.
The series, recognized as the 63rd installment of the NHK Taiga dramas, artfully intertwined Shikibu's narrative with her influential connection to Fujiwara no Michinaga, portrayed by actor Emoto Tasuku. The drama went beyond mere historical reenactment; it provided compelling insights about the political and personal motivations behind Shikibu's writing of "源氏物語" (The Tale of Genji), one of Japan's most celebrated literary works.
Throughout its run, the show garnered attention not only for its historical accuracy but also for its emotionally engaging plotlines. It concluded with Shikibu, portrayed as Mahiro, addressing the complex themes of love, loss, and the shadows of history. During the finale, Mahiro discloses to Michinaga why she chose not to narrate the death of "光る君" (Hikari no Kimi), the protagonist of her fable:
"光る君が死ぬ姿を描かなかったのは幻がいつまでも続いてほしいと願ったゆえでございます。私が知らないところで道長様がお亡くなりになってしまったら、私は幻を追い続けて狂っていたやもしれませぬ。"Reported by NHK.
This poignant moment captured the viewers' imagination and provoked questions about the nature of storytelling itself. Chief director Nakashima Yuki elaborated on this narrative choice, stating:
"光る君の死去まで描かなかったのは、まひろと道長の関係も終わってしまうので、そうなりたくない気持ちが『幻』のまま終えようとしたのです。"Reported by NHK.
This thematic depth not only enhanced the dramatic experience but also linked the past and present, inviting viewers to reflect on the legacy of Shikibu's work.
The drama also showcased the political machinations of the Heian period, particularly how Michinaga’s motives influenced Shikibu’s literary undertakings. By depicting her as both the observer and participant of court intrigues, the series brought forward the feminist potential of the story, challenging historically entrenched stereotypes about women during the Heian era.
It tackled the murky waters of succession and loss, particularly through the lens of Mahiro’s interactions with her father and Michinaga. This dynamic was elucidated by the inclusion of characters such as Shikibu's contemporaries and rivals, heightening the drama and underscoring the evolutionary essence of the narrative.
According to Nakashima, the choice to leave Mahiro’s end ambiguous aligned perfectly with the series’ overarching goal to highlight the resilience and complexity of women’s narratives:
"紫式部が亡くなった時期については諸説あり、誰も詳しくは分からない。主人公には時代の変わり目まで見届けてもらおういう話でした。"Reported by NHK.
The final episode also introduced the character Chigusa, daughter of Sugawara no Takasue, who later becomes the author of "更級日記" (Sarashina Diary). This character served as a vehicle for offering contemporary commentary on Shikibu’s work, along with reflections on the emotional turbulence surrounding the literary creation process.
The historical period portrayed is noted for its transitions, as the series ends on the cusp of Japan moving from the aristocratic age to the warrior-class dominance, illustrated through symbolic elements such as Mahiro's departure:
"鳥のように飛び立ち、戻らない" (She takes flight like a bird, never to return).Reported by NHK.
Such imagery left audiences contemplating the inevitability of change and the enduring impact of Shikibu’s legacy.
Coming on the heels of the finale, the Taiga drama exhibition established at Takefu Central Park, Fukui Prefecture—dedicated to Shikibu's legacy—held its last day of operation on December 30, 2023. It offered fans and visitors insights through displays of costumes and historical artifacts from the show. To encourage attendance, the exhibition offered free admission to Fukui residents from December 16, coinciding with the closure campaign.
“This has been not just another show; it’s revolutionized our collective view of the Heian period through the lens of one of its most notable cultural figures,” said one fan attending the exhibition on its final day.
The way "光る君へ" portrayed Shikibu's time and her literary contributions has left audiences eager for future adaptations and explorations of Japan's rich literary and historical narratives. The legacy of Murasaki Shikibu, reimagined through this drama, continues to inspire discussions and reflections on her pivotal role within both the literary canon and Japanese history.
