After studying Japanese for 3-ish years, I decided to go to uni to study with actual Japanese teachers and to also study a bunch of hystory and literature. That being said, next year we will start the literature course, which of course starts with Tale of Genji.
So, I’m basically looking for a modern Japanese translation, preferably written for late primary school/middle school kids (since that’s prettymuch my kanji level rn). Does anyone have any recommendations?
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How does the difficulty of this one feel (check the Kindle Preview)?
https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E6%9E%97%E6%9C%9B-ebook/dp/B00D783E5U/
They’re there. I saw at least a few during my trip in Japanese bookstores.
Honestly they would have to be translated as the original is not intelligible to modern Japanese speakers.
For something as difficult as Genji I would recommend an English translation — the problem is not just the language, it’s the style and length also. If you really want something in Japanese you might try one of the manga versions.
あさきゆめみし！
I am a Japanese woman, but not so much into girly Manga. But あさひゆめみし is so good. Very popular series by 大和和紀. I remember borrowing from my friend, got into it so much when I was in junior hight school. Original 源氏物語 is long and difficult to read. But this series helped me understand the court environment better than boring 古文 textbooks. 末摘花 story is so hilarious.