The ages of characters are counted in kazoedoshi ( 数え年), as the story discusses.

Portrait of Murasaki Shikibu, the author of The Tale of Genji.

While fictitious, Genji is thought to be inspired by real historical figures, including Minamoto no Tōru, who was a grandson of Emperor Saga, hence one of the Saga Genji clan. He is usually universally depicted as possessing unrivaled beauty and charisma in all subsequent media adaptations. The character of Hikaru Genji has had several adaptations in other media, from different iterations of The Tale of Genji. Describing his superlative qualities, Murasaki wrote: 'but to recount all his virtues would, I fear, give rise to a suspicion that I distort the truth.' His appearance was said to tempted men and women alike, having desirable features such as smooth white skin, accredited fashion, and famed popularity. It's implied that Hikaru Genji was extremely attractive and talented, easily gaining the favor of those around him at a young age. He is often called Genji when speaking of the story. He is also referred to as Rokujō no In ( 六条院), sometimes abbreviated as In ( 院). 'Hikaru' means 'shining', which is a nickname deriving from his appearance. His true given name is never referred to in the story, like most other characters. ' Genji' is the surname as a noble demoted from royalty. He appears from the first volume 'Kiritsubo' to the 40th volume 'Illusion'. The first part of the story concentrates on his romantic life, and in the second, his and others' internal agony is depicted.

Genji is the second son of a Japanese emperor, but he is relegated to civilian life for political reasons and lives as an imperial officer. The story describes him as a superbly handsome man and a genius. 'Genji' ( 元師) literally means 'original teacher'.Hikaru Genji ( 光源氏) is the protagonist of Murasaki Shikibu's important Heian-era Japanese novel The Tale of Genji.She vows to him to carry out her duties, to the best of her abilities as Mizukage to which he smiles and chuckles. When Mei Terumī had to depart for the Kage Summit, Genji hands her the Mizukage headpiece. He also carries a staff that is crafted to resemble a demon-like creature with red eyes and a mouth with sharp teeth. He wears a brown kimono with a yellow scarf draped over his shoulders. Genji is a very elderly man with a bald head. Genji is absolutely faithful to Kirigakure, having worked decades for its profit. In the anime, when Tsunade sent an invitation for Kirigakure to join the Chūnin Exams co-hosted by Konohagakure and Sunagakure, Genji suggested for Kirigakure not to take part, taking Ao's advice to instead focus on the village's internal affairs. He holds as much importance within the village as its Mizukage and his advice is sought for when it comes to the villages most important matters, essentially making him the law of Kirigakure. Genji spent much of his lifetime contributing to Kirigakure's development.

Pepakura genji