Murasaki Shikibu

Murasaki Shikibu stands as a towering figure in world literature, recognized as the author of the world's first psychological novel. Her work, The Tale of Genji, has been celebrated for over a millennium and is studied in universities worldwide. She is a central figure in the field of Japanese studies, with entire departments dedicated to her work. Her legacy includes being featured in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register and appearing on numerous "Greatest of All Time" lists in literature. Her influence extends beyond Japan, making her a global icon of literary achievement.