#kogimi

[maiji]

Some Genjimonogatari series groupings now possible with the new pieces:

Sister-brother pair: Utsusemi and Kogimi I.

“Women who successfully resisted/rejected Genji” quartet lol: Asagao and Utsusemi, Akikonomu and Tamakazura (Commentary: Utsusemi and Tamakazura were under a lot more pressure since they’re of a different social standing.)

Imperial women who become/are beyond Genji’s reach: Fujitsubo and Asagao

[maiji]

Message Bearer Fude de mannen, ink, watercolour

Kogimi (“little brother”) is the epithet for two characters, both younger brothers of key love interests. Since Heian court women were pretty much separated from all adult men aside from fathers and husbands, younger brothers were convenient go-betweens.

Kogimi I is the brother of Utsusemi, one of the few women to successfully evade every single one of Genji’s amorous attempts. The text seems to imply that when Genji can’t get it on with her, he sleeps with Kogimi instead, a section frequently raised as the only “explicit” depiction of homosexual relations in the Tale of Genji. Bearing in mind no sexual relations are ever actually depicted so there are lots of scholarly discussions that are basically “so did they do it or what? HERE’S MY HOT TAKE”. He shows up again later in the story as Second of the Right Gate Watch (Uemonnosuke), still going on about how great Genji is and pestering his sister to reply to Genji’s letters.

Kogimi II is Ukifune’s half-brother. He appears at the end trying to deliver a message from Kaoru, but Ukifune (in hiding as a nun) refuses to see him. He has a big role in one of my favourite Tale of Genji historical fanfics, Yamaji no Tsuyu (“Dew on the Mountain Path” which I keep trying to not call The Mountain Dew story). This (estimated) 12th century “sequel” takes place after the final chapter, and not only does Kogimi II finally succeed in connecting with Ukifune, he also makes some hilariously snarky remarks.

There’s actually a third little brother who’s not important enough to be associated with a “name”, but plays a similar role. He’s Kobai’s son and delivers messages (and a very nice plum blossom branch) to Niou.

Genjimonogatari series