Akikonomu Character Analysis

Akikonomu is the Rokujō Lady's daughter; it's never stated who her father is. When she's still a child, she's appointed to be the high priestess of the Ise shrine, a huge honor. Suzaku, as emperor, lets her go, despite the fact that he's in love with her. Genji is also interested in her, though he remains unable to pursue her throughout the novel. Akikonomu is thrilled to be able to take her mother with her to Ise, as such a thing is unprecedented. She and her mother return later in the novel and within weeks, the Rokujō Lady dies. However, on her deathbed, she asks that Genji take care of Akikonomu. Genji respects the Rokujō Lady's wishes to not take Akikonomu as a lover and instead, pretends he doesn't know that Suzaku loves her and offers her to Reizei. Because Akikonomu is a painter, she easily wins Reizei's heart and presumably, his hand as well.