Hikaru no Genji (光の源氏, "the shining Genji") is the fictional central character for the most part of The Tale of Genji.

In the story, he is described as the most handsome in the world and he attracts all women.

He is a son of a Japanese emperor, who, for political reasons, is delegated to civilian life and begins a career as an imperial officer. The tale concentrates on his romantic life and gives an impressive portrait of the customs of the time.