Genji Monogatari Sennenki

They have both the same setting and follow skilled, good-looking nobleman and their lovers at the court. Both are full of passion and drama. They also have a simular background: While 'Genji Monogatari Sennenki' is based on one of the first novels writen by the court lady Murasaki Shikibu, in 'Chouyaku Hyakuninisshu' Murasaki Shikibu and her rival Sei Shōnagon, that also wrote one of the first novels (Makura no Sōshi/The Pillow Book), are characters of the anime. But there are also diffences, The art and style are different and 'Chouyaku Hyakuninisshu' has also comedy and fllows different nobleman/poets, while 'Genji Monogatari Sennenki' only tells Genji's dramatic story.  read more 

Both are historical fiction; Ooku in the Edo period & Tale of Genji in the older Heian era. Both deal with heartbreaking relationships that are bittersweet. The narration & nuance is similar. The character art style is similar. Historical Japanese folk music features in both works. The demographic genre is Josei. Seemingly the works pose philosophical questions. Both works leave one feeling both empty inside and full of emotion with stories of love that could never end happily. They feature the backstage of politics & courting in historical settings in Japan. Genji is a more authentic realistic story based on the oldest known fictional novel in the world, while Ooku is based on a more modern work that is formed from many "What if's". read more