Genji Monogatari

[Mass Distraction]

Yep. This is actually about the Genji from Overwatch. Nah, I didn't actually expect anyone to know what the title was referring to. It is actually the original Japanese name of a very old written tale called The Tale of Genji, which features a surprisingly similar character, by the name of Hikaru Genji. Well, you know, apart from the whole cyborg ninja thing.



As you can tell, if you clicked the link on the name of the tale (and if you bothered to read any of it), it is a story of a son of an influential Japanese family, who instead of working his ass off for the family decides to live the life of a playboy. Eventually, he is cast out of the family. Also he was called Genji.

Now, the official profile of Genji from Overwatch on the game's website says the following:
"As the youngest son of the master of the Shimada ninja clan, Genji lived a life of luxury and privilege. He had little interest in the family's illegal businesses, and although he excelled at and enjoyed his ninja training, he spent most of his time pursuing a playboy lifestyle."

Later on he refused to take a more prominent part in the family business and was cast out by his brother, Hanzo. Well, that and horribly mutilated. Thanks bro.

That's about it. It is quite likely some of Genji's characteristics come from this classic piece of Japanese history.