When she matures into adulthood, Takiko is able to find employment in the court of the Japanese emperor and falls in love with an enemy spy-Hideo.

The award is named after the mythical bird phoenix, which is reborn from its ashes, to suggest the book's rise from obscurity.

[2] Set during the Genpei War, the two rival Japanese clans, the Genji and Heike, are constantly battling for the support of the Senior Cloistered Emperor and the power to rule Japan.

After over a year in the country with the little boy, a merchant visits Goro's farm and takes Takiko to the capital as a lady-in-waiting to the princess.

When visiting a temple under the princess’ vague orders, she falls in love with a Genji spy named Hideo.

Because of her beauty and talented koto playing, the princess sends Takiko to the young Heike Emperor Antoku to support him through hard times with her music and mental encouragement.

Soon, several members of the Heike royal family, including Takiko, are sent into exile to escape the power-hungry Genji who are threatening to attack the city.

All the members of the Heike party are exiled to an island because the Genji do not yet have a strong sea fleet to reach them and attack them.

Takiko starts to work in the fields and loses much of her beauty because of her filthy feet, her frostbitten hands, and her brittle hair.