"Heike Monogatari" is a classic Japanese epic that recounts the rise and fall of the Taira clan during the late 12th century. It is based on the historical events of the Genpei War, a conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans that ultimately led to the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate. The narrative combines historical facts with folklore and is traditionally recited by biwa hōshi, blind musicians who play the biwa lute. The story is notable for its themes of impermanence and the fleeting nature of life, encapsulated in the famous phrase, "the sound of the biwa echoes the sorrow of the world." "Heike Monogatari" has influenced various forms of Japanese art, including theater, literature, and visual arts, making it a significant cultural artifact in Japan's history.