It is right that we
exchange these robes, each for each,
as keepsakes—the robes
worn between, which stand between
us the count of all the days

Meaning

We ought to exchange them as keepsakes, each for the other—these robes worn between, which will stand between us for all the days until we meet.

Commentary

Part One: Akashi

　Finding her poem on the hunting robe, Genji answered with this one in the midst of the bustle, saying that since she had gone to such trouble he would exchange it, and giving her a garment he had been wearing. Scent had sunk deep into it, and the tale says it could not fail to move the woman who received it. The novice came then to take his leave.

　"Katami" is keepsake and "each to the other," the same pun as in the koto poem earlier. "Kau" is to exchange. "Hikazu hedaten" is the number of days that will divide them, and also the robe that lies between. "Naka no koromo" is the garment worn between under- and outer robe, its "naka" also the bond between them. Through the name of a piece of clothing, separation and connection are stated at once.

Author

Murasaki Shikibu

Source

Genji Monogatari

Other

It is right that we exchange these robes, each for each, as keepsakes—the robes worn between, which stand between us the count of all the days

It is right that we
exchange these robes, each for each,
as keepsakes—the robes
worn between, which stand between
us the count of all the days