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Bushido, Japan History, Samurai Movies, Samurai Myth and Legends
The Journey of the 47 Ronin
23
Jul
Jul
47 Ronin
The 17th-century tale of the 47 Ronin and their famous revenge for their Daimyō has shaped Japan’s history. Also known as the Ako incident, this event is one of the most popular Samurai stories in Japan history today. It has since become an epic legend to Samurai enthusiasts.
This tale emblems the Bushido, or the “way of the warrior.” The loyalty, sacrifice, honor, and bravery that they did have captured the hearts of many. The 47 Ronin left a remarkable influence and image in Japanese history.
The tale of 47 Ronin continues to be popular up to now. It has dominated drama at theaters, storytelling, and even movies a few times.
Thousands of people gather at Sengaku temple every year. This is the place where they hold a festival honoring the loyalty and bravery of the 47 Ronin.
The Masterless Samurai: Who were they?
The term Ronin means “wave man.” Ronin is a masterless Samurai. They are Samurai warriors without a Daimyo as their lord.
There are different ways on how a Samurai could become a Ronin: first, if his master dies; second, if his master falls from power; or third, if the Samurai lose his master’s favor and be cast off.
The term Ronin are the serfs who fled from their masters. They often turn to crimes such as robbery as their way of surviving. Over time, the word changed to rogue Samurai who are outlaws and wanderers. They solidified Ronin’s dangerous and rootless image.
But one significant group changed the terrible image of Ronin.
The Beginning and the End: The Glory of Asano Naganori
In 1701, Emperor Higashiyama sent imperial envoys to Edo (now Tokyo). Asano Naganori was the Ako’s Daimyo that time in a small area in Western Japan. Lord Asano was one of the Daimyo officials chosen to arrange a special reception to the Emperor’s envoys.
Kira Kozuke-no-Suke Yoshinaka was a high Shogunate official. He was a master of Protocol. The Shogunate thus assigned Yoshinaka to assist Asano with matters of etiquette. Apparently, Kira is a very difficult person, and he would often insult Asano.
Kira and Asano disliked each other a lot. Kira continued to insult Asano until Asano could not endure it anymore.
In April 1702, the turn of events started. At the Shogun Palace, Kira insulted Asano. The latter lost his temper which led to Asano drawing his sword and swing to the official. Kira was hardly injured but the problem is, it is a big violation of etiquette to draw a weapon within the castle.
After an investigation, they told Asano that he “had failed his duty and the law.” They also told him he had to commit Seppuku at the Sengaku-ji temple. Asano did not defend himself and later went to the temple.
Asano bows down before the lord and uttered the words: “I shall fulfill my duty unto death.”
And then he commits Seppuku.
Asano’s death left his family with nothing after the Shogunate confiscated everything. His 300 Samurai warriors became masterless in a glimpse. Some of Asano’s 300 Samurai went their own ways. But the 47 Samurai, especially, Oishi Kuranosuke Yoshio remained to seek revenge.
This event led to the most epic revenge in Japanese history.
The Journey of the Masterless to their Vendetta
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Kira was no fool; he knew revenge from Asano’s retainers might happen. To prevent this incident, he fortified his home and made sure he is well-guarded all the time.
The 47 Ronin gathered together and swore an oath to avenge the death of their master. This is despite knowing it might lead them to commit Seppuku. They waited their time because they knew they had to lull the suspicions of Kira.
They patiently waited for the right time until Kira’s vigilance relaxed. To put Kira off his guard, the 47 Ronin scattered to different places and became different people. Others became traders and merchants, others became monks, while Oishi became a drunkard.
Oishi’s dedication to avenge his master is what made everything successful. His dedication went as far as him divorcing his wife of 20 years.
It is the only way he knows to keep his family safe and away from harm when they finally take their revenge. He sent his wife away, along with his 2 younger children. But his eldest boy Chikara chose to stay with his father.
Oishi began to visit brothels and taverns. He spent so much on drinking and prostitutes to convince and get rid of his spies sent by Kira.
One day, a drunk Oishi was returning home when he fell down the streets. A Samurai from Satsuma recognized him and was so angry at Oishi’s behavior. He insulted him for not avenging his master.
Kira’s spies reported everything and became convinced that he is safe and his suspicions towards Asano’s retainers are not true. So, he let his guard down.
A very bad move.
Kira was not aware that the rest of faithful Samurai warriors of Asano was also on the move.
And so the famous revenge began.
The Attack and their Martyrdom
When Oishi’s convinced that Kira’s really off-guard, he finally decided it was time to take action.
Oishi, with the others, gathered at Kira’s mansion in Edo. Divided into two groups, one group led by Oishi’s son entered the back gate. The other group led by Oishi himself forced their way to the front gate. These armed warriors attacked with swords and bows.
Although Kira’s men weren’t ready at the strike, they did not make it easy for the attackers. In fact, one Ronin got killed.
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Once found, they presented Kira to Oishi. Oishi went on his knees to show respect for Kira’s high rank. He told Kira that they were Asano’s Samurai warriors and that they came to avenge him as a true Samurai should.
Oishi, with respect, offered Kira the chance to commit suicide, but he did not reply. So, Oishi beheaded Kira with the same Samurai sword that took Asano’s life.
Afterward, they presented Kira’s head to the tomb of their master in Sengaku temple. Finally, after finishing their long-awaited revenge, they turned themselves in.
The assassination of Kira put the Shogunate in a difficult situation. They did not know what to do. The Ronin warriors acted as a real Samurai should. But, the murder of a Shogunate official is still against the law.
But still, many people hoped that the Shogunate would grant the remaining 46 Ronin a pardon.
In the end, as expected these loyal warriors committed Seppuku, even Oishi’s 16-year-old son.
They buried the remains of the 47 Ronin near their master, Asano’s grave, at the Senguku Temple.
Meanwhile, to calm the public’s anger over what happened, the Shogun restored Asano’s title. The Shogun also returned one-tenth of his land to his eldest son.
The Legacy
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After the death of Asano, hundreds of Samurai warriors who served under him were jobless. But, after the restoration of Asano’s title, they finally found a job. These brave 47 individuals may have lost their lives but they won and still winning the hearts of many up to this day.
Their legacy is still very much alive. The tale of 47 Ronin influenced a lot up to this day. There are countless theatre plays, Samurai films and television featuring them and their story. These loyal Samurai warriors became a real example of a Samurai virtue and the Bushido.
Today, people from all over the world still visit the Sengoku-ji temple. Tourists gather to see the 47 Ronin shrine and their burial site.