Mark Judge
on July 28, 2022
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The history of the 47 rōnin, also known as 47 samurai, or Akō rōshi in Japanese, is the archetype of classical Japanese history. She is described in Japanese history books as a "national legend" where the 47 rōnin are also called the 47 gishi or Akō gishi.
The story of the 47 rōnin is not pure fiction, it is a historical fact. In 1701, in the Akō region (Hyōgo Prefecture), a group of samurai are left leaderless (ronin) after their daimyo Asano Naganori was condemned to ritual suicide (seppuku) by shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. He is accused of injuring Kira Yoshinaka (1641-1703), master of ceremonies in the shogun's house, who had insulted him.
The 47 Rōnin decide to avenge him by killing Kira. After patiently waiting and planning the attack for nearly two years, the attack takes place on December 14, 1702 (Japanese calendar, or January 30, 1703 Gregorian calendar). The 47 had the right to keep their honor by ritual suicide for murder and executed themselves on February 4, 1703. They all knew the consequences of their act and that is why their action is considered particularly honorable.
Somewhat embellished, this story has found its place in Japanese popular culture, through the values of loyalty, sacrifice, dedication and honor that every Japanese was supposed to draw from in their daily lives. This popularity has seen a comeback with the rapid modernization of the Meiji era, which pushed traditions, and where many people were looking to find some of their lost roots.
Sengaku-ji's Cemetery is still in existence. There you see the well, the basin where Kira's head was washed, as well as Asano's tomb and the 48 stars set and lined up under the trees. Three centuries later, many Japanese still come to burn incense sticks on these graves to honor the memory of the Ronin. The theme remained popular: in the 1997-2007 decade alone, Japanese television dedicated ten productions to this epic.
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