One of Japan's most famous historical tales involves the revenge of the 47 ronin. More commonly known as the "Ako Incident," the tale is immortalized in the (numerous) Japanese film(s) and books entitled Chūshingura, which tell the story of the 47 ronin who avenged their master (and then committed mass suicide).
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| Signpost at Sengaku-ji (in Tokyo) telling the story of the Ako Incident |
Many Westerners have heard of Chūshingura -- either because they've seen one of the famous (and, in some cases, brilliant) Japanese film or stage adaptations or (regrettably) due to the recent Keanu Reeves Hollywood release, 47 RONIN (which modified the original very heavily but drew its inspiration from the Japanese tale).
What many Westerners don't realize is that the story--at least the Japanese versions--is true, and that the 47 loyal samurai who avenged their lord and then took their own lives en masse are buried, and honored, at a Tokyo temple called Sengaku-ji.
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| Formal entrance gate at Sengaku-ji |
I visited the temple last summer, at the end of my research trip, because I owe these samurai a deep and personal debt, and wanted to pay my respects. Why?
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| The temple yard. |
Their story is more interesting, so I'll tell that one first:
In 1701, the Japanese shogun ordered Daimyō Asano, Feudal Lord of Ako Province, to entertain a visiting imperial envoy. Prior to the meeting Lord Asano was instructed to seek instructions from his official advisor, Kira Kozuke-no-Suke, at Edo Castle.
During the meeting, Kira treated Asano rudely, disgracing and dishonoring Asano in the process. Asano drew his sword--violating the law against drawing a weapon in Edo Castle--and wounded Kira, but Kira escaped and Asano was arrested.
By law, both Kira and Asano should have been punished for the fight (Kira for starting it and Asano for attacking another samurai). However, while Asano was sentenced to death by seppuku that very day, and his titles and lands were confiscated (leaving his family penniless and transforming his retainers into ronin, or masterless samurai) Kira escaped without punishment.
Asano's loyal samurai retainers were furious, and begged for reconsideration of Asano's punishment (which, admittedly, would not have helped Asano personally any longer, but would at least have prevented his family from becoming destitute and let the retainers keep their honor and status).
The request was denied.
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| Statue of Oishi Kuranosuke at Sengaku-ji |
On February 4, 1703, the 47 ronin were sentenced to death. Again led by Oishi Kuranosuke, the loyal retainers accepted their fate and committed seppuku en masse.
After their deaths, the 47 samurai were interred beside their lord at Sengaku-ji, and their names and story have become one of Japan's best-known examples of bushidō and samurai honor.
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| The front gate to Sengaju-ji. |
I first heard about the Ako Incident as a college freshman at Tufts University, and was struck by the dedication and commitment it would take to avenge a master knowing that doing so would require your death. The story compelled me to look more deeply at several aspects of Japanese culture and history, and was one of the pivotal factors in development of my lifelong love and respect for Japan.
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| View of the formal entry from the temple yard. |
In many ways, my visit to Sengaku-ji--where an annual festival on December 14 still honors the courage and sacrifice of Asano's 47 loyal retainers--was a pilgrimage long overdue.
It closed a circle that I had not realized needed closing, and as I burned incense on the graves of the 47 ronin, I thanked them for inspiring not only their own countrymen and women, but many others (including me) across a distant sea.
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| Worship hall at Sengaku-ji |
It closed a circle that I had not realized needed closing, and as I burned incense on the graves of the 47 ronin, I thanked them for inspiring not only their own countrymen and women, but many others (including me) across a distant sea.
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