Chushingura: Revenge of the 47 Samurai
"Chushingura: Revenge of the 47 Samurai" is a renowned tale in Japanese folklore that recounts the dramatic events surrounding the revenge of 47 samurai for the injustice done to their master, Lord Asano Nagamori, in the early 18th century. The narrative begins with Asano being insulted by Kira Yoshinaka, the Shogun's Grand Master of Ceremonies, leading Asano to draw his sword in a moment of desperation, resulting in his enforced ritual suicide. This act left his samurai, who were bound by a strict code of honor, as ronin, or masterless warriors, compelled to navigate their new status while plotting revenge. For nearly two years, the 47 ronin meticulously disguised their intentions, eventually launching a successful attack on Kira’s mansion, where they killed him and avenged their lord. The story highlights themes of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice, and is celebrated through various forms of Japanese art, including the famous Kabuki play "Chushingura" and a 1962 film adaptation. The legacy of the 47 ronin continues to resonate in Japan, with annual visits to their graves on the anniversary of their act of revenge, symbolizing enduring respect for their principles and actions. This historical episode remains a poignant reflection of samurai culture and the complexities of honor in Japanese society.
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Chushingura: Revenge of the 47 Samurai
Chushingura: Revenge of the 47 Samurai
On January 30, 1703, or thereabouts (the exact date is uncertain), an incident famous in Japanese folklore and art occurred. It was then that according to tradition 47 samurai exacted their revenge for the injustice done to their former master, Lord Asano Nagamori. A country nobleman, Asano had been invited to attend a state ceremonial function in the city of Edo, today known as Tokyo, which was the capital of the Shoguns, the military warlords of Japan. The current Shogun was hosting a reception for an emissary from the emperor of Japan, a figurehead with little real power who lived in royal splendor in the city of Kyoto. The Shogun's Grand Master of Ceremonies, Kira Yoshinaka, tried to extort a huge bribe from Asano in return for advice about proper etiquette during the ceremonies, but Asano refused his demands. Kira insulted him and finally Asano drew his sword, even though it was a capital offense to do so in the Shogun's palace. He inflicted only a minor wound on Kira but was ordered to commit ritual suicide as punishment for his crime.
All of Asano's lands were confiscated and given to another lord, and his samurai were left without a master. The samurai were Japan's elite warrior caste, somewhat analogous to knights in medieval Europe, with a strict code of honor. Their status depended on service to their master, so with Asano's death and disgrace they became ronin, samurai outcasts. Ronin usually survived by serving as mercenaries for whatever lord would hire them, but 47 of Asano's men decided to take revenge. For nearly two years they disguised their intentions, pretending to be absorbed in other pursuits, until Kira let his guard down. On a snowy night, they attacked Kira's mansion. Kira was killed and his head taken to Asano's grave. When news of the event spread, the 47 ronin were much admired for their unswerving loyalty to their lord, and the Shogun permitted them to commit honorable suicide rather than be executed for their crime. Chushingura is the title of the popular Kabuki play recreating the event as well as of a movie adaptation made in 1962. There are also many classic woodcuts showing scenes from the story, and Japanese people to this day visit the graves of the samurai on January 30.