Story of Revenge Attack Leader Passed Down for 300 Years

OOISHI Kuranosuk

Each year when December rolls around, a drama called “Chuushingura” is almost always shown on TV or in movie theatres. This is a story in which 47 samurai (warriors) sacrificed their lives to avenge their lord, and touches the souls of Japanese people even now 300 years after the event took place. In Japan, the bushido, or samurai spirit, in which people would be loyal unto death, used to be able to be seen in Japanese businessmen up to only a couple of decades ago.

This story takes place in Edo castle in 170l when ASANO Takumi no Kami, a lord of Akou (in present day Hyogo) suddenly attacked KIRA Kouzukenosuke with his sword in the corridor. Asano was a reception committee member for an envoy from the Emperor, and Kira was the reception manners instructor. The attack started due to Kira’s repeated insulting of Asano. As a result, Asano was ordered by the Shogunate to commit hara-kiri on the day, and subsequently the domain of Akou was extinguished, while Kira was not accused at all.

In this era, the samurai class had a rule that both sides are to blame in a fight, so the warriors of Akou were dissatisfied with the decision of the Shogunate. A discussion was held under the supervision of a chief retainer, OOISHI Kuranosuke (1659~1703). Many opinions were put forward including that they stay in the castle and fight against the Shogunate, or that they all sacrifice themselves for their lord by committing hara-kiri, and so on. After deep consideration Kuranosuke chose to obey the order from the Shogunate and leave the castle in order to restore the past glory of the Asano family.

Akou warriors’ loyalty moved the Shogun too
Kuranosuke, who became a masterless samurai, moved to Kyoto with his family where he waited for a notice from the Shogunate to allow the restoration of the Asano family. Some of the radical Akou warriors in Edo requested that Kuranosuke take revenge, but he did his best to soothe their anger. However the final decision by the Shogunate was so severe and resulted in the forfeiture of the Asano family’s property and no punishment was handed out to Kira. At this moment, Kuranosuke made up his mind to take revenge against Kira for his lord Asano.

There was only one chance and it could not be allowed to fail. While in Edo, Kuranosuke made complete preparations for the attack. At last, at midnight on December 14th, 1702, 47 masterless Samurai including their leader Kuranosuke attacked Kira’s residence and cut off his head to avenge their lord’s death. The citizens who heard the news of the attack produced a storm of applause. Although Shogun TOKUGAWA Tsunayoshi was deeply moved by their loyalty, he ordered them to commit hara-kiri, in order to maintain the Bushi (samurai) system.

Hara-kiri was an honorable way to die according to the samurai spirit. After the act, 46 warriors (one left during the attack) were buried in Sengakuji Temple in Shinagawa, Tokyo, where their master was buried. Incense is continually burned in front of Kuranosuke’s tomb. The word “Chuushin” means a subordinate who is faithful to his lord, and the word “Kura” comes from Kuranosuke’s name. The title of the story is sometimes called “Akou Roushi” which means masterless samurai of Akou. This is a story that deeply moves the souls
of Japanese.

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