Forty-seven Ronin facts for kids
The forty-seven rōnin were a group of samurai who became famous for avenging the death of their former master, Lord Asano, on 31 January 1703. The incident has since become legendary.
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What is a rōnin?
First, let's understand what a "rōnin" is. In old Japan, samurai were warriors who served powerful lords called "daimyo." A samurai's life was all about serving their lord with absolute loyalty. But what happened if a samurai's lord died or lost his position? Then, the samurai became a "rōnin." A rōnin was a samurai without a master, kind of like a knight without a king. Being a rōnin was a tough situation because they didn't have a lord to provide for them or tell them what to do.
Lord Asano and Lord Kira
Our story begins with a lord named Asano Naganori. Lord Asano was the daimyo (lord) of the Ako Domain, a region in Japan. In 1701, Lord Asano and other daimyo were ordered to go to Edo (now Tokyo), the capital city, to help prepare for a visit from the Emperor's representatives.
In Edo, they had to learn proper etiquette (fancy manners) from a high-ranking official named Kira Yoshinaka. Kira was supposed to teach them how to behave in the Emperor's presence. However, Kira was a very difficult and mean person. He treated Lord Asano and the other lords poorly and demanded bribes (money given to someone to get them to do something).
Lord Asano was a very honorable and honest man. He believed it was wrong to give bribes. Because of this, Kira became angry and started to insult and humiliate Lord Asano in public.
The incident at the castle
Kira's insults and humiliation went on for a long time. Finally, Lord Asano couldn't take it anymore. He was so angry that he drew his sword and attacked Kira inside Edo Castle. This was a very serious crime. Drawing a sword inside the castle was strictly forbidden.
Although Lord Asano only wounded Kira slightly, the punishment for his actions was severe. The Shogun (the ruler of Japan) ordered Lord Asano to commit "seppuku," which is a ritual suicide. This meant Lord Asano had to take his own life to restore his honor.
The Ako Rōnin
When Lord Asano died, his samurai became rōnin. They were now without a master and without a purpose. The samurai were very sad and angry about what had happened to their lord. They felt that Lord Asano had been treated unfairly by Kira.
Led by Oishi Kuranosuke, Lord Asano's chief retainer (the most important samurai), the samurai gathered together. They had a big decision to make. Should they accept their fate as rōnin and live quietly, or should they seek revenge on Kira for causing their lord's death?
Plan for revenge
The samurai decided to avenge their lord's death. This was a very dangerous decision. If they were caught, they would be punished severely. But they felt it was their duty to honor their lord and restore his name.
Oishi Kuranosuke knew that Kira would be expecting revenge. So, he came up with a clever plan to trick Kira and his guards. The rōnin pretended to scatter and live normal lives. Some became merchants, some became monks, and some even pretended to be drunkards. They did this to make Kira think they had given up on revenge.
For almost two years, the rōnin waited and planned. They secretly gathered information about Kira's mansion and his guards. They learned about the layout of the mansion, the guards' schedules, and any secret passages.
The attack
On the night of December 14, 1702, the forty-seven rōnin finally put their plan into action. They gathered at a secret meeting place and prepared for the attack. They were armed with swords, spears, and other weapons.
Oishi divided the rōnin into two groups. One group would attack the front gate of Kira's mansion, while the other group would attack the back gate. They planned to catch Kira by surprise and make sure he couldn't escape.
The attack began in the early morning hours. The rōnin fought bravely and skillfully. They overcame Kira's guards and made their way into the mansion. They searched for Kira everywhere.
Finally, they found Kira hiding in a small room. They offered him the chance to die honorably by committing seppuku, just like Lord Asano. But Kira was too afraid. So, the rōnin killed him.
Aftermath
After avenging their lord's death, the rōnin knew they would be punished for their actions. They didn't try to escape. Instead, they turned themselves in to the authorities.
The Shogun was very impressed by the rōnin's loyalty and bravery. However, he also had to uphold the law. After much deliberation, he ordered the forty-seven rōnin to commit seppuku.
The rōnin accepted their fate with honor. They knew they had done what they believed was right. They had avenged their lord's death and restored his honor.
Legacy
The story of the Forty-Seven Rōnin became very famous in Japan. They are remembered as heroes who showed incredible loyalty, courage, and honor. Their story has been told in many books, plays, and movies.
The Forty-Seven Rōnin are buried together at Sengaku-ji Temple in Tokyo. People still visit their graves to pay their respects and honor their memory.
Lessons
The story of the Forty-Seven Rōnin teaches us many important lessons:
- Loyalty: The rōnin were incredibly loyal to their lord, even after his death.
- Courage: They were willing to risk their lives to avenge their lord's death.
- Honor: They believed in doing what was right, even if it was difficult.
- Justice: They sought justice for their lord's unfair treatment.
- Perseverance: They waited and planned for almost two years before taking action.
The story of the Forty-Seven Rōnin is a reminder that even in difficult situations, we should always strive to do what is right and stand up for what we believe in.
Images for kids
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Ukiyo-e print depicting Asano Naganori's assault on Kira Yoshinaka in the Matsu no Ōrōka of Edo Castle
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Memorial stone marking the site of the Matsu no Ōrōka (Great Corridor of Pines) in Edo Castle, where Asano attacked Kira
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Two of the rōnin: Horibe Yahei and his adopted son, Horibe Yasubei. Yasubei is holding an ōtsuchi.
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Modern day reenactment of a samurai armed for the attack
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The rōnin attack the principal gate of Kira's mansion
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The rōnin, on their way back to Sengaku-ji, are halted in the street, and invited in for rest and refreshment.
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Part of the Remains of Former Kira Residence, currently Honjo Matsuzaka-cho Park
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Painting of Ōishi Yoshio committing seppuku
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Memorial to the unswerving loyalty of Ōishi Yoshio and the others, at the site where they died
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Entrance to Sengaku Temple
See also
In Spanish: 47 rōnin para niños
