James Baquet

“Chushingura” is as important to Japanese culture as the King Arthur stories are to the British. The story begins when a young country lord named Asano is assigned to perform a ceremony in the castle of the shogun (ruling general). Asano refuses to pay a bribe for instruction by Lord Kira, the ceremonial expert, believing it is part of Kira’s job. For this, Kira treats Asano rudely, at last provoking him to draw his sword on Kira — a violation of strict rules in the castle.

Though Kira’s wound is minor, Asano is stripped of his fiefdom and forced to commit suicide. His samurai lose their master.

Not long after, Asano’s right-hand man, Oishi, lays plans for revenge. Some of the most faithful of his men, known today as the 47 Ronin, swear a secret oath to avenge their lord, knowing their lives would be forfeit. In order to lull Kira’s suspicions, they disperse, taking on other professions and even disguising themselves.

Oishi himself becomes a wastrel and a drunkard, living the “high life” in Kyoto. After many months of this, Kira at last lets down his guard.

Asano’s men then secretly gather in Edo (Tokyo) and using their disguises to gain information on the house of Kira. One of them even marries the builder’s daughter to get the floor plans. At last, after two years of waiting, the time comes.

They attack the two gates of Kira’s mansion, after explaining to the neighbors that they are not mere robbers but honorable men avenging their lord. Women, children, and helpless people in the mansion will be spared. No opposition comes from the neighbors. After a search, the cowardly Kira is found and captured. Refusing to honorably take his own life, he is beheaded by Oishi’s men. A messenger is sent to Asano’s home territory of Ako to spread the news, and Oishi with the other 45 take Kira’s head for presentation at Asano’s grave at Sengaku-ji Temple. While there, they arrange for their own burials as well. They then turn themselves in to await sentencing.

In the end, they are allowed an honorable death by their own hands, rather than the ignominious punishment of execution. Their graves, and that of Lord Asano, can still be seen at Sengaku-ji.

Vocabulary:

Which word above means:

1. given up in payment

2. useless person

3. causing someone to do something

4. vague ideas of something

5. area ruled by a lord

6. cause to be less alert

7. shameful, humiliating

8. sacred promise

9. Japanese warrior

10. main assistant

ANSWERS: 1. forfeit 2. wastrel

3. provoking 4. suspicions

5. fiefdom 6. lull 7. ignominious

8. oath 9. samurai

10. right-hand man