Explore the tale of the 47 Ronin, a renowned revenge tale from Japan. Learn about the transformation of the samurai class, the institution of seppuku, and the curious concept of death poems. Discover the consequences of pulling a blade inside the Shogun's palace and delve into a bonus revenge story of two sisters against a samurai.
The 47 Ronin revenge tale illustrates the contrasting perspectives on the virtues and motivations of samurai in Japan.
Seppuku served multiple purposes for samurai, including avoiding surrender, expressing dissatisfaction, proving innocence, and preserving honor.
The story of Shiga Daishichi and the two sisters exemplifies the themes of loyalty and revenge deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.
Deep dives
The Genesis of the Incident
In 1701, the Shogun selected two daimyos, including Azano Naganoi, to host the representatives of the Emperor in a significant annual ceremony. The exact reason for the conflict between Azano and Kira Yoshihisa, the official in charge of ceremony details, is not known. Speculation suggests it could be related to Azano refusing to pay Kira, accusations of corruption, or Kira being rude to Azano. On a day in April 1701, Azano lost his temper and attacked Kira with his wakizashi, injuring him. Azano's actions were considered a major offense since he drew his sword inside the castle, and he was swiftly ordered to commit seppuku.
The Execution of Azano
As Azano was sentenced to commit seppuku, considered a more dignified form of execution, he wrote a death poem before the act. After confirming Kira's fate, Azano proceeded with the ritual suicide under the supervision of Lord Tamura Dateaki. Azano's family lands were confiscated, and his brother was placed under house arrest. This impulsive attack on Kira and its aftermath had severe consequences for Azano's family and retainers.
The Legacy and Speculations
The incident, though it appears mundane at first, would go on to capture popular imagination. The exact reasons behind Azano's attack on Kira remain unknown. Speculations range from a refusal to pay to accusations of corruption or perceived rudeness. The incident marks a significant event in Japanese history, leading to the confiscation of Azano's lands and the enduring legacy of the revenge tale of the 47 Ronin.
Reasons for Seppuku in Samurai Culture
Seppuku, or ritual suicide, became a popular custom among the samurai for various reasons. One reason was choosing suicide to avoid surrendering to enemies, as a form of rational defeat. It was also used as a deadly mourning ritual, allowing individuals to follow their lord or loved one in death. Samurai would sometimes commit seppuku as a protest against their own lord's behavior, using self-disembowelment as a way to convey their dissatisfaction and prompt a change. Another reason for seppuku was to prove one's innocence against unjust accusations, making a clear statement of sincerity. Additionally, seppuku sometimes functioned as a form of execution, allowing samurai to die by their own hand and maintain their honor. The ritual of seppuku reflected the samurai's emphasis on honor, fearlessness in the face of death, and commitment to preserving their unique identity.
The Tale of the Sisters' Revenge
The story of Shiga Daishichi and the two sisters, Miyagino and Shinobu, presents a tale of revenge in Japanese history. After Shiga murdered their father, the sisters sought vengeance. They dedicated time to learning the art of combat, training with different weapons. Miyagino trained with the Naginata, a polearm with a sharp blade, while Shinobu studied the Kusari-Gama, a weapon consisting of a chain and a sickle. Seeking permission from the local Daimyo to avenge their father, they were granted the opportunity to confront the samurai who killed him. The two sisters, using their trained skills, engaged in combat with the samurai, overpowering him with their weapons and ultimately achieving their revenge. Despite being a legend, this story highlights the theme of loyalty and revenge prevalent in Japanese culture.
The tale of the 47 Ronin is one of the most renowned revenge tales to ever come out of Japan. It is the subject of countless books, plays, and movies. It is also a story that has ignited never-ending debates. Some people argue that the 47 Ronin were paragons of virtue—perfect embodiments of the loyalty and honor that should be expected from the samurai. They offered the answer to the riddle that was plaguing the samurai at the beginning of the 1700s: what does being a member of a warrior class at a time of enduring peace? Other people instead look at the same story and walk away feeling like the 47 Ronin were violent thugs animated by questionable motives. In this two-part series of History on Fire, we dive deep into legend & history to find answers.
In this episode:
-A crash course in Japanese history
-The transformation of the status of the samurai
-The curious institution of seppuku
-Ritual disembowelment as a way to say ‘sorry’
-Death poems
-The ‘Kaishakunin’—a pal who would cut your head off to spare you the prolonged agonies of ritual disembowelment
-The “Dog Shogun”
-Asano Naganori: “Given to pleasure in preference of the sober business of government.”
-The consequences of pulling a blade inside the Shogun’s palace
-Bonus revenge story: two angry sisters against a samurai
