Kuniyoshi's Biographies of the Loyal Retainers (The 47 Ronin)

Biographies of the Loyal Retainers Kuniyoshi

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The Tale of the 47 Loyal Retainers The celebrated tale of the 47 loyal retainers stems from the historical event known as the Ako incident (1701-1704). Continuously illustrated, adapted, parodied, and performed since its occurrence at the turn of the 18th century, the Ako incident made its first appearance in the popular culture of Osaka and Kyoto, but soon returned to its origin in Edo. Though the Osaka and Kyoto renditions of the tale included romantic intrigue, the story took a political turn when it appeared in Edo’s popular culture. The novel Kanadehon Chushingura (1748) draws upon the basis of the historical Ako incident, but provides Asano with a motive to strike Kira, framing the tale as one of honor and triumph over crooked government officials. The story goes as follows: In 1701, the young Lord Asano Naganori and Lord Kamei are instructed to organize a reception for envoys of the emperor in direct service to the shogun.

During the preparation, Kira Yoshinaka, a powerful government official, offends Asano and Kamei. Asano responds to the initial insults stoically, but Kamei is deeply upset. Though Kamei plans to kill Kira in response to the insult, wise counselors remove Kamei from the escalating situation. Asano’s self-control soon fades.

After multiple circumstances of insult, Asano can no longer tolerate Kira’s behavior and draws his sword, striking Kira, scarring his face but failing to kill him. While Kira’s injury is minor, Asano’s act, both of drawing of a sword in the palace and striking a member of the bakufu, is fatal. Asano is sentenced to seppuku (self-disembowelment). Oishi Kuranosuke, Asano’s principal retainer, and 46 of his companions vow to avenge their master’s death. After more than a year of careful planning, these ronin (or samurai without a master) stage a night attack on Kira’s mansion and finish what their master started.

Following their victory, these 47 ronin march across Edo to present Kira’s head at their avenged master’s grave. With their loyal quest at an end, they turn themselves in. All 47 are sentenced to seppuku, yet their act of revenge so embodies the samurai code of bushido –loyalty and honor - that the 47 ronin are enshrined at Sengakuji Temple beside their beloved master.

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1. Oboshi Yuranosuke Yoshio

Oboshi Yuranosuke Yoshio was the leader of the 47 Ronin. His last poem read, “My Lord’s life is as great as a mountain. My life, however, is as light and trivial as a piece of hair.” c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91366 4

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2. Oboshi Rikiya Yoshikane

Oboshi Rikiya Yoshikane was the eldest son of Oboshi Yuranosuke Yoshio. He excelled in all military arts. His last poem read, “Farewell! I am going to do something important and die in the snow.� c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91367 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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3. Kato Yomoshichi Norikane

Kato Yomoshichi Norikane was the faithful son of Chosuke Yato. His last poem read, “I am willing to die the next morning. It snowed much and the earth will be covered with snow.� c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91369 6

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4. Fuwa Katsuemon Masatane

Fuwa Katsuemon Masatane was hot-tempered, and an expert in suemonogiri swordsmanship. He was 35 years old at his death. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91370 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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5. Shikamatsu Kanroku Yukishige

Shikamatsu Kanroku Yukishige’s family had been retainers of the Asano family for generations.

Kanroku’s mother encouraged him to take part in the raid. Later that night, she killed herself. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91371 8

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6. Yoshida Sadaemon Kanesada

Yoshida Sadaemon Kanesada disguised himself as a servant in order to spy on Moronao’s house. He was 25 years old at his death. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91372 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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7. Sakagaki Genzo Masakata

Sakagaki Genzo Masakata was very fond of sake. In spite of his drinking, he was always respectful to everyone. On the night of the raid he was 25 years old and fought with great enthusiasm. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91373 10

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8. Yukugawa Sanpei Munenori

Yukugawa Sanpei Munenori was an expert in military art and a learned man. On the night of the raid, he broke into Moronao’s house and fought violently, killing many people. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91374 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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9. Onodera Junai Hidetomo

Before the raid, Juani was handed a letter from his wife that said, “When I read your letter, I could not stop crying.” He replied, “I want to return to you if possible. However, it might be impossible to see you again.” He was 60 years old and fought bravely during the attack. . c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91375 12

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10. Isoai Juroemon Masahisa

Isoai Juroemon Masahisa was an expert of naginata. After the death of his lord, he intended to kill himself but was informed of Oboshi’s plan. Masahisa was a gentle and kind man, yet fought violently at the raid. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91376

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11. Okano Ginemon Kanehide

Okano Ginemon Kanehide was not brought up for a military career. However, he wielded his weapon with marvelous skill. On the night of the attack, there was no one who surpassed him in valor. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91377 14

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12. Senzaki Yagoro Noriyasu

Senzaki Yagoro Noriyasu was a strong child who killed his cousin’s enemy when he was very young.

He also loved to read books and write poems. He wrote a book entitled Ako Meiden, about the loyal retianers. This book is still in existence today. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91378 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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13. Yazama Jujiro Motooki

Yazama Jujiro Motooki killed Moronao with his spear. His wife killed herself at his tomb, leaving a note that read: “You were a loyal servant to the lord and never wanted to serve another. Even if you lost your life, your name will live long as a great soldier.� c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91379 16

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14. Otaka Gengo Tadao

Otaka Gengo Tadao was an excellent horseman. He was wounded during the raid and wrote: “I was strong enough to move a mountain, but lost it today, because I have attained my long-cherished object. It is like the broken branch of a pine tree with much snow.� c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91380 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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15. Kataoka Dengoemon Takafusa

Kataoka Dengoemon Takafusa fought violently, forcing the front gate of Moronao’s house. His last poem reads: “My life is much more brittle than the duck’s feather. I shall die soon in the morning snow just as it will melt away under the sunlight.” c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91381 18

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16. Nakamura Kansuke Tadatoki

Nakamura Kansuke Tadatoki made his living as a poet. He studied with the well known poet, Kikaku.

Kansuke would meet at Kikaku’s cottage to write poetry and spy on the enemy’s house. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91382 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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17. Okajima Yasoemon Tsunetatsu

Okajima Yasoemon Tsunetatsu once met with five bandits. He overcame them with his swordsmanship and tied them to the trees. The note he left explained: “I leave these bandits here tied on the trees for admonition of their misconduct. Would anyone who had ever been robbed decide to let them go or not?� c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91383 20

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18. Teraoka Heiemon Nobuyuki

Teraoka Heiemon Nobuyuki was the only ronin who did not commit seppuku because he was on an important errand for Oboshi. Thereafter, he became a priest and took care of the tombs of the other Ronin. He lived to be 80 years old. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91384 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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19. Uramatsu Handayu Takanao

Uramatsu Handayu Takanao was a merchant who aspired to the military life. Oboshi recognized is ability and took him into the service of his master Asano. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91385 22

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20. Tokuda Sadaemon Yukitaka

Tokuda Sadaemon Yukitaka was employed to judge the quality of swords. He, along with several other loyalists, carried the head of their master’s enemy to Sengaku Temple. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91386 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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21. Oribe Yahei Kanamaru

Oribe Yahei Kanamaru was 78 years old when he avenged his lord’s death. However, he was an expert kendo fighter. The success of the raid was due largely to his great skill and wisdom. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91387 24

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22. Kiura Okaemon Sadayuki

Kiura Okaemon Sadayuki was a masterful horseman and swordsman in the service of Lord Asano. He was indeed one of the successful loyalists. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91388 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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23. Katsuta Shinemon Taketaka

Katsuta Shinemon Taketaka climbed the gate to Moronao’s house in order to survey the interior. On the night of the attack, he told the other ronin to break in through the rear gate. He was among the first to rush into the room of their lord’s enemy, Moronao. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91389 26

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24. Takebayashi Sadashichi Takashige

Takebayashi Sadashichi Takashige was a very smart and strong man. On the night of the attack he dragged Moronao from his hiding place and cut off his head. He was 37 years old. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91390 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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25. Kurahashi Zensuke Takeyuki

Kurahashi Zensuke Takeyuki was 24 years old on the night of the attack. He was very hot tempered and an expert in martial arts. He was the one who procured the map of the enemy’s house and located the secret room where Moronao hid. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91391 28

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26. Aihara Esuke Munefusa

Aihara Esuke Munefusa was born in the province of Omi and was one of the finest and most loyal retainers of the Asano family. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91392 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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27. Tomimori Sukeemon Masakata

Tomimori Sukeemon Masakata wrote poetry under the pen-name Shunpo. On the evening of the attack he wrote: “None can catch the fall of the loyal members.� c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91393

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28. Ushioda Masanojo Takanori

Ushioda Masanojo Takanori was a great and loyal hero. He was an expert with the spear and utilized his skill to pierce the throat of Moronao’s soldier. He was 25 years old on the night of the attack. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91394 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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29. Hayami Sozaemon Mitsutaka

Hayami Sozaemon Mitsutaka was admired for his loyalty and his quick mind. His final poem reads: “I was born from the five essences; earth, water, fire, wind, and sky. Now I am going to return to them. It is my fate.� c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91395

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30. Onodera Toemon Hidetome

Onodera Toemon Hidetome was well trained in the military arts. His last poem read: “I have nothing to say this morning. I will die for the Lord, like morning dewdrops from a leaf.� c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91396 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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31. Chiba Saburobei Mitsutada

Chiba Saburobei Mitsutada was a loyal samurai and his family were loyal servants of Asano. He was a teacher of Heki-ryu, a form of archery. On the night of the raid he fought violently, killing three men. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91397

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32. Oboshi Seizaemon Nobukiyo

Oboshi Seizaemon Nobukiyo was one of the ablest men of the loyal league. He was 27 years old when the head of the enemy, Moronao, was severed and dedicated before the tomb of his master. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91398 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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33. Sugenoya Sannojo Masatoshi

Sugenoya Sannojo Masatoshi was a favorite subject of Asano and had a very personable appearance. He was the adopted son of Sugenoya Hanabei. At his death he was 37 years old. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91399

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34. Oribe Yasubei Taketsune

Oribe Yasubei Taketsune was a tall and brave man. He exclled in all military arts. He joined the ronin and was one of the bravest among them. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91400

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35. Hayano Wasuke Tsunenari

Hayano Wasuke Tsunenari was an expert at archery. His arrow killed the watchman at Moronao’s house. His last haiku read: “I had no chance to visit the village of Yamato, though I was in Kanto. I would have no chance to see again the snow at Kotesahihara.” c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91401 38

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36. Yata Goroemon Suketake

Yata Goroemon Suketake went to Yamato and lived with his wife and son after Asano’s death. There he became a teacher of jujutsu. The night of the attack, he was the third one to break into the enemy’s house and there he fought violently. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91402 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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37. Tokuda Magodayu Shigemori

Tokuda Magodayu Shigemori was an expert at Japanese fencing. He took the oath to be a member with his son, Tadaemon. Even though he was 50 years old, he fought valiantly. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91403

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38. Kono Musashi-no-kami Moronao

Kono Musashi-no-kami Moronao was koke, or master of ceremonies, of the Edo period court and antagonist in the events of the Ako Incident. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91404

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39. Enya Hankan Takasada

Enya Hankan Takasada, a young lord of the Asano clan, was sentenced to commit seppuku for drawing his dagger in the court after multiple insults by the bitter Kono Musashi-no-kami Moronao. Fortyseven of Enya’s retainers successfully avenged the unjust death of their lord in this celebrated example of the samurai code of honor.

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c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91405 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

40. Yazama Shinroku Mitsukaze

Yazama Shinroku Mitsukaze went to Kanto with other loyalists and lived in Kojimachi after his lord’s death. He assisted in the spying of Moronao’s house, and fought violently with the other ronin on the night of the raid. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91406 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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41. Mase Magoshiro Masatatsu

Mase Magoshiro Masatatsu excelled at Japaense fencing. During the battle he fought first with his bow and arrow, then with his spear and his sword last. Even after he had been mortally wounded, he continued to fight bravely. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91407 44

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42. Uramatsu Kihei Hidenao

Uramatsu Kihei Hidenao lived for a while as a physician after his master’s death. He was 60 years old at the time of the attack and displayed great valor. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91408

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43. Yazama Kihei Mitsunobu

Yazama Kihei Mitsunobu was an old man of 69 years, but his deeds nearly surpassed those of this younger companions. His two sons were among the 47 loyal retainers. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91409 46

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44. Mase Chudayu Masaaki

Mase Chudayu Masaaki was a master archer. During the raid he fought violently with one of Moronao’s soldiers and slashed the top of his head. He killed two more of the enemy’s samurai that night. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91412

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45. Sumino Juheiji Tsugifusa

Sumino Juheiji Tsugifusa went to Kyoto after Asano’s death, and became a ronin. Oboshi sent him some money, which he gave to his mother. She committed suicide so that he would receive the inheritance and be free to participate in the raid. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91413 48

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46. Hara Goemon Mototoki

Hara Goemon Mototoki was the chief retainer of the Asano family in Kanto. He helped plan the raid with Oboshi. His last poem read: “The moon was shining brightly. Suddenly, heavy showers began with thunder and lightening. After a while, cool wind blew and cleared the sky. The beautiful moon now showed its face again. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91414 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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47. Hayano Kanpei Tsuneyo

Hayano Kanpei Tsuneyo was grief stricken at the death of his mother and torn between loyalties to Lord Asano and his father. Tsuneyo committed seppuku before the attack on Moronao. His brother carried a spear with a note, proclaiming that he died in the battle the night of the attack. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91415 50

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48. Kaida Yadaemon Tomonobu

Kaida Yadaemon Tomonobu was a scrupulous magistrate and an expert at sword fighting. Yadaemon became a playboy, at the request of Oboshi, in order to dissipate Moronao’s time and money through gambling. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91416 roningallery.com | 212.688.0188

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49. Miura Jiroemon Kanetsune

Miura Jiroemon Kanetsune was the head chef of Asano’s household. He performed the task with care and diligence, winning numerous awards for his culinary artistry. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91417

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50. Yoshida Chuzaemon Kanesuke

Yoshida Chuzaemon Kanesuke kept the records for all of the loyal retainers. He was a scholar, as well as a master of the martial arts. He was a great leader in the raid. c. 1847. Ref. #: JPR-91418

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Jinzaburo

Servant for Shikamatsu Kanroku. c.1847. Ref. #: JPR-91419

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Kakogawa Honzo Yukikuni

Chief retainer of Lord Wakasanosuke from the series Biographies of the Loyal Retainers: Origins. c.1847. Ref. #: JPR-91420

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Bibliography Ronin Gallery. The Japan Collection featuring The Forty-Seven Ronin by Hokusai, Hiroshige and Kuniyoshi. New York: Ronin Gallery, 1998. Print.

Weinberg, David R. Kuniyoshi: The faithful samurai. Leiden: Hotei, 2005. Print.

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