The 47 ronin
The events took place in 1701, right in the middle of the Tokugawa era. Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi ordered a few of his daimyo to attend an envoy from the Imperial family. For this purpose, the master of protocol Kira Kozukenosuke Yoshinaka (1641-1702) was designated to teach the daimyo the complex rules of Imperial etiquette.
One of the daimyo, Asano Takumi no kami Naganori (1667-1701), head of a branch of the powerful Asano family, did not go on well with Kira. As the tension rose between the two men, Kira made every effort to embarass his student in public. The conflict inflamed when Kira insulted Asano in the shogun's palace. Asano drew his sword (act forbidden in the shogun's palace) and struck Kira, though only injuring him. As striking someone while angry was also against the law, Asano committed a double crime. He knew this and readily admitted his misdemeanor, only regretting not to have killed Kira.
Lord Asano was made to commit seppuku, although the decision was unpopular and seen as unjust by many. His retainers had now become ronin and swore to avenge their master's death by killing Kira.
The ronin were not trusted by their enemies, and lived under the watchful eyes of spies for months. They seemed to be adapting to their new circumstances, some more gracefully than others, by taking on the roles of simple tradesmen and teachers. Their leader Oishi, appeared to have lost his path in life, and became a hapless drunk.
In fact, the ronin only appeared to have to accept their fate. They were actually making careful plans for revenge, and counting the minutes until the moment was right to strike.
On 14 December 1702, the 47 went to Kira's mansion in Ryogoku and attacked it. Lots of Kira's men died in the surprise attack, but Kira had the time to commit seppuku before being caught by the ronin. Only one of the ronin died in the attack, then the 46 remaining were also made to commit suicide for their killings.
The 47 ronin (incl. Oishi Kuranosuke), lord Asano and Kira are all buried in Sengaku-ji.
Their acts are the source for Japan's most celebrated story of bravery, cunning, and loyalty. It has been told and retold in plays, in print, in books, in movies and on television ever since the news first swept through feudal Japan.
There was A LOT of smoke there from all the incense burning there, even more than normal due to the fact that many Japanese traditionally use January 1st to visit temples.
among men, the Samurai"
~Japanese proverb
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