Ancient world. Japan

Once again, I recently watched the film “Ronin” produced overseas. As has already been noted more than once on various resources: Ronin is not the name of the brave Soviet KGB officer. In feudal Japan, ronin was the name given to samurai who, for whatever reason, had lost their master.
The actual movie. About what? About the same ronin, only in modern times - mercenaries of all sorts and stripes are hired for work. The job is as simple as an orange - steal a rather strange-looking suitcase. Steal, regardless of the losses of people, both those guarding this item and strangers. It is clear that everything did not go according to plan. But that's not what the story is about...
The story is about what one of the characters in the picture was talking about. And he talked about the fate of 47 ronins. I will not delve into the story that was given to us from the screen. It is better to tell the version that is considered official.

Early 18th century. Shogun's Castle. And two noble samurai serving in this very castle. One is Kira Yoshihisa, the Grand Master of Ceremonies. The second is Asano Naganori, the owner of Ako Castle and the heir of a noble family. According to updated data, he had 300 samurai in his service.

So here it is. Everything was going just fine until Kira saw Asano’s wife, a young and beautiful woman. And what happened is what we are shown every day on TV screens when demonstrating yet another masterpiece of Russian-Mexican-Brazilian stupidity: Kira fell in love. However, Asano's wife, as befits a normal wife, rejected all obscene hints about having a good time in her husband's absence. And this same Kira decided to take out his anger. But on whom? On a woman? “We’re swimming shallowly,” thought Kira and chose Asano Naganori himself as the object of revenge. However, how? Above Kira the Sword of Damocles hung the code of conduct of a warrior - Bushido. And he couldn’t just kill Asano, since that would put him outside the law. However, an opportunity presented itself.

In March 1701, the Shogun received three envoys from the Emperor at his residence. Asano was entrusted with the responsibility of a dignified reception. Kira was furious. And he did as his vile little mind told him. He began to openly mock Asano, thereby insulting him in front of the entire court.

Asano was a great warrior and hereditary samurai. And he knew and respected the code of Bushido. However, in this situation, the code was against him: cutting down an insolent person is a gross violation, since in the owner’s house, under pain of death, one cannot draw a weapon. However, he could not help but respond to the insult - he would have been known as a coward in the eyes of others. Asano drew his sword and wounded his attacker.

The Shogun's sentence for Asano was ready immediately - seppuku. Things were done that way simply. This is not here, where the degenerate and non-human terrorist who killed children in a school in the city of Beslan has been on trial for more than two years. I advise all “human rights activists” to follow the example of ancient Japan.
Asano returned to his castle. And there, after a farewell poem about his life, he committed hara-kiri according to all the rules.

From that moment on, all of his 300 samurai became ronin. Only Kira's blood could wash away the insult inflicted on the entire Asano Naganori clan of warriors. And 47 of the most faithful vassals plotted revenge.

Kira knew that they would take revenge on him. He increased the security in the castle and tried not to stick his vile nose out of his hole unnecessarily. It was impossible to get into the castle with such security. However, the leader of the ronin, Oishi Kuranosuke, found a way to weaken the attention of Kira's spies.

The Ronins scattered in all directions. Rumors spread that they had forgotten their master. Some improved in Ken-jutsu, others went to work as bodyguards. Oishi himself drank and had fun in the brothels of Kyoto. This behavior earned him hatred and contempt from other samurai. For them, such obvious oblivion of their master was unacceptable. However, this calmed Kira, and he removed the security of his house.

In December 1702, all 47 ronin gathered again. They walked through the castle like silent shadows and, waking up Kira, cut off his head.

The Asano family was notified of retaliation. The ronins themselves solemnly headed to Sengakuji Castle, where they laid Kira’s head and the dagger with which she was cut off on the grave of Asano Naganori. They then surrendered to the authorities. The shogun expressed admiration for their loyalty and courage. However, he said, according to the code of Bushido, after the death of the lord, the samurai must follow him. All 47 warriors were sentenced to seppuk.

On February 4, 1703, the ronins died with dignity and were buried with their master. The shame of the Asano family was lifted.

Based on materials from the book “The Path of the Invisible” by A. Gorbylev

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A legend that has been sung for centuries in the Land of the Rising Sun.

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Every year on December 14th, thousands of people from all over the world come to Sengakuji Monastery in Tokyo to pay homage to the graves. 47 Ronin. The film was shown to us on the eve of this date, and after watching it, an irresistible desire arose to join thousands and come to bow to the great ronins.

Warriors. Raised according to the harsh laws of the samurai. Strong in spirit, strong in body, filled with honor and dignity. But who are they without their owner?! Despicable ronins who are forbidden to even think about revenge for their master. Only in their souls they are still the same warriors; no order, no punishment can take this away from them. They are ready to risk everything, they are ready to sacrifice their lives for one attempt to defend the honor of their master. Moreover, a mysterious half-breed goes hand in hand with them - not accepted by them before, but who supported their goal.

The Legend of the 47 Ronin

Japan 18th century, the extraordinary beauty of the world borders on incredible cruelty. The orphan Kai is not spared a harsh fate. He grew up in the Tengu forest, completely saturated with legends about magic, about the souls of old people and children wandering there. Are they stories?! The boy does not like the life that the inhabitants of the forest offer him, and he runs away from his own teachers. The exhausted, wounded, unconscious boy is saved by Prince Asano himself, and takes the child under his care and raises him according to the Bushido code (the samurai code. Editor's note). However, in the province of Ako, among the samurai, the boy becomes a stranger - he will never become one of them, and people like him don’t even listen. But Kai doesn’t know any other life, he is grateful for this one.

The shameful status of ronin fell on the shoulders of the samurai if they failed to protect their master from death (there are several reasons why a samurai could be demoted to such a low status. Editor's note). Only education into warriors is stronger than any orders! With revenge prohibited, after attempts to break them, they still get together. There are forty-seven of them. 47 Ronin!

“I’m fascinated by the world the writers have created,” leading actor Keanu Reeves tells us. – Chris and Hussein (the film’s screenwriters. Editor’s note) were able to turn the story about ronin into an incredible fantasy in which reality is closely intertwined with legend. Like any great story, Chusingura (theater play with the theme of revenge) "Forty-Seven Ronin". Note editorial) is based on eternal values."

The filmmakers spent more than a year recreating Japan in the 18th century. Everything was thought out to the smallest detail, every detail was worked out. Each tree was hand-sewn with 15,000 artificial cherry blossoms. A behind-the-scenes team of the most eminent artists, including a large number of Oscar nominees, worked on the costumes and sets. The film is distinguished by its strength, power and skill in execution. That is why not many people will be able to feel it - because our audience is accustomed to cheap comedies.

On January 1, 2014, an incredible film about the most valiant people - “47 Ronin” - will be released on cinema screens.

Starring: Keanu Reeves (The Matrix, Constantine), Hiroyuki Sanada (The Last Samurai, Wolverine the Immortal), Tadanobu Asano (Battleship, Thor), Rinko Kikuchi (Babel, “Pacific Rim”), Ko Shibasaki (“Shogun Lady and Her Men”, “One Missed Call”) and others.

The Legend of the 47 Ronin

Also in Moscow there is an exhibition “Samurai. 47 Ronin". The atmosphere of the 18th century, master classes and shows on traditional martial arts, lectures on culture and history - you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of the Edo era (1603-1868) and witness the heroic events of the most famous Japanese epic of peacetime.
Until January 30, you can visit the exhibition at the address: Moscow, Vetoshny Lane, building 13.

Preface

Today we will talk about one of the most famous legends of the land of the rising sun, namely the story “Forty-seven Ronins from Ako”. The legend tells of 47 vassals who gave their lives for the honor of their master. It should be noted that there are many misconceptions and misconceptions about this. This article will shed light on some of them.

Story

At the beginning of the 18th century above the castle Ako, provinces Harima, ruled by a great daimyo named Asano Takumi no Kami(in some sources by Asano Naganori). One day one of the courtiers Mikado was sent to to the shogunTokugawa Tsunayoshi in town Edo . Takumi no Kami and no less eminent Kamei Sama were appointed to receive the distinguished guest, and also to hold a great feast in honor of his arrival. A gifted official Kotsuke no Suke was appointed to instruct gentlemen in the etiquette prescribed on such occasions.

Both noble gentlemen visited the castle every day Shiro to listen to instructions Kotsuke no Suke. The latter was a very greedy man and expected great rewards from the great daimyo. But instead, he received the standard reward for his efforts, as prescribed by ancient tradition. And after that Kotsuke no Suke He harbored a grudge against the masters and refused to continue his studies. He also did not miss the opportunity to ridicule them at court.

*Tokugawa Tsunayoshi (徳川 綱吉; February 23, 1646 (Year of the Dog) - February 19, 1709) was the 5th shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty, the feudal ruler of Japan who led the country from 1680 to 1709. Also known by the nickname Dog Shogun.

*Mikado (帝(御門), "high gate") is the oldest, now uncommon title for the secular supreme ruler of Japan, currently called tenno (son of heaven). The term meant not only the monarch himself, but his house, court and even state. Native Japanese do not use this term; it has been removed from official documents.

*Edo (江戸) - old name Tokyo, the modern capital of Japan, until 1868. This is the name of the ancient central part of the city near Edo Castle. Throughout the Edo period (1603–1867), the city played the role of the political and administrative center of Japan, although it was not the capital of the country, the role of which was played by Kyoto at that time. The city was the seat Tokugawa shogunate, who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868.

Takumi no Kami, restrained by a sense of duty, patiently endured all the antics and ridicule directed at him. But Kamei Sama was less restrained, and after another prank he fell into a rage and decided to kill the mocker. And on the very first night, after the end of his service, he called his advisers to a meeting. He told them that Kotsue no Suke him and Takumi no Kami, when they performed their duty and served under the person of the imperial ambassador. He said that he could not tolerate such a gross violation of decency. He tried to destroy him on the spot, but remembered that this would bring great dishonor to his family and would cost him and his vassals their lives. He decided to settle scores with his enemy the next day at court. After the meeting, one of his loyal servants asked for an audience. He was a very perspicacious man and reminded his master of the consequences of such a decision. But Kamei Already set for revenge. Then the servant asked for forgiveness and left.

But the servant understood that such an outcome would not bring anything good. He thought about his plan of action for a long time and finally decided that Kotsuke no Suke He is a very greedy person and can be bribed. He collected all the available money and personally came to the palace Kotsuke no Suke. Meeting with vassals Kotsuke no Suke , he gave them the gold and asked them to convey sincere apologies from Kamei Sama. It is known that he collected about a thousand silver coins. The advisor also allocated about a hundred coins for the servants Kotsuke no Suke so that they perform everything in the best possible way. When the servants saw the money, their eyes shone with happiness and they hurried to their master. Kotsuke no Suke he was so happy that he himself personally received the adviser Kamei Sama and assured him that this was their disagreements finished and that the next day he will be polite and give special instructions Kamei Sama.

Kamei Sama with grim determination he came to the palace with the goal of getting rid of his enemy forever. But unlike the previous day, today, Kotsuke no Suke was extremely courteous. His respectfulness knows no bounds. He lavished compliments and asked forgiveness for his shamelessness. Kamei she herself thawed out and abandoned the intention to kill Kotsuke no Suke.

But lavishing compliments, Kotsuke no Suke did not forget to insult and humiliate in every possible way Takumi no Kame. He patiently endured all the insults and paid no attention to them. This behavior made me angry Kotsuke no Suke and he finally said arrogantly, "Hey, Mister Takumi, string on mine tabi untied, take the trouble to tie it for me." Beside himself with rage, Takumi no Kami obeyed and tied the string on the tabi.

*Tabi (足袋) are traditional Japanese socks. Ankle height and separated thumb; They are worn by both men and women with zori, geta, and other traditional strappy shoes. Tabi are also important when wearing traditional clothing - kimonos and other types of wafuku, including those worn by samurai in the Middle Ages. The most common color is white, and white tabis are worn in formal situations, such as tea ceremonies.

Then Kotsuke no Suke , turning away from him, irritably quipped: “Oh, you are so clumsy! You don’t even know how to tie the tabi strings properly! Looking at you, everyone will say: here is a real hillbilly who has no idea about the capital’s manners and decency.” This statement made others and himself laugh. Kotsuke no Suke burst into an insulting laugh. He then slowly walked towards his chambers. But Takumi no Kami was furious. He ran up to Kotsuke no Suke and drew his dagger while he was turning around. Takumi aimed his blow right at the head, but the head Kotsuke no Suke protected by a tall courtier's hat.

And he escaped with just a light scratch. Kotsuke no Suke suddenly came to his senses and began to flee. But Takumi caught up with him and struck him again. But he missed and stuck the dagger into a wooden post. At this very moment, a senior samurai named Kajikawa Yoshobei, rushed to the rescue Kotsuke no Suke and grabbed the enraged Takumi behind. Kotsuke no Suke escaped safely.

To be continued...

This temple is already very popular among the Japanese, who gather here every year on December 14 to remember the 47 ronin. And now, thanks to Hollywood cinema, the West has learned about this temple. Few people, before the film with Keanu Reeves, had seen the old Japanese "47 Ronin" by Akira Kurosawa, read or watched the play "Tushingura" :) Now you can often meet foreign tourists in this temple.

So what happened? What kind of temple is this and what does it have to do with the 47 samurai?

This small Buddhist temple is famous for its cemetery, where all 47 samurai are buried. They should be correctly called “ronin” - these are samurai left without their master-suzerain.

For those who haven’t read or watched, I’ll tell you a brief story.
In March 1701, Asano Takumi-no-Kami, the ruler of the Ako region (today Hyogo Prefecture), having lost patience after the insults and bullying of the self-confident official Kira Kozukenosuke, attacked (or, as various sources say, simply drew a katana) on him right in the castle Edo, but was unable to kill him in the attack. On the same day, Asano was sentenced to seppuk (cutting open the abdomen), while Kira was not punished at all, despite the existing custom of punishing both sides in a brawl.

In addition, the entire Asano family was deprived of power, and Asano's loyal samurai (now ronin) were left without jobs. Having lost their master, forty-seven ronin, led by Oishi Kuranosuke, swore an oath to avenge the death with death, despite the fact that they were sentenced to death for this.

In order not to arouse suspicion, the conspirators disappeared into the crowd, becoming merchants and monks. And Oishi moved to Kyoto and began to lead a riotous lifestyle, divorced his wife and took a young concubine. Over time, having learned that the ronin had scattered in all directions and Oishi was drinking, Kira weakened his guard and became more careless.

Meanwhile, the ronin secretly collected and transported weapons to Edo, gaining the trust of Kira’s household (one of Asano’s former servants even married the daughter of the official’s estate builder in order to get construction plans).
When everything was ready to carry out his plans, Oishi secretly moved to Edo, where all the conspirators met and re-sworn an oath of vengeance.

On December 14, 1702, a group of 47 ronin led by Oishi Kuranosuke attacked Kira's house. Kira managed to hide in the house along with women and children in a large closet, and for a long time they could not find him. However, Oishi, having checked Kira's bed and made sure that she was still warm, overcame the despair of the seemingly inevitable failure and continued his search. A secret passage was soon discovered behind a wall scroll, leading to a hidden courtyard with a small storage building for storing coal, protected by two armed guards. There Kira was discovered. Oishi respectfully told him that they were ronin - former servants of Asano, who had come to avenge their master. As a samurai, Kira was offered to commit ritual suicide through seppuku, but he refused. Then Oishi himself killed Kira, cutting off his head.

The Ronins brought Kira's severed head to the Sengakuji Temple. Initially, having washed it in the well, they placed it on the grave of their master, thereby fulfilling the oath.

The authorities were in a difficult position: on the one hand, the ronin acted in accordance with the letter and spirit of bushido - the code of the samurai, avenging their overlord; on the other hand, they disobeyed the shogun's orders, entered Edo with weapons and attacked a court official. Due to the growing popularity of the forty-seven ronin among the people, the shogun received many petitions for them, but, as expected, sentenced the conspirators to death. However, they were allowed to carry out the noble rite of ritual suicide, as befitted real samurai, instead of being executed as criminals.
Seppuku took place on February 4, 1703. The youngest was sent home to Ako as a messenger. The forty-six remaining ronin in Edo were buried in the same monastery as their master. Their graves have since become objects of worship, and their clothes and weapons are said to still be preserved by the monks of Sengaku-ji. The good name of the Asano clan was restored, and part of its former possessions was even returned to his family. The last of this group of ronin returned to Edo, was pardoned by the shogun and lived for 78 years. He was buried next to his comrades.

The plot of the story of the 47 ronin was successfully used in Kabuki theater performances. Moreover, the first such play appeared two weeks after the death of the ronins. And now the play remains one of the most popular in Japan, where loyalty, patience and will are among the most respected human qualities.

The plot of “The Forty-Seven Ronin” became popular among Japanese artists who worked using the woodcut technique.

Main temple.

The main massive wooden gate was restored in 1832.

At the entrance you will be greeted by Oishi Kuranosuke.

Meditating Buddhist monk Sawaki Kodo, who played a major role in 20th century Zen Buddhism.

Alley leading to the burial place of 47 ronin.

This is the same well where the ronin washed Kira's head before placing it on the grave of their master Asano.

Here they are, all the graves with the same headstones.

Oishi's grave.

Plan of the graves. Here you can see that Mr. Asano's grave is located to the right, outside the area where the ronins are buried.

There is a small museum on the temple grounds where things that belonged to the 47 ronin are kept, but I never went there.

It tells the story of the revenge of forty-seven former samurai for the death of their master.

The Story of the 47 Ronin

The story tells how forty-seven ronin prepared and carried out a plan for revenge Kire Kozuke no Suke, courtier of the shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, for the death of his master, the daimyo Asano Takumi no Kami Naganori from Ako. In 1701, Asano was sentenced to seppuk for attacking a courtier in response to insults and bullying from the latter.

Having lost their master, forty-seven ronin, led by chief adviser Oishi Kuranosuke (Japanese: 大石良雄 o:ishi yoshio, title 内蔵助, kuranosuke), swore an oath to avenge death with death, despite the fact that they faced a death sentence for this.

In order not to arouse suspicion, the conspirators disappeared into the crowd, becoming merchants and monks, while Oishi moved to Kyoto and began to lead a riotous lifestyle, divorced his wife and took a young concubine. Over time, having learned that the ronin had scattered in all directions and Oishi was drinking, Kira weakened his guard and became more careless.

Meanwhile, the ronin secretly collected and transported weapons to Edo, gaining the trust of Kira’s household (one of Asano’s former servants even married the daughter of the official’s estate builder in order to get construction plans).

When everything was ready to carry out his plans, Oishi secretly moved to Edo, where all the conspirators met and re-sworn an oath of vengeance.

art

The plot of “The Forty-Seven Ronin” became popular among Japanese artists who worked using the woodcut technique. Among them were such famous masters as Utamaro, Toyokuni, Hokusai, Kunisada and Hiroshige. The most popular series of works by Kuniyoshi is recognized.

Theater productions

Among the many theatrical productions on the theme of revenge of the “forty-seven”, the most famous is Kanadehon Chusingura(translated as “Mirror of Loyal Vassals”) or simply Tusingura, which, however, having lost some of its historical authenticity, acquired greater drama and entertainment.

Originally written for bunraku puppet theater, the play was later adapted for kabuki theater. It remains one of the most popular theatrical productions in Japan to this day.

In cinema

• "Chûshingura" - Japan, 1916.
• Chushingura: The Truth - Japan, 1928, directed by Shozo Makino
• "Chûshingura: Kôhen" - Japan, 1939, directed by Kajiro Yamamoto
• “Loyalty in the Age of Genroku” / “47 Ronin” (Genroku Chushingura) - Japan, 1941, directed by Kenji Mizoguchi
• "Dai Chûshingura" - Japan, 1957, directed by Tatsuyasu Osone
• “47 Loyal Ronin” (Chûshingura) - Japan, 1958, directed by Kunio Watanabe.
• “47 Ronin / Forty-seven loyal vassals of the Genroku era” (Chushingura - Hana no maki yuki no maki) - Japan, 1962, directed by Hiroshi Inagaki
• “The Fall of Ako Castle” (Ako-Jo danzetsu) - Japan, 1978, directed by Kinji Fukasaku
• “47 Ronin” (Shijûshichinin no shikaku) - Japan, 1994, directed by Kon Ichikawa
• “Ronin” (Ronin) - 1998, mentioned.
• “Forty-Seven Ronin” (Chushingura 1/47) - Japan, 2001, director