December 14, 1702: Forty-seven Ronin avenge the death of their daimyo or lord. Asano Takumi-no-Kami Naganori was a young daimyo of Akō, a fiefdom in western Honshū, Japan. He and Kamei Sama were to arrange a reception for envoys of the Emperor in Edo (Tokyo). Asano and Kamei were being tutored in proper court etiquette by Kira Kozuki-no-Suke Yoshinaku. Kira treated both men shabbily insulting them. Daimyo were also Samurai and followed the code of conduct and honor that was an integral part of their life, Bushidō.

Asano was pushed too far and attacked Kira. Kira’s wound was superficial but Asano’s behavior (drawing a sword in the Shogun’s residence) called for death. Asano was permitted to commit seppuku (ritualistic suicide by disembowelment). This was an honorable death. Asano lost his lands and his Samurai were now without a daimyo making them Ronin. The rules of Bushidō called for the Samurai now made Ronin to avenge their daimyo.

Kira was prepared for revenge. The Ronin, rather than an immediate attack that would have failed, fell into a state of disrepute. Ōishi, their leader, was monitored by Kira’s spies. When it was deemed that the Ronin were spineless and without honor, Kira dropped his guard. Ōishi and his men were now free to attack.

The 47 Ronin attacked Kira’s house killing 16 and wounding another 22 of Kira’s men. Kira himself was found cowering in a closet. He was offered a chance to commit seppuku and regain some honor, but remained meekly in the corner. He was executed by the attacking Ronin. One young Samurai was sent back to the homeland to tell of the avenging raid. The other 46 Ronin took Kira’s head and laid it on Asano’s grave. They then gave themselves up. They were found guilty of murder. However, they had followed Bushidō custom and were considered to be honorable men. They were permitted to commit seppuku rather than be executed like criminals. They were buried with honors alongside their daimyo.

“A samurai should always be prepared for death – whether his own or someone else’s.” – Stan Sakai “One who is a Samurai must before all things keep constantly in mind, by day and by night: the fact that he has to die.” – unknown “Desertion in the face of an enemy is failure to the samurai way!” – Saito Hajime “Success without honor is an unseasoned dish; it will satisfy your hunger, but it won’t taste good.” – Joe Paterno

Also on this day:

Queen of Gems – In 1656, the first fake pearl was made.

Strong Men; Great Leaders – In 1751, the first military academy was begun in Austria.