The Forty-Seven Ronin

Day 754, 17:27 • Published in Japan USA • by Dokomo


Many years ago in Japan two Daimyo, Asano Takumi of Ako and Lord Kamei of Tsuwano, were to organize a reception for the envoys of the Emperor in Edo. They would be tutored in the necessary protocol by Kira Yoshinaka, a powerful official of the Shogunate. But his relations with the two young lords was strained, for Kira was a rude and arrogant man and looked down on the small gifts that these two rural lords could provide. Asano, a strict Confucian, bore the insults stoically, while Kamei became enraged and threatened to kill Kira to avenge his insults. Kamei's advisors though offered Kira a large bribe, which improved his mood towards Kamei and calmed Kamei's anger.

Kira, though, continued to treat Asano poorly, upset that he had not emulated his companion. Kira taunted and belitted him in public and one day called him a country boor with no manners and Asano could restrain himself no longer. He attacked Kira with a dagger at the Shogun's palace striking him in the face once before being subdued. For this transgression he was ordered to commit seppukku, his lands seized, his retainers made ronin. The Shogun even took the step of declaring that no revenge would be allowed against Kira.



But of his three hundred samurai, forty-seven would not follow the Shogun's commands. They banded together, swearing an oath to kill Lord Kira. And then for a year they dispersed, throwing Kira's spies off their trail by becoming drunks, tradesmen, and merchants. After two years Kira had let down his guard and the forty-seven ronin attacked, eventually finding Kira in a hidden courtyard. There they offered him the oppourtunity to commit seppuku and die with honor using the same dagger Asano used to kill himself. Kira knelt, thrembling and silent though, until Oishi, the leader, forced Kira to the ground and cut off his head with the dagger.



The forty-seven samurai then returned the head to the grave of Asano and turned themselves in. The shogun could have had them exceuted, but for so nobly exemplifying the code of Bushido, they were permitted to committ seppukku instead. To this day they are interred at Senkaku-ji and their tale has become the National Legend of Japan.



How then, does this relate to the current events in Japan? For months now Japan has served PEACE as Kamei did, by anger and bribes holding the line against the US. But our companions in China, like Lord Asano, have waited patiently, with the serenity of Confucius guiding them as they endure insults from Phoenix. Last week they snapped, attacking Phoenix in anger to avenge their honor. Now Japan's Forty-Seven Ronin have offered Phoenix the choice. Commit Seppuku, cleanse your shame, restore your honor, and give China back some occupied regions. Phoenix has sat trembling and silent however, and now declares war on China. It falls to us now to avenge Lord Asano.

With the backing of the Japanese Congress, and the power vested in me by the Japanese people, I declare that Japan stands ready to retreat Kyushu to the United States of America.

Let it be known this action causes many in Japan to weep, but let us turn our sorrow into a firm resolve to see China free once again. Turn your tears into steel Japan, for our cause is just. Turn your fear into courage, for today, we take a step forward for a Righteous World.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg8HapePlI4