Every Japanese student learns this tale which centers around Lord Asano and his 47 Samurai warriors - the events of which took place in 1702.
Lord Asano was forced to commit seppuku 切腹 (suicide by disembowelment) after a quarrel with Lord Kira. As a result of the fight, Lord Asano drew his sword while they were on the grounds of the Edo Castle, which was strictly forbidden. Lord Asano's punishment was to kill himself, as was the custom at the time; however, Kira went unpunished. (A statue of Lord Asano was erected on the grounds of the temple - photo below)
After this, the 47 samurai associated with Asano, then had no master and became Ronin 浪人(masterless samurai). Since they had no master and their former master was disgraced, they had no means to earn a living and no other master would take them into their group.
The 47 Ronin plotted revenge and attacked Kira, beheading him and presented the head at the grave of Asano which was located at Sengakuji temple. After they avenged their masters death, and restored honor to his name, these 47 ronin committed seppuku at the temple.
The grave for Asano as well as those of his 47 samurai are all located at Sengakuji and even to this day are still adorned with flowers by fans and admirers of their loyalty and the honor they demonstrated on behalf of Lord Asano.
So in this day and age of instant gratification and me first attitudes, I think we can all take a moment to reflect on the message of this story and learn a thing or two.
All the best....Mark
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