The Revenge of the 47 Ronin - Edo 1703

Osprey Raid #23

by Stephen Turnbull, Johnny Shumate (illustrator)

From 1600 till 1866 civil strife in public was virtually unknown in Japan; however, personal loyalty and self-sacrifice could at times rise above the samurai hierarchy to redefine Japanese culture. In 1703 former samurai avenged their lord in the most legendary raid in Japanese history.  The story of the 47 ronin is a tale rich in emotion, precise planning, and flawless martial execution. 

This was the raid that turned Japan upside down.

Lord Kira had brought about the death of Lord Asano, thus making Asano's loyal samurai into ronin (unemployed 'men of the waves'). In complete secrecy they plotted their revenge, and one snowy winter's night launched a raid against his mansion in Edo (Tokyo). The gates were broken down, and after the fiercest sword battle seen in Japan for over a century Kira was captured and beheaded. His head was washed and placed on Asano's tomb. The Shogun had now been placed in a dilemma. Should he reward the 47 Ronin for behaving more like true samurai than anyone since the time of civil wars, or should they be punished for breaking the strict laws about taking revenge?

In the end the law prevailed, and the surviving 46 ronin committed a mass act of hara-kiri, turning them overnight into national heroes as the 'gods of bushido'.. The dramatic revenge raid of the Forty-Seven Ronin is the ideal subject for a Raids title. There is a very strong narrative and a wealth of illustrative material. As the raid occurred during the peaceful Edo Period there is scope for original description of the samurai's weapons and their personal & physical environment that is not seen in any other Osprey titles.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

Genres: History, Japan, Nonfiction, Military History, Japanese History

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Stephen Richard Turnbull is British a historian specializing in eastern military history, especially the samurai of Japan. His books are mainly on Japanese and Mongolian subjects. He attended Cambridge University where he gained his first degree. He currently holds an MA in Theology, MA in Military History and a PhD from the University of Leeds where he is currently a lecturer in Far Eastern Religions. He has also written a number of books on other medieval topics. He is semi-retired but still holds the post of Visiting Professor of Japanese Studies at Akita International University in Japan.

Reviews

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but detailed look at what we can infer actually happened when the 47 Ronin decided to avenge their lord, and the fateful events leading up to that. Stephan Turnbull gives an overview of what the historical record shows, and contrasts that with what literature and other media have since portrayed. The differences will probably be surprising to those familiar with more popular retellings.

I initially checked out this book as a sort of quick overview, as I had little knowledge of the event both in its historical form and its legendary retelling. I planned on reading it in preparation for watching a couple different film versions of Chushingura that I've recently checked out from the library (the 58 Daiei version and the 62 Toho version). What I ended up reading was different than what I expected, but nonetheless rewarding. I feel more informed than if I had started off reading a copy of the classic play (though I do plan on getting around to reading that as well.)

[José · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever wondered what the historical basis for the 47 Ronin story was, this book is for you.

I dont want to spoil anything, but it's a much more complex (and interesting) story than what we have been told. And it's a pretty quick read too, so you can read it in an afternoon.

My only gripe with it it's that some paragraphs and sentences get repeated, but I imagine this was a stylistic choice to reinforce the points the author was making.

If you are at all interested in Japanese history and/or culture, you owe it to yourself to read this book.

I highly recommend it.

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most interesting part of this incident is how its portrayal in kabuki theatre and other romanticized accounts is more or less the exact opposite of what actually happened, and how unfair this is to the victims of the 47 ronin. This book is mainly a myth-killer, which is exactly what is needed.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly short, but very easy to follow. Excellent analysis of what remains of historical documents and other physical evidence in order to debunk the trash fed to us by the romantic notions directing depictions of these events on the stage and in film.

[HD · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has everything you need to dive deeper into what was happening more than 4 centuries ago in Japan. A tale of revenge dedicated as final-act to serve their late lord.

It sheds some lights on:

1. The origin of the event, the plan and the strategy.
2. Timeline of the event in chronological order so you can grasp the whole sequence.
3. Superb explanations on how these events unfolded.
4. The counter-arguments on how 'Kira Yoshihisa' and his men are not always the bad side as they often portrayed in many Kabuki performance.
5. The train of thought of the Shogun before giving the ronin 'punishment' or 'pardon'.
6. The perfect glimpse on how it was happening. The author recreating the war in perfect details (the entrance, the map of the mansion, who was the first to be killed, each battle of each Asano's ex-samurai, etc).

And many more.

I wish it was longer since I had a good time reading it.

[Federico Lucifredi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent review of the historical record, ideal for those visiting one of the several shrines erected in memory to those affected. Remarkably well illustrated, considering the age of the events discussed.

[Jeffrey Bakker · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the description, I was expecting to read the folktale. Instead, this book turned out to be a matter-of-fact read about "what really went down", from a military historian. Still a good read, and a good insight into what samurai culture was like during the transition to more peaceful times.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly short retelling of the classic Japanese tale, based on historical research. A bit different than the traditional version, as you might expect, but interesting. Best read after establishing familiarity with the original story.

[Stray Toki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small book, written in clear and simple language, which presents the real events of the famous vendetta in chronological order. A fascinating read for the evening, and one that will also teach you lots of interesting facts.

[Myan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredible story about 47 ronin embody the tenants of leadership, loyalty, and perseverance. They used those tenants to overcome adversity by any means necessary.