The History of the 47 Ronin and Reasons Why They're So Famous in Japan

[@LetsaskShogo]

And for those of you that might be wondering...! Yes, I will be covering the movie "47 Ronin" in the "Movie reviews from Japan" series very soon too! I hope you can look forward to it☺️ The next video will actually be a movie review, but about a movie related to "oiran/yujyo!" ・ In this channel, you can take a closer look at Japanese traditional culture, tips upon traveling to Kyoto, and social problems in Japan. So learners and lovers of Japanese language and culture, be sure to subscribe to enjoy more content! Please check out the description box for more videos recommended for you! ▼Join our Membership▼ kzbin.info/door/n7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVwjoin ●Membership benefits -Limited behind-the-scene videos kzbin.info/aero/UUMOn7DCb9ttrcw9h3vh9dfnVw -Weekly live stream -Priority reply to comments Every single yen we earn from this membership, we will be donating to groups of people who are fighting to solve social problems in Japan, the Japanese schools where foreign students can study, or use it to spread the works of people working with traditional culture in Japan to preserve the arts they are doing. ▼Sub channel “Shogo’s Podcast”▼ kzbin.info/door/ZAe1VayWxp5NLO4Net78DA The perfect channel to learn about Japanese culture and history in your spare time, during your walk to school or work, and when you are cooking or doing house chores. Not only will I be covering the topics in this main channel, but also some topics that you will only be able to enjoy in the sub-channel, like answering questions I receive, and my opinions towards some of the comments. ▼Instagram▼ instagram.com/lets_ask_shogo/ *Please ask me questions through the DM here!（⚠️I do not use e-mail） Thank you again very much for watching!

[@DierkHaasis]

As for 47 Ronin - a review of the 1941 version by Mizoguchi?

[@oldmangreywolf6892]

I think you messed up or missed some information. You said after the meeting of the 120, only 50 showed up, if this was not a mistake on your part, what happened to the three?

[@patriksepte9431]

Oh, oh, I don't know if you've seen my comment or not, but I actually mentioned the 47 Ronin under the comments of your movie review about the Last Samurai. Maybe it was not me who actually gave you the idea for the topic but I'm happy that it is happening, thank you! :)

[@universesays1842]

was 7 samurai real? cause the movie was pretty good

[@LetsaskShogo]

Thank you so much for pointing that out... it’s actually part of the story that I didn’t include in this video, but one person ran away because he was scared, one person left the group right before the attack for some reason that’s not known, and the last person was somehow gone right after the attack... Especially that two that were gone right before and after the attack, are still a mystery that everyone discusses about! And actually there is a movie about the two that I really love, so I’m hoping to share this movie soon too😆

[@pratik8213]

I have always been fascinated by the Japanese culture. I love how the people of Japan value their culture and beliefs and also believe in righteousness. My dream is to visit Japan atleast once in my life. Love from India!🇮🇳

[@mdfauwadulislam2632]

Do u know the culture of ur country chutiye

[@lronFist]

hey me too!

[@StopFear]

man, you sound like a waebo japanophile. It is very very bad mistake to associate modern Japan with the samurai stuff. Japanese people are modern people who are happy that the medieval era is over. Basically your view of Japan is very likely based on inaccurate stereotypes.

[@tiawheeler1153]

I actually read Chuusingura when I was in college so I had to actually explain to my father, who saw 47 Ronin, that the scary fox/dragon witch wasn't in the original story.

[@kellyburket6955]

You should watch the 2 original films, one from WW2 era B&W, and the second from the early sixties in color. Bothered are excellent films, and no hokey witch fox/dragons!

[@Diglett_Dude]

@@kellyburket6955 thanks for that bit of info, going to attempt to acquire copies of each

[@masessho]

The first time that I heared this story was in the french movie "Ronin" (1998). A side character was building a diorama about the incident and told the story to the protagonist... By the end of the movie, the concepts of loyalty and honor (and mostly the strategies used along the movie) were a direct recall of the incident of the 47 Ronin. Great work with your videos, there are way easy to understand. Greetings from Argentina

[@msaret4384]

I have always enjoyed the story of the 47 Ronin. I am, like everyone else, perplexed by the initiating incident. With out more information it will remain a mystery.

[@ianhill4585]

One Daimyo against another having a "beef" I'd imagine, one humiliating the other, causing one to attack the other, and the attacker being sentenced to death. And the sentenced leaders, Samurai having to avenge that death. I hope I wasn't stating the obvious , I didn't quite understand the question.

[@rolandgdean]

It sounds to me like Oishi was after JUSTICE and balance rather than JUST revenge.

[@Giggly_Puff]

His name means “good”. So he MUST BE GOOD! 😆

[@santyclause8034]

The honor of seppuku does not sound like what japanese think it sounds like. If thats a civil honor.

[@MR-nl8xr]

me too.

[@MrBCA701]

This is probably the best simple and throughly explained video of the 47 Ronin on KZbin. Your simplistic explanations in your vids are excellent. Thx

[@jamesprimmer355]

You telling the story drew me to tears. The pure justice these people went to the grave with or even sought out the grave for... it's breathtaking.

[@peteengard9966]

Loyalty, Honor, Bravery, and Sacrifice. That is the story of a lot of worriors. Thank you for the story especially on the day we honor our brave fallen soldiers. The ultimate sacrifice so we all can live.

[@yousefshahin2654]

I have heard of them, but I never knew the actual story, so thank you for explaining :)

[@sawluke]

Was looking for this comment so i didn't have to write it myself.....seconded!

[@EliotChildress]

Ooo yay I (was supposed to) read about this in college. Can’t wait to learn about it for real this time. 😂

[@ballinbalgruuf8198]

If only Shogo-sensei was your professor

[@brucenatelee]

When read and read (which is which?) is consistent with grammar either way.

[@bigbrowntau]

Sengakuji temple in Tokyo is well worth visiting, where Asano, his wife and the 47 ronin are buried. It's a beautiful place. Best to go early in the morning. 100 yen will get you enough incense sticks to place one on every grave, with some spare. There's a museum on site too. When I went there in 2017, there was a wonderful video presentation in the entry hall. The staff were kind enough to switch it to the English version for me. There's a railway station (Sengakuji station A07 , one station from Shinagawa) very close by. Thank you Shogo for a wonderful video, and for reminding me of a most cherished memory.

[@IKEMENOsakaman]

Ronin (浪人) also means 18 year olds (or above) who failed to enter universities of their choice...T^T

[@LetsaskShogo]

Thankfully I have never been a Ronin before in my life😅

[@NotBOB-81]

Here in America there is a company that makes a firearm in 10mm called the Ronin. I own one, and use it for bear defense. This particular caliber weapon is used in Kodiak Alaska for bear as well. FYI Kodiak bear is considered the largest and most dangerous animal in North America. I'm guessing Ronin were bad a$$es, Reeve's was a bad a$$ too LoL 😂😂😂

[@ianhill4585]

Is that the drifting, (wave men) mataphor for going to a different school In effect? Genuinely intrigued by the ronin link.

[@jasperwong2970]

@@ianhill4585 I think it's because the ronin in the past were samurai with no leader, so to say, a stray or rogue warrior. In this light, using the term "ronin" to refer to them is like saying they are unable to find a university, or a "head" to devote themselves to, and thus they "wander" about with no purpose

[@ianhill4585]

@@jasperwong2970 Thank you Jasper, a great explanation, I sort of got the metaphor, but needed clarification.

[@jesusperez8394]

I've always admired the Japanese culture. And you have a great way of explaining the nuances that separate it from other cultures. Excellent work fine sir.

[@charles2431]

"They attacked without knowing the reason" it showed that they are truly loyalty, they fulfilled their lord wish. And I believe that they surely know there must be a reason that their Lord attacked Kira. And they did not question it and fulfilled his Lord wish.

[@Hadras7094]

It was a very interesting and well made video! I never knew much about the 47 ronin, but thanks to you now I know

[@LetsaskShogo]

I’m very glad you say so😊

[@nichmiller4251]

I would love for you to review and talk about the both of the "13 Assassins" films. While not based on true history, I think that they are a wonderfully told alternative history story. The fact that the 2010 remake is a beautiful retelling of the original and not corrupted by modern filmmaking concepts is almost a miracle, in itself. The swordplay, fellowship, and intensity are all unmatched.

[@party4keeps28]

I just found your channel a few hours ago and I've been binge watching all night. Thank you for your hard work. Well done.

[@rai.2857]

mm, i loved your last point especially on how the perspective of the 47 ronin was just one viewpoint, and that the others weren't necessarily less valorous or "right" for deciding not to fight. i love stories that showcase how everyone is just doing what is right to them personally, and that there is almost never any objectively right or wrong choice. of course, it's the story of the 47 who chose to fight that got immortalized in history, and we don't know what happened to the other half of the warriors. but maybe that says more about sensationalism and the cultural priorities at the time than the morality of the action itself. in any case, thank you for this thoughtful overview of the true story! keep up the fantastic work.

[@LetsaskShogo]

Thank you for leaving a comment! I'm very glad you liked the video😄

[@saberserpent1134]

Asano attacked Kira, because Kira was assigned as his advisor, since he was unfamiliar with Edo's intricate customs. Kira, snubbing Asano as a "bumpkin", purposefully suggested that he wear inappropriate attire to the meeting, which he did, which then embarrassed him in front of the other lords to the point of rage.

[@StopFear]

You know this how?

[@saberserpent1134]

@@StopFear reading books on the subject.

[@StopFear]

@@saberserpent1134 which book?

[@saberserpent1134]

@@StopFear "Tale of the 47 Ronin" has several translations to English, and many have historical footnotes. You should be able to find quite a few translations that mention Kira purposely giving Lord Asano bad advice. In the presence ofvthe Shogun, this would be embarrassing enough to warrant an attack. Unfortunately, drawing one's sword in the presence of any Daimyo was an immediate execution sentence. Thus, Lord Asano's Captain, gathered 47 retainers, and split up for two years. Captain Oishi brought them all together, and raided the Kira mansion. They left Kira's head on the grave of lord Asano at Honnonji Temple, I believe.

[@hannahcrossett3415]

Thank you so much for adding more videos! You have so much intriguing content!

[@dDbalL-to7rt]

Thank you!!! I was one of many who asked for the story of the 47 Ronin!!! Hopefully next year I will get to visit Japan!!!

[@codenamecatatonic8894]

Well done my friend. You outdid yourself. 🙏

[@Makankie]

What a great video and talent to tell about events 👏 👌 I was curious about this story and I found the best explanation 😀

[@BallietBran]

Thank you for this! ❤

[@EricSon_akuma]

I was able to visit Sengaku-ji some years ago when I stayed in Shinagawa. I was an unforgettable experience.

[@samspencer582]

This is one of the most amazing stories about heroes and it´s real too. These 47 Ronin showed how a real hero is.

[@Diglett_Dude]

Thank you Shogo, I would love to see an episode made of visits to places such as the ronins final resting place.

[@mattm7437]

Thank you for this video! I have recently found your channel and subscribed after my first view, your content is fascinating and you do a great job!

[@merveduru]

Very impressive story! Thank you Shogo 🌿

[@waynejohnson2894]

I am a student of Japanese culture and history. You are a wonderful teacher. New sub- much respect!!

[@anas-432]

Another great video, btw can you please make a video on myiamoto musashi, or hattori hanzo.

[@LetsaskShogo]

I will be making a video of both of them as soon as possible!✨

[@kirstbarcy6204]

I love the way you narrate the history of your country, Japan. Thank you so much, we always learn a lot from you

[@DaveLopez575]

I learn so much with your videos. Well planned and organized! ありがとうでございます

[@mohnaim5824]

I'm late to his channel but I wanted to congratulate you on your concise and eloquent explanation and contextualization of Japanese mores. You are to Japanese culture what Carl Sagan was to science. Well done sir, you make an old shinnichi happy.

[@datenraffzahn6094]

May be Asano just commited 辻斬り (killing a passerby in order to test a new sword) ... :> Could you make an video about this term? Keep it up love your well structured and comprehensible content!

[@mistahanansi2264]

Kira: “Please don’t kill me! If you kill me, the Shogun will have you all put to death! Think it through, this isn’t what you want!” Oishi: “This was never about what we want… it’s about what’s fair.”

[@MegidramonX]

As soon as I read the Oishi line, Harvey Dent's voice rings in my head. "It's not about that I want, it's about what's FAIR!"

[@StopFear]

Except what they did was in no way fair. Kira was not involved in the decision of the Shogun, plus he actually was attacked spontaneously and without warning. As the story is told the 47 ronin were too proud to accept that their master could have actually been someone who is to blame entirely for his behavior, and they were too cowardly to blame the shogun for giving the unfair order. But targeting Kira was an easier thing. Emotionally they hated him without actually having evidence he was to blame for anything.

[@Kamenriderneo]

I've seen the movie 47 ronin with Keanu Reeves and while it was entertaining, I much prefer Chûshingura which came out in 1962 and tells a much more realistic version of the tale.

[@klyanadkmorr]

What I like is your rhythm and cadence when telling these stories as it reminds me of the Japanese Kabuki theater style

[@bhushanghale3448]

Simply great it's so positive to know about things from you sir keep going wish your channel crosses billion 🙏

[@Literarycat8]

They were all men who showed a most admirable trait--loyalty. They dedicated their lives--and death--to something bigger than them. Thank you for this story.

[@michaelbarr9139]

Loyalty in the face death. I love it. Have to hold back tears with this story. It's amazing it really is.

[@howardroark7726]

Excellent video. You explained so much that is not mentioned in other accounts of the 47 Ronin. I didn't even realise that it is not known why Lord Asano attacked Kira. Elsewhere, it is always described as a response to an insult. It may be that Asano was a man who commanded such respect from his retainers that they believed he would only have taken action upon grave provocation. There has been some criticism that Oishi should have attacked immediately which I disagree with. It was fascinating to hear your explanation that the delay was actually an effort to preserve Ako and the Asano Clan. I understand the point that, if Kira had died of natural causes before the assault, the 47 Ronin would have lost their chance to prove their fealty. However, my personal view is that this demonstrates how much they were willing to risk for the memory of Lord Asano. Not only did they sacrifice their lives, the 47 Ronin even took the risk that they would not have been able to reclaim their honour if Kira had died before they avenged Lord Asano. For a samurai, that risk was even worse than the risk of dying. I don't know if Oishi was considered very skillful with the katana but he must surely be regarded as among the greatest samurai in history.

[@JayJayJay83]

Ah, my new favorite channel. :D

[@LetsaskShogo]

Really?! I’m so happy you say so😊

[@thomasdahl2232]

Ohhhh exciting video Shogo! :)

[@Magnus689]

In history of my country we have tons of great warriors who died heroically, but 47 Ronin story is something out of this world.

[@dario_TW]

I love your story telling and your content, I hope you have a story of Tomoe Gozen in the future , thank you

[@maxwanders]

Recently subscribed and I'm diving into all of your content and loving it! Thanks for sharing!

[@psoon04286]

I had skipped the 47 Ronin in the past because the trailers had made it looked over the top and over sensationalized. Well done in explaining the storyline. Now, it’s added on to my ‘must watched’ list of movies👍👍😊

[@killroy2014]

Great Video as always

[@brianmccarthy5557]

I learned about the 47 Ronin as a child. I've even seen Japanese films with subtitles on the subject. Not all Americans are ignorant of this nor are we all Japanese Americans.

[@danteopen]

I love you're video's! Mutch respect from Oranda 🇳🇱🇯🇵

[@jasminefujiwara2671]

Excellent explanation, thank u!!!

[@mathuasher9184]

Keep it up Shogo!

[@LetsaskShogo]

Thank you so much!

[@Jor-On]

Thank you! Very informative video

[@erwinwenpakssencio6665]

This is the best.... thank you.... and loving it...

[@LetsaskShogo]

😎😎😎

[@oferjrl5845]

Great explanation, thank you

[@paradisebeforeparadise4076]

Best video yet!

[@lordbison]

I resided in Japan🇯🇵 for 5 Years! Great Place 👍👌😀!

[@jamesricciutiGenXFed]

Thank you for this interesting history.

[@goingmonotheist783]

May God guide/ bless you for sharing culture well. Very educational.

[@girl1213]

Oishi also likely helped or did raise Asano since as his steward, Oishi would have influenced Asano's education. And Asano lost his parents rather young, so Oishi and him had to have a strong bond with one another. I sometimes wonder if Oishi blamed himself for his lord's death since it was his duty to ensure Asano grew up properly with the skills and knowledge he would need. But I have to remind myself that Asano and Oishi lived a different world compared to Kira and even the Shogun. For all the koku they were paid, Clans like the Ako, who lived in the country and far away from the capital, their daily duties were much more "practical" rather than "ceremonial." A strong temperament kept people in line out there rather than courtly etiquette. Sure, they would need to learn this etiquette because all samurai lords, even the country lords, had to go to the capital to do ceremony for the shogun at least once a year, but it was not part of the everyday life for these lords of the countryside. The divide of culture between the country and the city, especially the capital, is quite noticeable when you really look into it. It might as well have been two completely different worlds.

[@TheRealViking]

They demonstrated what was expected of them: loyalty to the most grave of outcomes that would befall them ... with no regard to self. This faith in their loyalty defines the courage to remain loyal regardless of the cause or outcome. This example defines courage. Courage is not seen within cultures of ''civil'' nature very often. Their act was honorable.

[@son.ofcain]

*Me watching a video about a japanese dude talking about the 47 Ronin* *A japanese dude sitting on his computer, watching a video about a chilean guy talking about Arturo Prat*

[@ashwix]

Thank you for this. Very informative and thoughtful

[@riaconradt2554]

Thank you for this video. Interesting bit of history. I actually loved the Keanu Reeves movie, although many didn’t. But it’s good to know the real story behind the movie.

[@deys888kaye]

Thank you for the insight!

[@Ray_Shabaz]

Wow, I've seen clips of the movie but never heard the story, yet somehow, I actually made up a plot in my comic that is so much like the story. I think you guys will definitely like it

[@StacieStreams]

When in Tokyo, we visited the grave of 47 ronin. The people who work there tried to explain as much as possible to my husband and I and also were amazingly nice to to help of doing everything properly at ther grave.

[@maveric2881]

Thank you Shogo! Great to finally hear the “real” story of the 47 ronin

[@karlvera]

That's interesting..... I was reading a book wrote by Tamenaga Shunsui about 47 Ronin few months ago..... Greetings from Chile.

[@oldmangreywolf6892]

You posted this on Americas Memorial Day. The day we celebrate our fallen and missing soldiers. So lets celebrate warriors through out the world. Slanchy. 🍺🍺🍺

[@SleepingTiger-vlog]

Enjoying your videos. If you ever want to do one on Musashi, I would be very interested.

[@MrMann-gt1eh]

I’m glad I never watched the movie yet, still. I heard the story yesterday and here I am to hear it again from someone else. I LOVED the story of the 47 Ronin and was surprised they (Hollywood) didn’t just use the true story.

[@bokidimi5215]

a very beautiful presentation, Shogo San, very well spoken! thank you.

[@crazydutch3393]

I have heard about the 47 ronin story but the it's potrayed very differently in the film but there is a kabuki play telling the story of the 47 ronin thanks for the information Shogo 👍

[@LetsaskShogo]

I’m glad it helps😊

[@Jin_Sakai]

I love ur stickers in ur videos. They look funny🤣😁

[@LetsaskShogo]

They’re very cute and easy to use, and also free😆

[@yuugaouzuki18]

stories of samurais like this always astonish me.

[@storyaboutmosquitoes9441]

It would be so cool if there was a mini series of the 47 ronin. I don’t think it would all fit into a single movie.

[@altf4755]

This story is great, the ronin who showed loyalty to their lord even after death is spine chilling, and their dedication to bring honor to their lord and to themselves and not swaying in the eyes of severest punshment and commiting seppuku for their honor is amazing

[@ravilangabriel6689]

I first read the book in high school. Loved it

[@stevenedmund5680]

glad you did this one

[@kiritsuna]

"Revenge" stories like this, are the ones I really like

[@Adamu-Kun]

Konnichiwa, Shogo-san. I'm familiar with the true story of the Incident. But I never realized until I watched this that there was a mystery as to why Asano attacked Kira! I remember watching a documentary on The History Channel about samurai history, and they covered the incident in it, mostly to talk about how such feuds were not allowed under Shogunate law. But as I recall, the documentary's historians said that it was because Kira treated Asano in a degrading, rude way because Kira saw him as an ignorant country bumpkin (my words!). According to the documentary, Asano put up with it for a long time, but eventually lost his temper. Thank you for enlightening me, Shogo!

[@tamstertx63]

The Last Samurai and 47 Ronin - 2 movies I originally watched because Hiroyuki Sanada were in them. Loved both of them tho!! I find Japanese history and culture to be fascinating

[@chandrapiyushbajpai5300]

whenever you say "Don't worry I'll wrap everything up in the end" it feels like an elder brother is explaining me something

[@kirihitokingdom3127]

One of my favorite stories. The only difference in the story I knew was that the younger of the Ronin, instead of committing seppuku, was ordered to become a monk and take care of the graves. About this I always wondered if it would be a worse punishment for him, because denied of committing seppuku along with the others.

[@psoon04286]

I will patiently wait for you to review the epic series “Shogun” based on the novel by James Clavell. That novel was what spurred my interest and fascination in all things Japanese👍🏼😊

[@pwao]

Shogun it's one of my favorite series.

[@shriyogsuroshi5429]

Please make video on the battle of sekigahara as it was a important part of history 👍

[@LetsaskShogo]

I’m hoping to make a video where you get to learn about the five most major battles in Japanese history...! Please give me just a little bit more time to wrap it up though😊

[@shriyogsuroshi5429]

@@LetsaskShogo thanks a lot

[@Feargahl_Padreg]

I first learned about this story through the classic Chushingura, definitely the best version, at least compared to the newer movie

[@mobey56]

I really enjoyed the legend of the 47 Ronin as it dealt with the circumstances one would go through for ones loyalties and love (I especially enjoyed the movie of 47 Ronin 1941 version). Another movie I really enjoyed (but is purely fictional) is “13 assassins”.

[@realestateChen]

Awesome video. Can you also make some videos about traditional Japanese clothing ? Like how to put them on properly?

[@LetsaskShogo]

Thank you for leaving a comment! We’re not sure if we’re going to be making a video of it, but my wife and I will be doing a weekly live stream where we show you our daily training at home of kimono dressing! I hope you can look forward to that✨

[@CEOofAn]

This is my first time knowing about it

[@LetsaskShogo]

I hope it was interesting!

[@cyberdeckcipher]

Mister Shogo-san, may i suggest the idea to talk about Shinto and how one may start to learn about it?

[@tamstertx63]

I would love to see a video about famous Japanese actors and actresses. I am aware of Hiroyuki Sanada and Toshiro Mifune, what are some others?? What is your opinion of the movie Shogun made in 1980 that also starred Richard Chamberlain and based on the book by James Clavell?

[@ericandersen9758]

I have always been interested in this story. I live in Japan about twenty minutes away from the city of “Kira”. Of course the stories we hear are more romantic than the truth. But, I really enjoyed this …factual?/historical? interpretation of the story.

[@magdatorruellas9122]

The Oishi were after justice … but… I will keep rest of opinion to myself. ‘Most’ peoples today are seriously much ado. Not every opinion is an attack. I, myself… Though I ‘do’ understand negatively, I am more of positive people. Thank you for this great article. Fascinating indeed! More please.

[@GnosisZX]

What I love is that the 47 didn’t immediately leap into attack mode they waited until the law either served justice or failed them which when they take action

[@kenchan8809]

hii shogo sama, sama i just subcribed to your channel. i really like those historial story in japan, and the real thing is i really want to see the real story of ruronin kenshin. and lastly i really want to be trained of proper using of the katana in using of the art of battoujutsu. thank you i hope you will notice me.

[@krisnaaji5646]

I like that so short and Resenemble , can make story about date in samurai age