Japanese Obsession: January 2011

If you haven't read the book or heard the story of the 47 Ronin, then you must. It is without a doubt one of the most compelling stories I have ever read and what makes it so astonishing is that it is a true story!
If you want an insight into the Japanese state of mind then this book will enlighten you.
This story is one of the most beloved in Japanese history and the Japanese ideals of patience, honour, sacrifice, persistence and loyalty are portrayed beautifully.

Briefly, Lord Asano was forced to commit seppuku (self-disembowling) after injuring a official named Kira in the Shogun's court. As a result of his offence, his castle, lands and fortune were stripped from his family and siezed by the shogun.

Asano's most loyal Samurai - now called Ronin- spent the next 2 years plotting their revenge and concieving the perfect plan to kill Kira. All of this to return honour to their Lord Asano.

Eventually they stormed Kira's residence and killed him. They did this knowing that each one of them would have to perform Seppuku.

Imagine the discipline required to spend 2 years waiting for the right moment and knowing all along that you will die for your actions. I find that to be truely astonishing.

The Japanese still honour the 47 Ronin every year in December and go to their graveyard to burn incense and pray for them.

I visited this graveyard and I was moved to tears. My husband and I were the only ones there and it felt so surreal walking past the graves of these men who died for honour.
I placed incense on each of the graves and then i moved on to Lord Asano's grave only to find his wife is also buried there. The attendant told me that most people place more incense at Lord Asano's wife's grave as they feel she suffered so much after losing everything.
The graves are simple but I think it emphasises the sacrifice these men made in its simplicity. The stone tablets are weathered which reminds us they have been there for 300 or so years.