Chushingura:
Introduction
& Links
A Resource Page by Nancy Leek
Cast of Characters
Chushingura, the story of the Forty-Seven Loyal Retainers, has always been popular with dramatists and novelists. One reason for this is that it has so many characters. With 47 samurai to work with, plus leaders, opponents, and family members, the story becomes a vast "soap opera," with room for all kinds of personalities and backgrounds.
The pictures here are from a series of cards based on woodblock prints by the famous artist Kuniyoshi Utagawa. The complete set of cards can be purchased from the souvenir shops near Sengaku-ji.
Notice that all the ronin are shown wearing jackets with a dramatic black and white triangle pattern. These were firefighters' uniforms which they wore as a disguise while they marched through the streets of Edo. This pattern makes it easy to recognize the characters whenever they appear in art or drama.
Special
Feature! The Women of Chushingura.
Asano's crest
Asano
Naganori, daimyo of Ako, age 35. Over his kimono he is
wearing kami-shimo,
the formal combination of a jacket with stiffened shoulders and
extremely
long hakama, or trousers, known as naga-bakama. These
trousers,
which encased the feet in a long trailing length of silk, were only
worn
on the most formal occasions. They were a sign of status, since one
could
only move carefully in them, and it was necessary to hold the fabric up
with the hands when walking.
Although many daimyo struggled financially to maintain their domains and households, Lord Asano was well-to-do. His wealth came primarily from the salt industry which had been developed by his grandfather. His family crest, or mon, consisted of two crossed hawk feathers.
Kira Yoshinaka, the villain of the story. He was a retainer in the household of the Shogun, and served as the Shogun's master of ceremonies. His hat indicates his high rank.
He is usually depicted as grasping, avaricious, and arrogant, more concerned for the things of this world than the honor of a samurai. He refused to teach Lord Asano his ceremonial duties because Asano had not bribed him sufficiently with gifts.
Oishi's crest
Oishi Kuranosuke, age 45. He served as Lord Asano's chief retainer and steward, and became the leader of the vendetta against Kira. He is admired not only for his loyalty, but also for his intelligence, perseverence, and dignity.
In addition to his two swords he holds a spear (yari.) He is also holding a war drum, used to signal the beginning of the attack.
Oishi Chikara, age 16. Oishi's eldest son and the youngest of the forty-seven ronin.
Like his father, he is armed with two swords and a spear. Hanging from the spear is a helmet with a firefighter's cloth attached.
Otaka's face on a kite.
Ohtaka Gengo, age 32. He is one of the most popular characters in the tale of the forty-seven ronin. He was a master of spear-fighting, and a student of haiku poetry. His face is a popular motif on kites.
Horibe Yahyoe, age 77. The oldest of the 47 ronin. His son also was part of the band of conspiracy. Although most of the ronin were in their twenties and thirties, there were men in all age groups.
Horibe Yasubei, age 34. He was the leader of the group in Edo (Tokyo) that watched Lord Kira's activities and reported back to Oishi. He is often portrayed as a dashing and hot-headed young man.
Yoshida Chuzaemon, age 64. Second in command to Oishi. Along with Chikara, he led the men who attacked the back gate of the mansion, while Oishi commanded the frontal assault.
Is The Tale of the 47 Ronin only about men? Learn about the Women of Chushingura.