Ako

In 1701 the Lord Asano of Ako drew his sword and injured the Lord Kira in the Edo Castle. It was strictly forbidden to draw swords in the Edo Castle, so the 5th Shogun Tsunayoshi got very angry, and the Lord Asano was ordered to commit suicide. On the other hand the Lord Kira was not punished, though both should have been blamed by the law in those days.

After about a year Ohishi and other samurai, who were the followers of the Lord Asano, plotted to avenge their lord's death upon the Lord Kira, and killed him at his house on December 14th (strictly speaking on the early morning on December 15th). The plot was succeeded, but the 47 samurai were commanded to commit suicide, because they violated the Shogun's order.

Hearing this story people praised their loyalty for their lord, and they have been known as "Ako Gishi". Since then Chushingura, the story of 47 Ako Gishi, has been played many times in dramas, films, and so on.


Last Saturday I did a short visit to Ako city. The followings are the pictures I took at that time

[Kagaku-ji Temple]
Here is the main temple for families of the Lords of Ako.


[The Main Gate of Ako Castle]
The Lord of Ako controlled 53,000-goku: 'goku' was a variation of 'koku' which shows about 150 kg of rice - approximately an annual consumption of a man.


[Ohishi Shrine]
This shrine was dedicated to Ako Gishi, lords and generals of Asano and Mori families.


[The Statues of 47 Ako Gishi]
These are aligned both sides of the load in front of Ohishi Shrine.


[The Ruin of Ako Castle]
Here was the main castle of Asano family. Now only the ruin remaineds.