Who is the hero of chushingura?
It was most famously dramatized onstage in 1748 as “Chushingura,” with Kira as the villain, Asano as tragic hero, and the masterless samurai of Ako as the valiant retainers.
What happens if a samurai does not commit seppuku?
As a samurai, you’re extended the honour of death at your own hand. You won’t go through the indignity of a criminal’s death, and if you carry steadily through to the end, your family will be the ones reaping the benefits of your death with honour.

Why is 47 Ronin so popular?
The 47 Ronin in Popular Culture The story of the Forty-seven Ronin gave people hope that some true samurai remained. As a result, the story was adapted into countless kabuki plays, bunraku puppet shows, woodblock prints, and later films and television shows.
Who was the first Japanese person in America?
Called the U.S.’s first ambassador to Japan, a 14-year-old fisherman by the name of Manjiro is considered America’s first Japanese immigrant, arriving in the country on May 7, 1843, by way of a whaling ship.
What is the story of the Treasury of loyal retainers?

Chūshingura (忠臣蔵, The Treasury of Loyal Retainers) is the title given to fictionalized accounts in Japanese literature, theater, and film that relate to the historical incident involving the forty-seven rōnin and their mission to avenge the death of their master, Asano Naganori.
What is the history of Chūshingura?
Including the early Kanadehon Chūshingura (仮名手本忠臣蔵), the story has been told in kabuki, bunraku, stage plays, films, novels, television shows and other media. With ten different television productions in the years 1997–2007 alone, Chūshingura ranks among the most familiar of all historical stories in Japan .
Is Kanadehon Chūshingura a true story?
Kanadehon Chūshingura (“The Treasury of Loyal Retainers”) is based on a true incident which took place between 1701 and 1703. To avoid shogunate censorship, the authors set the play in the earlier Muromachi period (1333–1568) and the names of the characters were altered.
Why is Chūshingura often retold in December?
Because the break-in occurred in December (according to the old calendar), the story is often retold in that month. The history of Chūshingura on film began in 1907, when one act of a kabuki play was released. The first original production followed in 1908. Onoe Matsunosuke played Ōishi in this ground-breaking work.