Terasaka kichiemon biography

Kira refused seppaku, and was killed. Thereafter, the samurai Terasaka Kichiemon was dispatched to carry news of the successful attack. He was the only member to survive and died at the age of You may be interested to read the account in " Tales of Old Japan ". This story has spawed many accounts, or Chushingura, and many kabuki plays, the most popular being 'Kanadehon Chushingura.

It is said that Kira became upset with Asano because he failed to offer a befitting gift as compensation for the instruction he was to receive. Other sources say that Asano refused to offer the bribe Kira insisted on.

Terasaka kichiemon biography

Consequently, Kira treated Asano poorly and failed to prepare him for fulfilling his specific court duties. Asano finally gave in to his pent up frustration and drew his sword on Kira, slashing his forehead and shoulder. However, inOishi and the other 46 ronin decided to strike. They were ordered to disembowel themselves and their bodies were buried next to their master.

He wounded but did not kill Kira. The offense of drawing the sword was punishable by death and Asano was forced to commit seppuku. Forty-seven of Asano's samurai, led by Captain Oishi Kuranosuke, developed a plan to avenge their late master. They blended into society and domestic lives, giving no hint that they harboured a secret plan.

Oishi played a convincing drunk, and was derided by many, including former colleagues. They cried with joy at the success of their revenge. With the head of Yoshinaka, the ronin marched in formation to the tomb of their ill-fated master, lord Asano, offering the head and praying that his soul may rest in peace at last. After this they gave themselves up to the officers of justice.

Their penalty was suicide by seppuku which was performed with great ceremony. Terasaka Kichiemon Nobuyuki, being only a foot-soldier, was not allowed to commit suicide. Not only was this an honor reserved for samurai, but for the government to acknowledge his participation continued loss of face. Terasaka lived on to be over eighty years of age, spending his life caring for the gravesites of his master and the ronin.

At the Sengaku-ji temple at Takanawa, two miles south of Shibuya park in Tokyo is the location of the tomb stones of the 47 ronin to which offering of burning incense by the people have never stopped for even one day for more than years right up to this day.