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100 year anniversary of the birth of motion pictures: Chushingura
The 47 Ronin
October, 1702.
Oishi Kuranosuke, after crossing Fujisawa, has infiltrated Kamakura.
Signpost (left): "Odawara Hotel District" Signpost (right): "Shinagawa Hotel District"
Restaurant Kamakura Akashi
The Uesugi clan of Yonezawa, worth 150,000-koku,
has a mansion in the Sota-Sakurada district of Edo.
"Koku:" a measure of yearly income; the amount of rice needed to feed one person for one year.
This Kamakura restaurant is managed by people connected to the Asano clan.
Irobe Matashiro, the Edo chamberlain of the Uesugi clan...
...is disturbed by reports that Oishi Kuranosuke...
...has vanished from his lodgings in Kyoto, and cannot be located.
Sir Irobe, Chief Inspector Yamazono Shinpachi has returned from Kyoto.
This is Kira's new mansion?
This is not the mansion of a samurai.
Correct, it's deliberately deceptive. It's actually a fortress.
The walls that separate the rooms are well-fortified.
They're designed to block invaders.
The garden contains a labyrinth of walls.
It's practically a maze.
And what's this?
A moat.
A moat?
- Is it deep? - We don't know.
The Uesugi clan of Yonezawa used its connections to get the materials.
The construction crews were all imported from Yonezawa;
no local workmen were used.
The enemy is expecting us to assault them.
They've constructed impressive defenses while maintaining excellent security.
So the question is, how do we assault it?
Shinpachi! What's the meaning of this report?
Sir?
And you call yourself a spy?
Yes, sir.
Yoshida Chuzaemon, Onodera Junai, and the entire core group... all gone missing.
But the chessmen are unimportant.
What matters is the player.
Oishi is the player who moves them around.
I ordered you to keep close tabs on them, yet they've eluded you for 20 days.
My apologies.
Did you comb the routes east of Hakone?
Certainly.
I have been summoned to attend upon Sir Chisaka.
Probably regarding this very issue.
Listen. Assign additional detectives and scouts to the Edo area.
Immediately.
Damn him!
Huh?
That bastard Oishi...
Chamberlain, is the water suitably heated?
Okuda, it's you.
I'm enjoying your luxurious Hinoki bath. "Hinoki:" a high-quality, scented wood that is extremely resistant to rot.
Could you use a back scrub?
Sure, thanks.
Yes.
Is this your first visit to our restaurant?
Yes.
3 years ago, after Mori Yosuke, the Kitchen Master of the Edo mansion, died...
...you arranged for his young widow to be given this restaurant as a gift.
It's turned out to be quite useful.
The walls of Kira's mansion are something else, aren't they.
Our enemy is the wiliest of the wily, the trickiest of the tricky.
The more we attack them, the more elaborate their defenses become.
I see.
Now about this enemy.
Have you heard what Irobe Matashiro of Uesugi has been saying about you, Chamberlain?
No. What's he been saying?
"That Oishi, he's a villain committing one evil deed after another!"
"I'll eat him alive, and even that won't satisfy my hatred of him."
It seems I'm intensely hated.
Okuda.
Life itself...
...cannot be bought at any price.
It is precious.
But if taking the lives of our enemies...
...knowing that doing so will mean our own deaths...
...is evil, then let me revel in it...
...let me be evil incarnate.
That's what I believe, that such is my path as a samurai.
Miss Kiyo...?
I brought fresh clothes.
And Chuzaemon and Junai... what are those old gentlemen up to?
They said they're going to nap until dinner.
It has been a long time.
Mr. Okuda has been taking good care of me.
Good.
It's getting rather chilly.
For the next four or five days, all the employees will be trustworthy.
Everyone who's worked here for less than a year or so has been given time off.
Please set your mind at ease.
You must be having a run of good fortune.
I've heard business is thriving; this Hinoki bath proves it.
Yes, thankfully... and the tub arrived just in time.
Did you get it just for me?
And taking care of you... is that also my good fortune?
I don't want to think of it that way. I...
I believe that this is fate. That's what I want to believe.
Ever since we met at the Edo mansion...
It's our fate, and it's what I live for!
In a rustic teahouse with a thatched roof...
...we find the Head Chamberlain of the Uesugi clan, Chisaka Hyobu.
His income is 10,000-koku, a sum that many Daimyo would envy.
At this time, he was in Edo, away from his home in Yonezawa.
Can you defeat Oishi?
What?
Oishi is renowned for his cunning.
In that respect, you are no match for him.
However, no matter what, we must protect Sir Kira.
After all, our noble clan still exists only because...
...of the influence of Sir Kira.
And so this former chamberlain plagues our Uesugi clan.
He has forced us to spend so much money that our fate is uncertain.
If I may speak in return.
Regarding the cost of the two renovations to his mansion...
...and all the other expenses, I too feel like I've been bitten down to the bone.
Nonetheless, I believe it's a matter of samurai dignity.
Ah... It's true what they say...
"...a samurai who doesn't understand accounting is useless."
Two days later, Oishi Kuranosuke moved his team from Kamakura to Kawasaki.
The team consisted of men who accompanied him from Kyoto:
Yoshida Chuzaemon, Onodera Junai...
...Fuwa Kazuemon, and Seo Magozaemon...
...as well as others who were based in Edo: Okuda Magodayu...
...Horibe Yasubei, Ushioda Makanojo...
...Takebayashi Tadashichi, and Maebara Isuke; ten men in all.
The team arrived at the Karube plantation at Hirama Village in Kawasaki.
The Karube, while not samurai, had deep ties with the Edo branch of the Asano clan.
The village was considered ideal for secret meetings, as few people came and went.
At this secret conference,
they were joined by six men from Edo, including Horibe Yahei.
Hey, Yasubei.
Yes, father-in-law.
The Kira mansion seemed impregnable; they were outnumbered three-to-one...
...and any attack must be launched quickly.
How would they overcome these obstacles?
The conference continued into a third day.
Hey...
What?
Where is the chamberlain?
Sir samurai, you should make it wider.
Where?
Here, right here, see?
We've been looking for you. What are you doing?
Well... I thought I had made arrangements to obtain all the weapons we'll need...
...but it turns out I'd forgotten something crucial.
Huh?
It's this. The kids showed me how to make it.
A whistle...?
I get it. The Kira mansion is huge... 2,500-tsubo.
"2,500-tsubo:" 89,000 square feet.
There's a good chance that commands won't be heard during a night attack.
But coded signals by whistle would carry much further. What a fine idea!
They say that the harvest will be poor if the bamboo-flower blooms.
Huh?
That's what his Lordship said.
That was when...
...our Lord was but ten years old.
"Kuranosuke...
"...they say that if the bamboo-flower blooms, the harvest will be poor."
"Will the farmers survive?"
"Do they have enough rice?"
I...
...was moved by our Lord's tender heart.
I said to his Lordship:
"For decades, the Ako clan has diligently stored rice, salt, gold, and silver...
"...so, my Lord... you need not worry about one or two poor harvests."
Our Lord then said:
"We are happy to have such good citizens and ministers."
He held my hand with tears in his eyes.
But his Lordship is no longer with us.
It was one year and eight months ago.
What happened to him?
1 year and 8 months ago: the 14th year of the Genroku period, 3rd month, 14th day.
Edo Castle
Calm has returned.
Blood has defiled thirty tatami mats.
Gentlemen whose garments have been defiled by blood...
...please change your robes in the inner room.
Calm has returned...
Sir Yanagisawa.
At your service.
I was told that the ceremony will now be held at Kurosho-in Hall.
Such was the decision.
Has the Imperial envoy agreed to the change?
Lord Asano will be replaced by Lord Toda.
He, along with Sir Hatakeyama, will visit the envoy in order to gain his assent.
Why did Asano attack Sir Kira? Have you found out what happened?
It is currently under investigation. Please excuse me, but matters are pressing.
Stay here.
Yes sir.
I came as soon as I got your order.
I will get right to the point.
We now find ourselves in uncertain waters.
Yes sir.
Irobe...
...it is an easy matter to judge Asano and Kira by law.
But our future prospects may well depend on how this matter is handled.
You must decide, here and now, how to proceed.
Here's a summary of the Inspector's findings.
It is an Inspector's duty to investigate such matters.
And yet you secretly summon me, of the Uesugi clan, to this small guardhouse.
I assume that you have a good reason for doing so.
It is as you suspect. Now decide, quickly!
Asano said that he had a grievance, and Sir Kira claims to not know why.
Either way, the true cause for the attack is unknown.
And what would be the particular advantage in finding the cause?
Hmm?
Firstly, Lord Asano...
...for the grave crime of inflicting a sword wound in the castle sanctum...
...will be ordered to commit seppuku tonight.
What? Immediately?!
If we let a night go by, Asano will regain his composure.
I believe it is essential to execute him while he's still upset.
You must ensure that he does not write a final testament.
For now, I suggest that you keep the details of Sir Kira's condition secret.
This will help prevent the spread of rumors.
I understand... and it shall be done.
Thus, the good names of Kira and Uesugi will be protected.
And your authority, Sir Yanagisawa, will also be preserved.
Everything fits together nicely.
However...
Kira is old and doesn't have long to live in any case.
It's such a pity that he survived.
Ei-ho, ei-ho, ei-ho, ei-ho...
Don't stop! Don't stop!
Clear the path! Clear the path!
Ako, Banshu Province
Master.
Seo, what is it?
Salt Shipment Records
We've received an urgent message from Sir Mase at the castle.
What?
Yes... An express courier is expected to arrive soon from Edo.
Will you be going to the castle?
Still awake?
Yes.
Kichichiyo is a little under the weather.
Have you been called away?
An express courier is expected from Edo.
Fuh was playing here, and fell asleep.
Don't worry about her. Ever since we adopted her...
...I've thought of Fuh as my own child, just like Kichichiyo.
I'm grateful for all your hard work.
Should I get your things ready?
Yes. Please.
Yes.
My hunches have been accurate lately.
You expected an express courier?
It's approximately 155-ri from Edo to Ako;
even an express courier would require five days.
"155-ri:" approximately 380 miles.
Five days ago, so that would be...
...the fourteenth day of the third month.
That's the day our Lordship was to entertain the imperial envoy.
Exactly.
Do you think something happened?
Ako Castle
Sir Oishi! Sir Oishi!
What does the message from Edo say?
The Imperial envoy arrived at the castle on the 14th day of the third month...
...whereupon Lord Asano, who attended the welcoming ceremony...
...inflicted a sword-wound upon Sir Kira while on the castle premises.
Sir Kira? Wounded?
This doesn't explain anything!
Sir Ono, please calm yourself.
This is a dire crisis for our clan!
How can you tell me to be calm, Sir Yoshida Chusa?
A second messenger is bound to arrive soon.
The second express courier is here!
Open the gate!
Lord Oishi ordered all 260 retainers of the Ako fiefdom to assemble.
But where is he?
Has it been confirmed that our Lord had to commit seppuku?
Doesn't the law say that all involved must be punished equally?
What happened to Kira?
Kanzaki, what will become of the Ako fief?
No Daimyo that inflicted a sword-wound has ever been allowed to live.
Good job.
In the third month, on the 14th day, at the Edo castle, our Lord...
...wounded Sir Kira Yoshinaka by means of his sword.
Our Lord committed seppuku that very night.
The Ako clan has been abolished.
We would all like to know why this happened, but for now, this is all we know.
All of you...
Let there not be the slightest misstep in surrendering the Ako fief.
Let us flawlessly perform this final responsibility.
That is all there is to say.
Chamberlain.
Ah... Kazuemon.
Did you make sure that no one saw you?
Yes. I will travel the 30-ri to Osaka as fast as I can.
Depart immediately.
I will ask Amakawaya Mercantile to immediately settle our salt futures.
Ako, a producer of salt, has sold contracts promising to deliver salt in the future.
The news of this incident will cause a rise in the price of salt.
When they lose their fief, they will not be able to fulfill these contracts.
For the samurai of Ako, the money we save by settling now will make all the difference.
By buying back their contracts before the price rises, they will avoid large losses.
I, Kazuemon, know that this is my last opportunity to serve the clan.
I will exert myself to the utmost. Goodbye.
Edo, Yanagisawa Mansion
It's been twenty days since the incident. What's going on with the Asano?
Well... here in Edo, everything is going as expected.
About twenty samurai have returned to Ako.
Others have moved to outlying towns, and are waiting for their financial settlement.
And... how about in Ako?
According to our spies...
...excluding the Edo retainers, there are around 300 men at the fief...
...and, quite unexpectedly, they have accepted the situation...
...and are busying themselves tying up loose ends.
And so... the fief appears to be entirely peaceful.
That's splendid!
Who is in charge there?
The head chamberlain, one Oishi Kuranosuke.
"Oishi?" I've never heard of him.
It's said that no one can tell if he's clever or foolish.
But, you say there are 300 of them.
We can only spare fifty or sixty men from Wakisaka to garrison their castle...
...and perhaps add twenty or thirty more from Kinoshita.
What will happen if they all decide to resist?
Sir Yanagisawa...
Such bravado would be futile and doomed to failure.
At the fief, there's fierce debate about the merits of surrender or resistance.
We will have to make a decision soon.
I look forward to finding out what provoked our late Lord.
I anxiously await news from Edo.
There must be a reason for what happened.
A group from the Shogunate has already arrived.
Yes, I heard that they'll be moving into Ako castle on the 18th.
That gives us only five days... there's no time to lose.
Father.
Yes, Chikara?
Sir Okuda, Sir Horibe, and Sir Takada have arrived from Edo.
Oh, we've been waiting for you!
Tomorrow will be the final meeting... I'm glad you got here in time.
Please forgive our delay in arriving.
I know this was difficult for you... thank you.
Yes... we now have a fair idea of what happened.
Takada Gunbei's uncle, a high-ranking retainer, was most helpful during the investigation.
Nobody in the government knows the true facts of the case...
there was no investigation.
No investigation...?
Minister Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu forbade all inquiries.
We've heard that anyone who tried to look into it was disciplined.
We suspect that Yanagisawa did this in order to protect himself.
We also discovered that someone was discreetly telling him what to do.
Who...?
Irobe Matashiro, Chamberlain of the Uesugi, a Yonezawa clan worth 150,000-koku.
There is no doubt that he was behind it all.
Irobe...
This Irobe... do you know him?
No, I've never met him. But...
...he's considered to be the most influential man of his generation.
Good job.
As you ordered, I have sold all the salt.
I see.
Mr. Amakawaya told me that I got there just in time.
Here's the accounting statement; our balance now is 23,000-ryo.
23,000?
Yes... I, too, was stunned by the amount.
Today is the final day of the Asano clan of Ako.
Asano's Poem: "Like a petal, at the mercy of the wind, I am buffeted by the winds of fate."
We have lost our fief, and are now all ronin.
The Chamberlain will address you as to what is about to happen.
But first, we have an announcement regarding fief finances.
Some time ago, the Chamberlain created a fund for use in times of emergency.
It now totals 16,300-ryo.
This money... is the legacy of the hard work of our predecessors.
Needless to say, we shall not let the Government steal it from us.
Hence we have decided to disburse equal shares to everyone here.
Each person's share will be 90-ryo.
As to how you spend it, that is up to you.
We don't care about the money!
I'm ready to sacrifice myself!
Regarding that point...
I, Kuranosuke, have some thoughts. But before I tell you...
...there is something that I would like to ask of you. Sir Onodera...
Your lives, and your deaths...
...those of you who are willing to give them to me, without question...
...must now vow to do so, and sign here, in blood.
Why did the Chamberlain summon us here?
Hmm... who knows?
Shindo, you're his relative. Have you heard anything?
Well... I know nothing.
It's the Chamberlain.
Sorry to keep you all waiting.
I have gathered the ones named.
At today's meeting, I asked the retainers for a blood oath.
But I have no intention of counting on them.
What I propose to do will be done by men I have already chosen.
You, gathered here tonight, are those men.
Chamberlain! So... we will neither resist, give up, or kill ourselves?
His Lordship has been taken from us by deceit.
Our land has been taken... the truth about our Lordship's attack has been hidden...
...and they have made us ronin. The enemy showed no mercy and no honor!
We... shall take every opportunity, use every possible means...
...to inflict vengeance upon Kira and crush his clan. And that is not all.
We shall forever blacken the reputation of the Uesugi...
...and shatter the dignity of the Shogunate and Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu.
All of you must accept...
...that this crusade will cost you your lives!
Agreed...?!
AYE!
Kyoto (the Capital, home of the Emperor)
Excuse me.
Chamberlain.
Anyone with you?
No, I came alone, but I got a little lost along the way.
That was risky.
I was told that the streets of Kyoto were straightforward.
Please, come in.
This is Ichimonjiya, maker of fine brushes, and official supplier to the Konoe family.
This is Sir Oishi.
I hope you found the residence at Yamashina to your liking.
Ichimonjiya was the one who found it for you.
I was told that you desired something between Ako and Edo...
...so I thought Yamashina would be best.
I'm much obliged. It's a quiet area, and my family is happy there.
Please.
Do we need to speak in private?
Oh... I need some more brush hairs.
Genshiro, I must ask you to apply for a position.
Are you asking for me to leave the group?
The Kanpaku is a Konoe, and your uncle is one of his officials. "Kanpaku:" the chief advisor to the Emperor.
And...?
None of the Ako and Asano ronin must be allowed to fall into poverty or crime.
If you go to work for your uncle, you may be able to find positions for some of them.
You're very worried about them.
I know that it will be hard for you to leave here, but I must ask this.
A guest? Welcome!
- You were sound asleep. - If you say so.
Come now, get our guest some tea.
Sure.
Mr. Shindo, you're forgetting your promise!
Promise?
You promised to take me to Kurama Temple.
Did I?
How disappointing... I guess you didn't mean it.
- Is she your daughter? - Oh... well...
Yes...
Her name is Karu.
Yamashina
My lady! Let me do that.
- It's all right. - Um...
Why have you sent your servants away all of a sudden?
Was it your husband's idea?
It was my idea.
What?
We're not in Ako any more.
I can't let us be surrounded by strangers.
From now on, we have to be careful about who comes and goes.
Sorry to barge in. I announced myself at the door but no one answered.
And you are?
Gihei of Amakawaya Mercantile of Tenman, in Osaka.
Ah... I'm honored to meet you...
"Assault Weapons List"
Amakawaya, what we need from you...
...are the weapons, armor, clothing, and other supplies listed in that book...
...delivered, of course, in complete secrecy.
As nothing we can pay you in this world will cover the debt we are incurring...
...we pray that you will continue to assist us, as you have for over twenty years.
For you to ask a mere merchant such as I to assist in such a great undertaking...
...is to do me an honor that fills my heart with joy.
I, Amakawaya Gihei, will gladly give my life to help you.
Ah... No, please don't bow! It is I who am grateful to you.
Well then, let us get on to the business at hand.
We'll need light chain-mail aventails that are proof against swords. "Aventails:" armor that hangs down from a helmet and protects the face and neck.
Those things get too hot.
Perhaps the raid can take place when it's cold and snowy?
We don't know yet. However...
I want there to be no casualties on our side.
I'm most impressed by how much you've thought this through.
By the way, what will be the pretext for the raid?
We don't need one.
No.
Amakawaya makes a good point.
The abolition of Ako and Asano was the Government's decision, not Kira's.
So what then is our pretext for vengeance against Kira?
Well, no one knows the true reason behind our Lordship's assault.
So anything we come up with that sounds plausible will work.
We'll spread rumors that will invoke scorn and disgust...
...from the Shogunate right down to the common townsfolk.
Kazuemon.
Yes.
Here's 200-ryo in silver.
Send it, plus another 800-ryo, to Okuda in Edo. Use it to spread the rumors.
What? Extortion?
Yes. A malicious rumor is running around Edo.
It says that Sir Kira demanded money from all the Daimyo...
...whom he was instructing in the nuances of court etiquette.
Lord Asano didn't pay, so Kira made sure he made embarrassing mistakes...
...until finally, unable to stand it anymore, he lashed out at his tormentor.
It's being spread in small theatres in the Ueno, Ryogoku, and Asakusa areas...
...as well as hairdressing salons in the same area, correct?
Yes.
Has word of this reached the Shogun?
Yeah. He is exceptionally displeased.
"Sir Kira is avaricious and wicked, Asano is the epitome of integrity"...
it's utterly absurd!
Irobe, have you investigated the source of the rumors?
What?
There are those who would be happy to see Sir Kira disgraced.
- You don't mean...? - That's right.
I do mean.
Ako and Asano...
This must be Oishi's work.
- What do you think? - It looks like they're going to attack.
They've been observing us for several days. And they're clearly from Edo.
And the sea-shells?
Scattered, as ordered.
Everybody ready?
Yes.
All right.
Kazuemon, you wait for them in the hallway.
- Chikara, give me your sword. - Yes.
- Relax. - Yes sir.
You must be Oishi Kuranosuke of Ako! You're mine!
Did you get him?
Yes. Father... I killed him!
It's all over.
Kichichiyo, all of you... don't come out yet.
Yes.
The garden and living room are a little messy.
This is the first time I've seen you kill anyone.
What?
I'm sorry, I was peeking through the gate.
That was dangerous.
And to be honest, this was my first time too.
Riku...
You have to take the children and move. More assassins may come.
No.
I will see this through to the end.
Sir Kira.
Ako-Asano ronin have spread out around Edo, waiting for their chance to attack.
It is dangerous for you to go out.
I, Kobayashi Heihachiro, Chamberlain of the Kira clan, must take full security measures.
The rumors have deeply affected me. I came to the temple to ease my mind.
The prelate of this temple and I have been acquaintances for many years.
Nonetheless, it is a horrible rumor. Accusing me of extortion...
The Shogunate doesn't believe it, I hope?
Alas... I regret to report... that Sir Kira will be made a supernumerary.
"Supernumerary:" an extra hand who is available if needed; in this case, effectively unemployed.
How can this be? A supernumerary cannot hold governmental office.
What crime did Sir Kira commit to deserve such treatment?
He asked them to reconsider, but they are adamant.
Yanagisawa asked on my behalf?
False rumors infect the populace... "Asano must be pitied..."
"...and Kira must be despised."
But I too have my pride.
Yes sir.
I will retire before they strip me of my authority.
Shumokumachi, Fushimi
What? Kira retired?
Correct.
Here's the report...
As of the 26th of the 8th month, our enemy Kira Kouzukenosuke was relieved of his post.
His adopted son, Sahei Yoshichika, took his office, after he was forced to retire.
So our ploy has borne fruit.
Kira's mansion is within the outer ramparts of the Edo castle.
It is behind the gates of Gofuku-bashi, amidst the mansions of the Daimyo.
Hence, we must induce Kira to change residences.
How?
Once again, rumors will be our allies.
Daimyo and Shogunate retainers with mansions behind the gates of Gofuku-bashi...
...have deployed round- the-clock security...
...in case the Ako ronin act on the extortion rumors.
This has been extremely costly for them.
Since the request for moving residences, over ten places have been checked.
Irobe, I do hope that the consequences are obvious to you.
Soon Kira will be ordered to move.
The Ako-Asano lost their Teppo-zu mansion in a single night. Now it's your turn.
Excuse me sir, but...
What is it? The Shogun has ordered me to attend him at the castle.
Can't the Shogunate do anything to quell the rumors?
They will do nothing. The government abolished the Asano clan...
...and Asano's officials complied without resistance; the rest is a private matter.
The same goes for me.
So this will be a private battle between Kira, Uesugi, and the ronin of Ako.
And we're left to deal with it on our own.
Oishi will assuredly assault us if we move outside Edo castle.
How did it come to this?
Anyway...
We won't lose.
Gunbei. Draw your sword!
- I won't. - Then die.
Stop it, both of you!
Yasubei. Listen to what Gunbei's got to say.
He swore a blood-oath. I won't allow him to leave!
Gunbei has no choice, he has to leave for the sake of his uncle.
It's true. My uncle is a Shogunate retainer. He's over 70, lives alone, and is sickly.
He wants to adopt me, so that his family line will not die with him!
Yasubei, please understand!
We all have problems. I do, Okuda does too.
Gunbei, is there a job waiting for you?
I'm to be a librarian.
What's it pay?
250 koku.
Did someone suggest this to your uncle?
I don't know.
Was it Yanagisawa? Or maybe Irobe?
How am I supposed to know?!
Kill me! Yasubei, if you do it, I'll have no regrets!
We've walked the road of the sword together for a long time.
Forgive me! Money has corrupted me!
I, Horibe Yahei, leader of the Edo group, am ashamed by all the recent dropouts.
I've been driving myself to distraction over it.
Someone is behind it all.
Many are being offered unusually high-paying positions.
I expect that the dropout rate will increase.
Welcome back.
Yasubei, how's Gunbei?
So they got to Gunbei too...
What will Oishi think when he reads this?
- Oh... your tea is getting cold. - No, no, I like it tepid.
Sir Yasubei will walk the road of vengeance again, won't he?
Hori.
Yes?
When I heard of Yasubei's famous fight at Takada-no-baba, my heart soared.
That was why I arranged for you to marry him. Did I do the right thing?
I'm very happy.
Really?
Yes.
Oh... you startled me.
I need a brush.
Welcome. My father's gone to deliver some brushes to the Konoe family.
I see. I'll come back later.
You're... Mr. Oishi, right?
Yeah.
I got some delicious pickles. Want some?
Pickles? That sounds good.
I didn't pickle them, but they're delicious!
Here.
Where did you learn to do that?
I hold a certificate from the Togun school of swordsmanship.
Huh?
Here.
Thanks.
I'm a lousy cook.
Does your mother do the cooking?
Yeah.
But we don't get along.
Why?
She's not my real mom.
My dad had me with a servant who was working here.
Where's your real mother now?
She got sent back home, and they said she got sick and died.
Oh... I'm sorry for prying; I shouldn't have brought it up.
Here, enjoy.
It's just as you said, it tastes very good.
Did you get to go to Kurama?
No. Mr. Shindo is all talk!
Do you want me to take you?
What? No kidding?
When I get back from Edo.
So you're going to Edo, huh?
It's urgent.
It's very far away, isn't it?
Yes... very far...
I know what, why don't you write something with the brush you're going to buy?
Just a second, I'll be right back.
And whatever you write... I want to see it!
"Karu"
That's my name. Such large and gentle characters...
"Ka-ru..." What a nice name. For the first time, I actually like it.
Nanbuzaka, 2nd Asano Mansion
Sir Kuranosuke, I am gladdened by your visit.
It has been almost a year since the incident.
But as to why our Lordship lashed out...
...no one would tell me.
Do you not know either?
Even now...
...no matter what I say...
...I am unable to ease your Ladyship's sorrow. But...
I believe that a person's life depends on fate.
Your Ladyship, the day will come when you are free to live your own life.
I believe that with all my heart.
I ask that you live in anticipation of the happy days to come.
Sir Kuranosuke...
The words you have spoken shall sustain me.
You have something to tell me in confidence?
I came to make a request of you.
Let's hear it.
I want to rebuild Sir Kira's original mansion at Honjo Matsuzaka-cho.
Rebuild? Does Chisaka know about this?
I will ensure that Sir Chisaka approves of it.
But... it will cost a fortune.
I am quite apprised of that fact.
In that case, do what you want.
Thank you very much.
Who are you?
I believe you have Irobe Matashiro in that palanquin.
I am an Ako ronin, Okuda Magodaiyu.
What?!
Wait.
Indeed, I am Irobe.
I apologize for stopping you. Could you spare me an hour?
A certain gentleman wishes to meet with you.
I'm coming out.
Yes, sir.
Well, then... what's this all about?
You will find him over there.
He is the former Chamberlain of Ako, Oishi Kuranosuke.
Wait here.
Please...
Something to warm you up. Please.
What is it that you want?
Actually, I want nothing at all. But...
I wanted to meet you.
I confess to the same desire.
Townsfolk settle their differences by bickering, but not so for samurai.
Be that as it may, your riposte was quite stinging.
The same goes for us as well.
From now on...
...we just want to live honorable lives, as true samurai.
When will you be returning to Yamashina?
Indeed...
...that must be left up to the winds of fate.
Why did you want to visit Kurama?
I didn't care, anywhere would have been fine.
What?
Anywhere that isn't that house.
That's good.
Another scoop?
Sure.
Your hands are so cold.
Karu, you ask nothing about me.
Do I have to ask?
No.
I don't know how much time you can spend with me.
But I want to make a lifelong memory...
...together with you.
Indulge me...
...my Lord.
There. Look how pretty you've become.
Well... looks like fine work to me.
Good. Go show it to Magosa.
Yes.
Now then, go out and play.
Okay.
You look so pretty, Fuh.
Fuh! Fuh! Come over here.
Okay!
Autumn comes early to these mountain valleys.
Riku...
It seems...
...the time has come for us to part.
Yes.
I deliberately didn't tell you anything...
...but I know that you're aware of the situation.
You're talking about attacking Sir Kira?
If we...
...make war during these peaceful times...
...win or lose, the Shogunate will inflict a severe punishment.
This punishment will fall not only upon us...
...but also upon our heirs and relatives.
I am sorry.
I have...
...made you suffer so much.
I want all of you to live on.
Chikara... he's going with you, isn't he.
Forgive me.
Does Chikara know he's going?
I told him this morning.
In this undertaking...
...many fathers and sons are fighting together.
As their leader, I cannot make an exception for my own son.
We'll have to have a manhood ceremony for Chikara.
Let me give him his manly haircut.
All right.
Mimasakaya Mercantile
Hey... Kanzaki.
That's Zenbei of Chojiya Mercantile to you.
Oh yeah... and I'm Gohei of Mimasakaya Mercantile.
What's the status of the Kira mansion?
Looks like they're close to finishing it.
Can you believe our luck, getting a place right across from it?
What've you got?
I had these checked out by a carpenter friend who's working there.
My... this is quite detailed.
There's a well between the plaster-wall route and the samurai quarters.
- What's the well for? - Let's combine the maps.
Sagano, west of Kyoto
So, almost everyone should be at Edo by now.
Yes.
It's such a pity. You've just found her this cozy house.
Karu is so happy.
My Lord, you're here! And Seo too.
Where did you go?
Oh... I went to buy some fish.
I have to get prepared for the trip to Edo. If you'll excuse me...
Do you have to go to Edo again?
Only for a while, so I came to see you.
I haven't seen you in twenty days. How sad for me...
Has it been that long?
When will you be back?
It'll be around... the end of the year.
You will be returning to Kyoto, won't you?
This trip should settle matters.
After I return, I'll never leave again.
I plan to live here for the rest of my life.
Please... Please come back!
I'm going to have a baby.
What?
I've been sick recently, but it turns out it was just morning sickness.
I see...
Isn't it happy news for you?
Why didn't you tell me right away? It's cause for celebration.
Oh good... I'm glad!
I'll go get some sake so we can celebrate.
15th year of the Genroku period, 11th month, 5th day.
It is the year 1702 in the western calendar, the 15th year of the Genroku period.
Early in the 11th month, Oishi Kuranosuke...
...after a secret meeting at the village of Hirama in Kawasaki...
...infiltrated Edo along with his comrades.
Kuranosuke went to the home of Koyama Yahei...
...at Nihonbashi-kokucho, where Chikara had been staying.
He traveled under the pseudonym of Ikeda Kyuemon.
Several shops along the canal were used to secretly prepare for the assault.
Maebara Isuke's Mimasakaya Mercantile was one of them.
Amakawaya Mercantile was thus able to make good use of the canal...
...in order to smuggle in weapons, armor, and other materials.
It's here.
By day, they laid low, doing all their work in the dead of night.
"Please allow Sir Kira to retire early, before the spring, at Yonezawa."
The letter's from Chisaka Hyobu.
It reached us today from Yonezawa.
Are you going to agree to it?
Yes...
But it can't be done before the end of the year.
I'll get the Shogun's permission first thing in the new year.
Hara Souemon, are you home?
Chamberlain.
Are you alone?
Yes, my wife and daughter went back to Yonezawa five days ago.
My wife's originally from Yonezawa, and so she was getting homesick.
Doing maintenance on your bow?
Yes...
It's nearly time.
I've heard that a lot of us are dropping out.
To trade all of your hopes and dreams...
...in return for an early death... that is not an easy thing to do.
Why hasn't Lord Chisaka of Uesugi offered me a position?
- You didn't get an offer? - I didn't.
When my father lost his position with the Uesugi...
...Lord Chisaka provided him with a secret pension.
When my father died and I was summoned to the Ako fief...
...Lord Chisaka said to me: "The blood of Uesugi courses in your veins."
"Always keep in your heart the memory of the land of your forefathers."
"But now you must dedicate your life to Ako-Asano."
To this day, I haven't forgotten Lord Chisaka's advice.
Chamberlain.
Can you pull it?
How many Uesugi will be transfixed by this bow at the Kira mansion?
Splendid.
Kira Kouzukenosuke's new mansion was 2,550-tsubo in size.
"2,550-tsubo:" 90,400 square feet.
Apart from the main wing, on three sides, east, west, and south...
...two-story apartments had been built for his samurai.
The broad garden was the focus of their defensive arrangements.
So Yonezawa it is...?
It is in snow country, and inconvenient, but it is merely a temporary measure.
Irobe... are you speaking from the heart to me?
Pardon?
I wonder. For what have I suffered this past year and nine months?
We have both been afflicted by many troubles.
We've endured terrible rumors and unjust punishment by a deceived Shogunate.
I've been unable to go out in public, and I've spent a fortune on this mansion.
And finally, to top it all off, I get sent to Yonezawa?
Tell me!
What have I done to deserve this?!
Sir Kira... may I ask a question?
What?
What was the real reason for the incident?
Why did Lord Asano attack you, Sir Kira?
So you want to know what happened?
Yes. If I know the reason, it will help me block Oishi.
Even I don't know. Let's leave it at that.
But...
So I'm going to Yonezawa?
Irobe... to bid farewell to Edo,
I want to host a tea party for my friends. What do you think?
No, you mustn't!
But I'll be moving far away; it would be improper not to make formal farewells.
Ako ronin have infiltrated Edo.
They'll certainly use it as an opportunity to strike!
Your safety is my utmost... my utmost priority.
A tea party... of course!
Back to Sir Kira's mansion, as fast as you can!
Huh?
We're having two tea parties each day, one at noon, another in the evening.
Of course, Sir Kira, as the host, will stay at the mansion.
As soon as we start inviting guests, the Ako ronin will hear about it.
They are out in force, watching Sir Kira's movements.
And we, in turn, are watching them.
Indeed.
And...? When?
Three days of the 12th month: the 5th, 14th, and 22nd.
The 5th would be the most dangerous.
On December 5th, 1702, the moon would be almost full and shining at night. That night, the Kira ministers will run the tea party.
Over 100 Yonezawa samurai will lie in wait for their attack.
It's getting down to the wire.
You must ensure that Oishi Kuranosuke and his men discover what we want them to.
12th month, 5th day
The tea party on the 5th ended, and the next day dawned without incident.
Sir Irobe... Oishi didn't make his move.
It's cold. Shinpachi, close the shoji. "Shoji:" sliding paper partitions /doors.
Yes sir.
There are still two more opportunities.
The guards kept vigil all night; they're exhausted!
It cannot be helped.
The Ako samurai are determined to attack, so we must defend.
So... will they attack on the 14th?
Impossible!
Why not? The month is different, but the 14th is the day Lord Asano died.
It's a fitting day.
Hence they will avoid it, because they will infer that we will expect an attack.
So they'll pass on the 14th, and launch an all-out attack on the 22nd?
At which time, we will crush them!
The 14th...?
No, I was right the first time.
What's up, Yasubei?
Everyone... the date has been set!
12th month, 14th day
Ah...
It's starting to snow.
Magozaemon. Are you awake?
Yes.
Good morning to you.
And you too, sir... couldn't get to sleep until dawn?
Seo, I... have a favor to ask of you.
Of course, just name it.
I want you to flee.
What...?
My time in this world is about to end...
...so I will confess to you my shame.
Karu is... is going to have my child.
R... R... Really?!
You must return at once...
...to Kyoto.
I want you to watch over Karu and her child for the rest of your days.
As you'll be deserting your comrades, history will not treat you kindly.
Of this I am aware, and yet I must ask this of you.
Here's 300-ryo.
Please tell yourself that your master was unworthy of you.
No, no... Sir! Please don't bow!
Forgive me.
You have shown me too much kindness!
You're asking young master Chikara to give his life...
...but you're asking for me to live!
You're the only one who can do this for me.
I, Seo Magozaemon...
...will protect Miss Karu, even at the cost of my own life.
I am much obliged.
Mago.
No!
Give this to her.
The snow fell until past noon.
That night, the Ako ronin hidden in Nihonbashi, Shinkoji-machi...
...Hacchobori, and other areas...
...traveled by boat to the Mimasakaya warehouse in Honjo Matsuzaka-cho.
The second Kira tea party started at the 6th evening hour, and ended four hours later.
After the guests had left, silence pervaded the mansion.
The Ako force had gathered at Mimasakaya.
It was the Hour of the Boar, just after 10:00 p.m.
Snow...!
Since our late Lordship's assault, his seppuku...
...and the abolition of our clan, a year and nine months has passed.
Thank you, all of you, for following me.
I am most grateful!
Tonight, we are going to kill Kira.
Within his mansion are over 100 men, including many Uesugi clansmen.
Kill them all!
Follow the orders of your commanders, and you will destroy the enemy.
Yoshida Chuzaemon will now explain your assignments.
Thank you.
Assaulting the front gate: Commander, Oishi Kuranosuke Yoshitaka.
Lieutenant: Onodera Junai Hidekazu.
Sword Assault Squads, first squad:
Tomimori Sukemon Masayori, commanding...
...Hazama Jujiro Mitsuoki and Hazama Shinroku Mitsukaze.
Second squad: Otaka Gengo Tadakazu, commanding...
...Maebara Isuke Munefusa.
Third squad: Akabane Genzo Shigekata, commanding...
...Oishi Sezaemon Nobukiyo and Hayami Tozaemon Mitsutaka.
Lancers: Kataoka Gengoemon Takafusa, commanding...
...Isogae Jurozaemon Masahisa, and Ushioda Matanojo Takanori.
Archers: Kanzaki Yogoro Noriyasu, commanding...
...Muramatsu Sandayu Takanao, and Kayano Wasuke Tsunenari.
Reserves: Hazama Kihei Mitsunobu, and Mimura Jirozaemon Kanetsune.
"Seo Magozaemon" Reserves: Hazama Kihei Mitsunobu, and Mimura Jirozaemon Kanetsune.
Messenger: Terasaka Kichiemon Nobuyuki.
Rear Gate Squad: Oishi Chikara Yoshikane, commander.
...Yato Emoshichi Yorikane.
Ambushers: Tsugino Juheiji Tsugifusa...
...Fuwa Kazuemon Masatane...
...and Okuda Magodayu Shigemori.
This morning, Seo Magozaemon deserted. In all, we are forty-seven in number.
Chikara.
Yes sir.
- Rope-ladder. - Yes sir.
Okuda, get the mallet.
Get the mallet and axe!
Yes sir!
It's open.
Get in, go!
Rear-gate squad, charge!
Sir!
Lamp.
We are the former retainers of Ako- Asano in Banshu province!
We are here to collect a debt, under the samurai code of honor!
If you have any pride, come out and fight!
What's going on?
What's that whistle?
At this ungodly hour...
It's the Ako ronin!
Let's go!
It's a trap!
There they are!
Kill them!
I am a former retainer of Ako, Horibe Yasubei.
Charge!
- Follow me! - Sir!
Kill them!
Don't retreat!
We retreat into hell, or stand and conquer!
Chikamatsu! It's not a deep cut!
It's another trap!
This room is made of barrier walls, it's a trap!
Get out into the yard!
- It's a dead end. - Go back!
Stop them!
Don't let them through!
Give me a lift.
It's the moat... jump in!
Come on, the Ako folks are waiting.
The unfiltered sake is ready.
Hurry! Get it to the Kira mansion!
Come on! Keep them coming!
Alright!
We're from Mimasakaya.
Okay, come in.
Eat as much as you want!
When you're done, change places.
Alright.
I feel revived. Here I go!
These blades are dulled; change swords.
Are you of the Uesugi clan?
Indeed. I am Chugosho Shinsaka Yashichiro. And you are?
Hara Soumon. I come here walking the path of the samurai.
Block them!
You won't get out of there!
There's Yasubei!
Let's die! Let's die! Let's show them how Ako samurai die!
Chamberlain! There you are.
How's it going?
The rear gate squad has broken in.
Good... move our main force next to the library.
Oh you shouldn't, it's dangerous there!
- So what? - Chamberlain!
A nightmare...?
Sir Irobe! It's a disaster!
The Ako ronin have assaulted the Kira mansion, at the Hour of the Rat.
One of our men escaped to convey this report.
What are you doing?
Please don't!
You can't go to the Kira mansion! You'll get killed! Please, stop!
Unhand me!
Sir Irobe! Sir Irobe!
You must stop!
Is Kira going to die...
...without disclosing the reason for the assault...
...to a living soul?
That night...
I should've killed Oishi.
- Muramatsu... - Sir.
So Irobe failed.
He's useless to us now.
Attend me!
Send a messenger to the Chief Inspector, Lord Sengoku.
Yes sir.
Have him send a squad to Honjo Matsuzaka-cho, to stop the battle.
Make sure that the fighting doesn't spread. Hurry.
Sir!
It's going to be a long day.
It'll be dawn soon.
Are we any closer to getting Kira?
Our target is Kira alone.
We don't have enough time.
We need more troops.
How's it going? It'll take at least another hour to penetrate the inner halls.
What are we going to do?
The sky...
Huh? Chamberlain...?
We'll break through the roof and attack from above!
Careful, it's slippery.
It's around here.
Bust it up!
Right!
This is the bedroom... Kira's not here.
Ah...
An escape passage.
There's a new, dry well near the samurai quarters, right?
- What about it? - That's the escape passage.
There's a saikachi tree by the well, that's the marker.
Inform the first and third squads.
Hurry!
Over there!
Is that Kira?
See the a scar on his forehead? It's him, no doubt about it.
Ronin scum!
It's Kira!
Chikara...
Who are you?
You must be Lord Kira.
I am the chamberlain of the Ako-Asano clan of Ban-shu, Oishi Kuranosuke.
I am here to take your life.
W... Wait. I... I've done nothing to deserve death.
In the castle sanctum... Asano suddenly assaulted me.
Listen to me!
There was no animosity between us.
What... What happened...
I'll tell you what happened, why Lord Asano assaulted me!
You must want to know why. I'll tell you why!
In exchange for...
I don't want to know!
Wait... wait...
Has my Lord returned with you?
Calligraphy: "Karu"
Takakura Ken: Oishi Kuranosuke
Nakai Kiichi: Irobe Matashiro
Miyazawa Rie: Karu
Iwaki Koichi Uzaki Ryudo
Matsumura Tatsuo Igawa Hisashi
Yamamoto Gaku Kouyama Shigeru
Kuroki Hitomi Shimizu Misa Kotegawa Yuko
Ishikura Saburo Ishibashi Renji Bito Isao
Hashizume Jun Onoe Ushinosuke Sato B-saku Yokoyama Michiyo
Imai Masayuki
Nishimura Kou: Kira Kouzukenosuke
Kobayashi Nenji Bando Eiji Nakamura Atsuo
Ishizaka Koji: Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu
Asaoka Ruriko: Riku
Morishige Hisaya: Chisaka Hyobu
Producers: Horiuchi Jitsuzo Urushido Seiji Nagai Kiyoshi
Producers: Takai Hideyuki Hagiwara Toshio Inami Munetaka
Executive Producers: Hashimoto Toshiaki Takahashi Hiroshi Sakai Toshihiro Associate Producer: Takei Hidehiko
Producers: Nabeshima Hisao Shindo Jun-ichi Shimatani Yoshishige
Original Work by Ikemiya Shoichiro (Shincho Publishing Co.)
Screenplay by: Ikegami Kaneo Takeyama Yo Ichikawa Kon
Assistant Director: Yoshida Kazuo Cinematography by: Isohata Yukio Art Director: Muraki Yoshiro
Production Manager: Maeda Koji Editor: Osada Chizuko Assistant Director: Tezuka Masa-aki Production Coordinator: Sato Yuki
Music by: Tanigawa Kensaku
Directed by Ichikawa Kon
The End