Is the 47 Ronin Real? Is It a True Story? Where Are the Graves?

April 2024 · 4 minute read

Yes, the 47 Ronin event is real. Similarly, the movie on Netflix is based on a true story. And their graves can be found at Sengaku-ji temple in Tokyo.

47 Ronin on Netflix centers around a group of these 47 samurai who go out to avenge their lord. They unite to find the culprits after the beloved feudal lord of Ako, Lord Asano, is forced to commit suicide by treachery, and his warriors are labeled as “ronin,” or lordless samurai.

Oishi, a man of honor and honesty, and Lord Asano’s right-hand man, is in charge of leading them on their journey. Witchcraft and demonic creatures are obstacles that the samurai must overcome, thus their path is not without risk. It’s pretty incredible that the movie is currently trending on the streaming platform after almost 10 years of its theatrical release.

On the other hand, many viewers have been curious to know if the 47 Ronin event is real. Well, we’ve got you covered.

Yes, the 47 Ronin Event Is Real: The Movie Is Based on a True Story!

Yes, the 47 Ronin event is real. And the plot of the movie is based on the true story of the 47 Ronins who took revenge on their real-life lord, Lord Asano, in January 1703. However, several parts of the cinematic adaption are very different from the original storyline. You probably have watched the movie already. However, let’s get to know what really happened.

47 Ronin on Netflix is based on a real (true) story. blurred-reality.com47 Ronin on Netflix is based on a real (true) story.
Image Source: Variety

Oishi Kuranosuke, a samurai who served Lord Asano Naganori, acted as the 47 Ronin’s leader. Asano was a feudal lord compelled to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) after attacking another court official, Kira Yoshinaka, within the grounds of the Shogun’s castle. Asano was punished for breaking the procedure by engaging in this violent behavior.

The devoted followers, now masterless samurai known as Ronin, started plotting to take revenge against Kira Yoshinaka when their lord passed away. They carefully waited for the ideal opportunity to strike as they carefully planned their mission, hiding their real intentions.

Finally, the 47 Ronin carried out their plan on a snowy December night in 1702. They sneaked into Kira’s home in Edo (today’s Tokyo), killed him, and carried his head back to their lord’s tomb. Many people considered their act of retribution to be heroic and worthy conduct that upheld the ideals of loyalty, honor, and bushido (the path of the warrior).

The ronin understood they had broken the law by administering justice themselves, notwithstanding their success. They surrendered to the authorities, and they were then ordered to undergo seppuku. Their deaths established their reputations as legendary heroes in Japanese history who personified the samurai code and the virtues of devotion and sacrifice.

A key component of Japanese mythology and cultural history, the story of the 47 Ronin has fascinated audiences for ages. The 2013 Hollywood movie “47 Ronin,” starring Keanu Reeves, is only one example of the many adaptations and retellings that have been produced. The film was inspired by the fundamental narrative of the 47 Ronin and their quest for vengeance, even if it took considerable artistic license and added mythical elements.

The 47 Ronins’ Graves!

The graves of the 47 Ronin, also known as the Ak Gishi (Ak retainers), can be found in Tokyo’s Sengaku-ji temple. Buddhist temple Sengaku-ji is situated in the Minato ward’s Takanawa area. It has developed into a destination for pilgrims who want to honor the renowned warriors and their tales of fidelity and selflessness.

47 Ronins' graves are situated at Sengaku-ji temple in Tokyo. blurred-reality.com47 Ronins’ graves are situated at Sengaku-ji temple in Tokyo.
Image Source: STARS AND STRIPES

The graves are situated in a tiny cemetery on the temple grounds. The graves are lined up in a row and identified with stone monuments bearing the names of each ronin. The graveyard also has a monument and a memorial hall with relics and exhibits pertaining to the 47 Ronin’s history.

In addition to paying their respects at the graves, visitors to Sengaku-ji can find out more about the importance and background of the 47 Ronin. Both visitors and residents are drawn to the temple, especially those with an interest in samurai culture and Japanese history.

It’s important to note that they were not really buried in the graves of Sengaku-ji. The ronin were initially buried in Takanawa at a different place after being put to death. To honor their commitment and sacrifice, their remains were subsequently transferred to Sengaku-ji in 1703, the year after their deaths.

47 Ronin is currently streaming on Netflix.

ncG1vNJzZmianKq%2Fs7HDZqmemZyewbp6wqikaKGjYsGpsYxtbmaqn6O2r3nRnpilZw%3D%3D