Actor Matsudaira plays Oishi in Gishi-sai parade

Actor Matsudaira plays Oishi in Gishi-sai parade

KOBE, Japan - Japanese actor Ken Matsudaira walks with citizens in a parade at the Gishi-sai festival in Ako, Hyogo Prefecture, on Dec. 14, 2014, to honor the "Loyal Retainers of Ako." Matsudaira played Oishi Kuranosuke, leader of a group of 47 masterless samurai of Ako who avenged their lord's death in the 18th century.

Actor Matsudaira leads Gishi-sai parade

Actor Matsudaira leads Gishi-sai parade

KOBE, Japan - Japanese actor Ken Matsudaira leads a parade during the Gishi-sai festival in Ako, Hyogo Prefecture, on Dec. 14, 2014, to honor the "Loyal Retainers of Ako." Matsudaira played Oishi Kuranosuke, leader of a group of 47 masterless samurai of Ako who avenged their lord's death in the 18th century.

Hiroshige - 53 Stations of the Tokaido - Print 32

Hiroshige - 53 Stations of the Tokaido - Print 32

32 Arai - A large ferry boat, with an awning round it, taking a daimyo across from Maisaka, followed by a smaller boat with his retainers. A high range of hills on the further shore; golden sky. Travellers made the journey from Maisaka to Arai Station by ferryboat. On the shore was a government barrier station for the inspection of travellers. The compound remains largely intact even today. Utagawa Hiroshige (1797 - 1858). The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido - Hoeido edition (1831-4) Date: 1831 - 1834

Hiroshige - 53 Stations of the Tokaido - Print 48

Hiroshige - 53 Stations of the Tokaido - Print 48

48 Seki - View outside a resthouse in the early morning, where a daimyo is stopping, the retainers preparing, by the aid of lanterns, to proceed on the journey. Each station was required to maintain lodging houses for travellers. The inn shown is one for upper class travellers such as Shogunate officials and feudal lords. Retinue are making preparations for a feudal lord to leave from the lodging house. Utagawa Hiroshige (1797 - 1858). The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido - Hoeido edition (1831-4) Date: 1831 - 1834

Tokyo monument showing where feudal lord Asano died

Tokyo monument showing where feudal lord Asano died

This is the monument in Tokyo's Shimbashi District, taken on March 28, 2015, showing the former site of a samurai palace where feudal lord Asanotakuminokami ended his life by committing hara-kiri in 1701, triggering the famous vendetta carried out by his retainers known as the "47 Ronin of Ako." The "kanji" characters engraved on the monument mean "This is the place where Asanotakuminokami ended his life." (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Actor Matsudaira leads Gishi-sai parade

Actor Matsudaira leads Gishi-sai parade

KOBE, Japan - Japanese actor Ken Matsudaira leads a parade during the Gishi-sai festival in Ako, Hyogo Prefecture, on Dec. 14, 2014, to honor the "Loyal Retainers of Ako." Matsudaira played Oishi Kuranosuke, leader of a group of 47 masterless samurai of Ako who avenged their lord's death in the 18th century. (Kyodo)