A long-beloved tale dating back some 300 years, Kanadehon Chushingura tells the story of the famed 47 ronin as they avenge the death of their lord, helping us uncover truths about Japanese character.

When a daimyo died, these warriors became "ronin," masterless samurai. After Tokugawa Ieyasu became shogun in 1603, samurai military services were no longer required, and many ronin wandered the ...