Kira Yoshinaka

In 1701, he was assigned the task of tutoring Asano Naganori in matters of protocol in preparation for an upcoming visit by representatives of the emperor.

On the day when the envoys were scheduled to meet the shōgun at Edo Castle, Asano drew his wakizashi and attempted to kill Kira in retaliation for the insults.

For this, Asano was ordered to commit seppuku, his house abolished, and his retainers branded rōnin, while Kira went unpunished.

Shigenobu's descendant Matsura Seizan wrote the 278-volume essay Kasshi Yawa (甲子夜話), and later happened to become the great-grandfather of the Emperor Meiji.

The story of Kira’s assassination was firstly written as Kanadehon Chūshingura (仮名手本忠臣蔵) in 1703, and it has been told in kabuki, bunraku, Rōkyoku, Kōdan or Rakugo.

Wooden statue of Kira Yoshinaka
This monument marks the former location of the Great Corridor of Pines at Edo Castle, where Asano Naganori attempted to kill Kira Yoshinaka.
Ukiyo-e depicting the assault of Asano Naganori on Kira Yoshinaka in the Matsu no Ōrōka of Edo Castle , by Utagawa Kuniteru , late 19th century