Ako Gishi Festival

Every December 14th, Ako City in Hyogo Prefecture hosts a large festival commemorating the courageous actions of 47 samurai (also known as Ako Gishi) who sought vengeance for the death of their master. Asano Naganori (1667–1701), the lord of the Ako domain, was compelled to commit ritual suicide after he assaulted a powerful court official who had insulted him. In a year-long plan of retribution, his loyal retainers ambushed and successfully avenged their master's honor by killing the court official on December 14, 1702, after which they performed ritual suicide. The loyalty and sacrifice of the samurai have been immortalized in popular stories and performances. On the day of the festival, a troupe of 47 citizens parades through the streets dressed as the Ako Gishi. Other events in the city include markets selling specialties from the towns associated with the loyal samurai.