Forty-Seven Ronin

Art by Hisashi OtsukaThis is a painting of two men fighting in front of a painting of the Forty-Seven Ronin. The title of 'ronin' was an insult then, and is now being used as an insult to Japanese students without careers. The Japanese word 'samurai' means 'one who serves,' and serving was a respected expectation. 'Ronin' translates to 'wave.' They're called 'wave men' because with no one to serve they've no connection to a place nor direction in life.

The Forty-Seven Ronin really should be called something else, since they weren't really ronin. Their master was dead and they thought it unjust, so they pretended to be ronin while they schemed and plotted revenge. After many months they met and attacked the home of the man who was responsible for their lord's death. They killed him, then gave themselves over to the authorities who ordered them to end their own lives, which they did. But their graves are still visited today by Japanese tourists who, like their ancestors, respect the Forty-Seven Ronin for their loyalty.

However, the Forty-Seven Ronin were also criminals. I should back this up with some resources, but from the conglomeration of all I've read, they were acting on plans for a premeditated murder for many months, if not an entire year. Ah, well, it seems humanity has a fondness for criminals and rebels, perhaps because we all see ourselves as opressed and only those brave few actually do something.