The tale of the forty-seven rōnin, known as the Ako incident, is one of the most celebrated stories of loyalty in Japanese history. Following the dishonorable treatment of their master, Lord Asano Naganori, by Kira Yoshinaka, the samurai became rōnin after Asano was compelled to commit seppuku for attacking Kira in the shogun's court. This incident stemmed from a series of provocations by Kira that culminated in the event that led to Asano's disgrace and subsequent death. Following their master's death, the forty-seven rōnin, led by Ōishi Kuranosuke, deliberated on how to restore their master's honor without being discovered. They knew that their actions were bound by the samurai code of bushidō, demanding loyalty and honor. The rōnin waited patiently for over a year, disguising their intentions and maintaining cover while planning their revenge.

On the fateful night of their assault, they stormed Kira's mansion, which they meticulously studied for vulnerabilities. They emerged victorious, killing Kira and presenting his head at their master's grave at Sengaku-ji Temple. Following the act, the rōnin surrendered to the authorities and were tried. Their act of revenge was met with a mixture of admiration and condemnation from the public and samurai class, showcasing the complexities of honor, duty, and revenge in the context of the samurai culture strongly present in Edo period Japan.