Page:Brinkley - Japan - Volume 6.djvu/286

RV 256 This happened in the Shogun's palace, and for forgetting the sacredness of his surroundings, Asano was ordered to commit suicide, his estate was confiscated, and his clan disbanded, his retainers becoming ronins. Forty-seven of them, under the leadership of the senior retainer, Oishi Kuranosuke, determined to avenge their chief. In order to lull suspicion and to prevent the authorities from frustrating the vendetta, they separated and devoted themselves to different trades or gave themselves up to debauchery. At the appointed time, two years later, they met at night, attacked Kira's mansion in Yedo, killed his retainers, and, after the nobleman had shown his cowardice by refusing to commit suicide, cut off his head. They marched to the tomb of their chief amid much popular enthusiasm, and placed the severed head on it; then, in obedience to the official sentence, they committed suicide. They are buried beside their lord.

Giyogi Bosatsu (670—749), a Buddhist prelate and saint, first enunciated the doctrine of the successive incarnations of the Buddha in the forms of the Shintō deities, thus reconciling the two creeds. He took an active interest in the welfare of the people and in internal improvements.

Godaigo, the ninety-seventh Emperor, celebrated for the vicissitudes of his reign. Some of Japan's most popular heroes are associated with his fortunes. (See the Index.)

Hachinan Taro. See Yosbiiye.

Hideyosbi (1536—1598), one of the most famous generals of Japan, although of low birth, became, as Regent, the practical ruler of the country. He was known under a variety of names, some of them nicknames, others assumed by him at different stages of his career. His final title was that of Taiko, and his posthumous name is Toyokuni. He was a groom to Nobunaga, who recognised his ability and made him a soldier. Rising rapidly, he became his chief's greatest lieutenant and his successor in power. He possessed the parvenu's love of rank and desired to be Shōgun, but not being a member of the Minamoto clan, he was obliged to satisfy himself with the reality of authority without its title. His ambition extended to the conquest of the mainland, and the invasion of Korea, which he began in 1592, was the first step in this direction. The result was disastrous both to Korea and to the invading army, and when Hideyoshi died the Japanese troops were withdrawn. (See the Index.)

Inouye, Count (1839—), was one of the younger members of the Chōshiu clan who took a prominent part in the Revolution of 1867. He accompanied Itō on the secret journey to Europe which so greatly influenced the policy of both. Since the Revolution he