Chushingura; Or, The Treasury of Loyal Retainers

audiobook

Chushingura; Or, The Treasury of Loyal Retainers

by Izumo Takeda, Shoraku Miyoshi, Senryu Namiki

EN·~4 hours·2 chapters

Chapters

2 total

Transcriber's Notes

0:44

CHUSHINGURA, OR, THE TREASURY OF LOYAL RETAINERS

4:49:37

Description

A dramatic episode opens with a powerful clash of honor and law in Edo‑period Japan. When a noble lord is forced to draw his sword inside the shogun’s palace, the resulting disgrace leads to his forced seppuku and leaves his loyal retainers masterless. Bound by an unshakable code, the samurai gather in secret, vowing to restore their lord’s name and avenge the injustice that shattered their household.

The translation captures the rhythmic poetry of the original joruri, preserving the clever word‑plays and the emotional intensity that have made this story a timeless favorite. Accompanied by striking wood‑block illustrations, the narration invites listeners to hear the clash of swords, the whispered counsel of conspirators, and the quiet resolve of men bound by duty. It offers a vivid glimpse into a world where loyalty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice intertwine, setting the stage for a legendary quest that has inspired countless retellings.

Collections

Browse all

Details

Language

en

Duration

~4 hours (278K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Credits

Produced by Ronald Grenier (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Google Books Library Project/American Libraries.)

Release date

May 2, 2019

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the authors

Izumo Takeda

Izumo Takeda

1691–1756

A leading dramatist of Japan’s puppet theater golden age, he helped shape some of bunraku’s most enduring classics. Working at Osaka’s Takemoto Theater, he became closely linked with the great historical plays that still define the tradition.

View all books
Shoraku Miyoshi

Shoraku Miyoshi

A playwright from Japan’s golden age of puppet theater, he is best remembered as one of the writers behind Kanadehon Chūshingura, the classic drama inspired by the forty-seven rōnin story. His name is closely tied to the lively commercial theater culture of Osaka in the mid-1700s.

View all books
Senryu Namiki

Senryu Namiki

1695–1751

A leading dramatist of Japan’s Edo period, this playwright helped shape both kabuki and bunraku in Osaka. Writing under the name Namiki Senryū, he became known for lively stagecraft and a strong feel for popular theater.

View all books

You may also like