Support group to hold test on historical samurai revenge tale

Support group to hold test on historical samurai revenge tale

An organization specializing in the "Chushingura," one of the most
famous kabuki tales in Japan telling the true story of more than 40
masterless samurai who committed suicide after taking vengeance on
behalf of their master, is now offering a proficiency exam on the
historical events.

The Tokyo-based organization, Chuo Gishikai, established
the "Chushingura-tsu Kentei Shiken" (Chushingura expert
certification test) to help ordinary people learn more about the
Chushingura, which is based on events that occurred over 300 years
ago.

The first test will be held on Dec. 18, in 10 locations across
Japan, including Tokyo and Ako, Hyogo Prefecture, the area where the
incident involving 47 masterless samurai took place.

The Chuo Gishikai was established in 1912, and in 1919 it was
approved as an incorporated foundation. It conducts research and
holds lectures relating to the loyal retainers of Ako, and has
produced several publications. About 300 people belong to the
organization.

In the past, the group held a "Chushingura doctoral test" for its
members, but the latest test marks the first time the doors have
been opened to the public. The exam consists of 50 multiple choice
and written questions, testing people on their general knowledge of
the 47 masterless samurai and the historical events surrounding the
incident. Applicants need to correctly answer 40 of the questions
correctly during the 90-minute test period to pass.

Results will be posted to applicants within a month of the test.
Those who pass will receive a certificate from the organization and
the qualification of "Chushingura instructor." The organization will
reportedly introduce those who pass to teaching jobs if they are
interested. The cost of sitting the test is 10,000 yen.

"We want as many people as possible to take the test and deepen
their knowledge," a Chuo Gishikai official said.

The Chushingura is based on an incident in the early 1700s, in which
a group of masterless samurai who had served under Asano Naganori
banded together to kill Kira Yoshinaka, a retainer of the Tokugawa
Shogunate, in retaliation for actions that resulted in Asano being
ordered to commit suicide. The incident has been repeated in
numerous plays and stories, and the Chuo Gishikai has described the
Chushingura as "an asset of Japan's spiritual culture." (Mainichi)

http://mdn.mainichi-
msn.co.jp/entertainment/news/20050822p2a00m0et012000c.html