Everyone likes to venerate and empathize with the concept of revolution, revolutionaries and especially Rónin. Rónin, depending by what means and during which era you are recognizing them come from two different origins. According to writings about their rise, they were simply lord-less warriors prior to the arrival of Perry and the Samurai Revolution. After his arrival, they were considered “renegades” or “political outlaws” who meant to walk the path of most resistance.[1] Some of these Rónin were not even from the ranks of the trained samurai. It is funny though as we delve into this topic (which is entirely relevant if you look at the current date written above) how time, place and certainly perception change what we assimilate as significant.
[1] Hillsborough, R. (2014). Samurai revolution the dawn of modern Japan through the eyes of the shogun’s last samurai. Tokyo: Tuttle, 92-94.
Gunnfisher Weaponeering
Firearms Specialist | Gunsmith | Historian
