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Fuwa Kazuemon was born 1670 and died by ceremonial decapitation on 1703/2/4 (March 20, 1703). His history is unique among the 47 Ako ronin who avenged the death of their lord, [[Asano Naganori|Asano Takumi no kami Naganori]].  Unlike the others, Fuwa had been banished from the clan, having lived as a [[ronin]] for several years before the Ako clan was disbanded.  

Fuwa Kazuemon was born 1670 and died by ceremonial decapitation on 1703/2/4 (March 20, 1703). His history is unique among the 47 Ako ronin who avenged the death of their lord, [[Asano Naganori|Asano Takumi no kami Naganori]].  Unlike the others, Fuwa had been banished from the clan, having lived as a [[ronin]] for several years before the Ako clan was disbanded.  

Fuwa Kazuemon was the son of [[Okano Jidayu]] and was adopted into the [[Fuwa clan|Fuwa]] family, retainers of the [[Asano clan]] in the Ako domain.  No evidence was found that he married or produced children. He was dismissed from the Asano clan by Lord Asano Naganori in [[1697]] and thus became a ronin at age 27.  As for the reasons for Fuwa's dismissal, it appears that he was in the habit of committing[[tsujigiri]] (Edo period thrill killing, striking down unarmed passersby at night). Fuwa was also noted for being a [[Kabukimono]], elements of the samurai class that dressed up in “gaudy kimonos” and engaged in “wild antics”. Attacks by Kabukimono gangs against civilians were not uncommon during the Edo period.     

Fuwa Kazuemon was the son of [[Okano Jidayu]] and was adopted into the [[Fuwa clan|Fuwa]] family, retainers of the [[Asano clan]] in the Ako domain.  No evidence was found that he married or produced children. He was dismissed from the Asano clan by Lord Asano Naganori in [[1697]] and thus became a ronin at age 27.  As for the reasons for Fuwa's dismissal, it appears that he was in the habit of committing [[tsujigiri]] (Edo period thrill killing, striking down unarmed passersby at night). Fuwa was also noted for being a [[Kabukimono]], elements of the samurai class that dressed up in “gaudy kimonos” and engaged in “wild antics”. Attacks by Kabukimono gangs against civilians were not uncommon during the Edo period.     

As to what Fuwa did after his dismissal, this is unknown.  One of the specifications of the [[Buke Shohatto]] that were in effect in [[1683]] stated: "...a man who has had a difference (literally hindrance) with his original lord is not to be taken into service by any other lord." So he would not have been able to obtain a position as a retainer by any other lord.   

As to what Fuwa did after his dismissal, this is unknown.  One of the specifications of the [[Buke Shohatto]] that were in effect in [[1683]] stated: "...a man who has had a difference (literally hindrance) with his original lord is not to be taken into service by any other lord." So he would not have been able to obtain a position as a retainer by any other lord.