Some say that Sohen YAMADA actually knew Shinbei WAKIYA's real identity and that Sohen intentionally gave the date of the tea ceremony at Kira's residence after taking into consideration the regret held by Ako's loyal vassals.
一説に実は山田宗徧は脇屋新兵衛の正体を知りながら赤穂義士達の無念を思いやってわざと吉良邸茶会の日を教えたともいわれる。