Seppuku

Seppuku, also known as harakiri, is a form of Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment. It was historically practiced by samurai to avoid dishonor or as a form of capital punishment when ordered by their lord. Seppuku was considered a highly honorable way to die, preserving the warrior's reputation and often allowing for a degree of control over the circumstances of their death.

The ritual typically involves a specific method of abdominal cutting, often followed by kaishakunin (a second) beheading the individual to shorten their suffering. The degree of ceremony surrounding seppuku varied depending on the period and the individual's status. More elaborate forms included the recitation of death poems, specific clothing requirements, and the arrangement of the setting.

While often associated with samurai culture, seppuku was also practiced by commoners in some instances, albeit usually without the same degree of ritualization. Its prevalence decreased significantly after the Meiji Restoration and was formally outlawed in 1873. Despite this, instances of seppuku occurred during the 20th century, particularly in connection with political protest or perceived national shame.