Seppuku

Seppuku, also known as harakiri, is a form of ritual suicide by disembowelment that originated among the samurai of feudal Japan. The term seppuku (切腹) literally means “cutting the abdomen”; harakiri (腹切り) is the older or colloquial form. The act was part of the samurai code of conduct, and it was used to restore or protect one’s honor after failure or disgrace, or as a controlled form of punishment or solidarity in some military contexts.

Ritual and terminology: In the traditional practice, the act involved a self-inflicted abdominal wound, typically with a blade such as a tanto or wakizashi. A trusted companion, known as the kaishakunin (介錯), would then perform a swift beheading to end the act and reduce suffering. The specifics of the ritual varied over time and place, but the elements of self-dispatch and a ceremonially arranged decapitation remained central.

Historical context: Seppuku was commonly associated with the samurai class and the broader ideals of Bushidō. It served as a means to claim or restore honor in the face of failure, defeat, or disgrace, as well as a sanctioned method of execution for those of noble status who might otherwise be subjected to public punishment or capture. The practice declined with the modernization of Japan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Modern status: In contemporary Japan, seppuku is illegal and exceedingly rare. It is generally regarded as a historical practice rather than a contemporary custom, studied for its cultural and historical significance rather than as a practice to be observed.