HARA-KIRI

腹切

ETYMOLOGY

HARA = abdomen KIRI = cut

Seppuku (formal Japanese); Hara-kiri (slang). The difference, approximately, between 'belly slitting' and

'stomach cutting'.

SAMURAIS

Samurais took control in Japan in the 12th century A. D.

They developed several martial arts, among which the two of utmost importance were kenjutsu and jiu-jitsu.

They were the most sophisticated warriors on earth until fire arms appeared.

BUSHIDO: code of conduct.

HISTORY OF HARA-KIRI

Feudal Japan of the 12th century. Minamoto no Yurimasa (well known for

his abilities as a bow-man) during the Battle of Uji in the year 1180. 

Seppuku eventually became a key part of bushido.

KATANA

TANTO

THE RITUAL

The most common form of seppuku was simply a single horizontal cut with the tanto. Once the cut was made, the second would decapitate the suicide.

This second cut made with the katana, was carried out by someone close to the man performing the ritual.

 JUMONJI GIRI

A more painful version, called jumonji giri, involved both a horizontal and vertical cut.

The performer of jumonji giri then waited heroically to bleed to death, rather than being decapitated by a second samurai.

Battlefield seppukus were quick. Planned ones had several stages: Last meal Bath, Dressed himself carefully Seated himself on his death cloth. Death or farewell poem. Open his kimono and stab himself.

REASONS

Samurais could not stand the shame of the defeat. It was dishonourable. (Main reason)

Personal shame Loss of sponsorship from a daimyo or

shogun (feudal lords) It was a way of regaining honour, and

die with it.