Seppupu

Seppuku is a form of Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment. In time, carrying out seppuku came to involve a detailed ritual. This was usually performed in front of spectators if it was a planned seppuku, not one performed on a battlefield. Seppuku absolutely requires a minimum of two participants in, Samurai and Kaishakunin.

The Samurai will require the services therefore of a Kaishakunin, or "second" whose duty it is to despatch you with a sharp sword at your signal. Choosing an appropriate Kaishaku-nin is obviously very important. The Samurai should consider the following. Beheading being very infra dig points are deducted for actually detaching the head. The kaishakunin should be practiced and perfected the "daki-kubi" cut so that the head of the Samura is not left attached to the body by a short flap of skin. This ensures his face is hidden, demonstrates the Kaishakunin prowess with a sword and entirely remove the stigma of decapitation. The second was usually, but not always, a friend. If a defeated warrior had fought honorably and well, an opponent who wanted to salute his bravery would volunteer to act as his second.

A samurai was bathed, dressed in white robes, and fed his favorite meal. Anise chopsticks should be used to lend a funereal note to this feast of puns. Three slices of pickle should be served, "mikire" means both "three slices" and "cut flesh". Immediately prior to the act the samurai may be offered a last cup of water. The cup will be filled in two pourings, you must drain the contents in two pairs of two sips. "Three" is taken to imply repetition, two indicating of no repetation.

When he had finished, his instrument was placed on his plate. Dressed ceremonially, with his sword, the kozuka, should be of about 11.5 inches, wrapped in paper with the final inch exposed is placed in front of samurai and sometimes seated on special cloths, the warrior would prepare for death by writing a death poem. A death poem is a poem written near the...