During battle, the only way out for a defeated samurai was death or ritual suicide: seppuku. Seppuku or hara-kiri (belly slicing), is when a samurai stabs a knife into his abdomen and literally disembowels himself by cutting out his guts. After the Samarai disembowels himself, another samurai, usually a kinsman or friend, slices his head off. This form of suicide was "performed under various circumstances: to avoid capture in battle, which the samurai did not believe to be dishonorable and degrading, but generally bad policy; to atone for a misdeed or unworthy act; and perhaps most interestingly, to admonish one's lord". A samurai would rather kill himself than bring shame and disgrace to his family name and his lord. This was considered an act of true honor.
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Japan - The Samurai were It's First Protectors
Japan is a country that is widely known for its technology. But the more popular interests of the people lie in the history of the first descendants and protectors of Japan.
Given their noble role in most Hollywood movies, you might be surprised to find the discussion of the Samurai is a somewhat controversial area, particularly as to how the Samurai actually acted.
Wars had played revolutionizing parts in Japan's long line of history. For thousands of years, war clans controlled the country. Each clan is comprised of several related families and each is lead by a chief who are the families' ancestors.
During battle, the only way out for a defeated samurai was death or ritual suicide: seppuku. Seppuku or hara-kiri (belly slicing), is when a samurai stabs a knife into his abdomen and literally disembowels himself by cutting out his guts. After the Samarai disembowels himself, another samurai, usually a kinsman or friend, slices his head off. This form of suicide was "performed under various circumstances: to avoid capture in battle, which the samurai did not believe to be dishonorable and degrading, but generally bad policy; to atone for a misdeed or unworthy act; and perhaps most interestingly, to admonish one's lord". A samurai would rather kill himself than bring shame and disgrace to his family name and his lord. This was considered an act of true honor.
