WORLD RELIGIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Seppuku is a form of taking one’s own life that was considered honourable among the feudal Japanese samurai class. Traditionally, the act consisted of stabbing oneself in the abdomen with a short sword to ensure a slow and agonizing death.

Detailed explanation-2: -To refuse to commit seppuku when ordered (or after having the option offered), meant the samurai was unrepentant of his acts. Chances were, he would have his name stripped and become a ronin. In polite Rokugani society, to be forced to live with such dishonor was more vicious than any pain or death.

Detailed explanation-3: -The jigai ritual is the feminine counterpart of seppuku (well-known as harakiri), the ritual suicide of samurai warriors, which was carried out by a deep slash into the abdomen. In contrast to seppuku, jigai can be performed without assistance, which was fundamental for seppuku.

Detailed explanation-4: -Whereas seppuku is rare in modern times, some studies suggest that traditional cultural attitudes in Japan regard suicide as an honourable or noble act, especially when done in traditional ways, such as seppuku. In 2014 suicide was the leading cause of death among Japanese men aged 20–44.