The Idaho world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1864-1918, 1871-04-27
THE HARI-KARI IN JAPAN--A SCENE OF
SELF-EXECUTION. 58

A correspondent of the New York Ereniag
Post writes an account of the act of Iari-kari
committed by Taxi, a Japanese nobleman, up
on himself, according to the law. He had been
found guilty of an assault upon Christians at
Hiogo, and was compelled to suffer this pun
ishment. The writer says: asI % saaas
Taxi ascended the low platform with slow
step and determined mein. Here he pros
trated himself several times in succession be-
fore the altar, his face each time touching the
ground, and subsequently sat down upon the
carpet with his back turned towards the altar.
and with his friend, the Kaishaku, seated On
his right side. One Of the three Japanese Of
ficers now made his appearance, carrying a
small table, or dumb-waiter, similar to those
used in the temples upon the occasion of sacri-
fee, upon which lay, carefully wrapped up in
paper, q japanese dagger, about nine and
half inches in length, with point as fine as a
needle and an edge as keen as a razor. ieae
Kneelng down before the platform, he hand
ed the dagger to the condemned, who reyer-
entially took it. and after having lifted it with
both hands above his head, placed it on the
crimson carpet before him. Then Taxi made
deep obeisance, and in voice without trem-
or, and unfaltering, gave utterance to the fol-
lowing words in japanese: at was |, and l
alone, that gave the order to fire upon the for
eigners at Hiogo, without having received from
any one the authority to do So. / also fired
upon them afterwards, when they tried to es-
cape Acknowledging my great sin and mis-
conduct. shall now proceed to cut open my
bowels and beg the gentlemen present to do
me the honor to bear witness TO the execution
of the deed"
Having said this, he stopped down. and lOos-
ening his clothing let it fall down SO that it ex-
posed his body down to the loins. He took
care to tie the sleeves of his tunic together be-
low and behind the knees to prevent bis falling
backwards, as a Japanese nObeman must al
ways fall upon his face, according to the creed
of the nobility. Then, taking up the dagger
aud removing the paper covering, he glanced
for moment upon the glittering blade, with an
expression in his face as if he were for the last
time on earth collecting his thoughts, and in
his mind bidding farewell to all that he loved.
Then, glancing up again and looking proudly
round upon the spectators, he firmly grasped
the hilt and, burying the steel in the pit of his
stomach, near the lett side, drew it across the
stomach. towards the right making fearful
cash. But not content herewith, he turned the
knife in the wound and made an incision up.
wards, about two inches in length. :,a.s
While this horrible deed took place his mouth
was firmly set, and not sound was heard,
while his eyes seemed to stare at the ceiling
For moment-but a moment, ony,-an ex-
preston of unutterabe pain and agony came
over his face, and, shutting his eyes, he stag
gcred and tumbled forwards AT the same mo-
ment the "katshaku," who had been watching
for this opportunity, sprung to his feet; sword
gllttered in his hands; a sharp. cutting sound
came through the air; an ugly dull blow and a
heavy fall, and the head Of Taxi Zenzaburo
was severed from its mutlated trunk.
The deep and profound stiffness of death en-.
sued. interrupted only by the sound of the
blood as it trickled from the headless body on
the ground below. Every face was pale with
fear aud horror; it was a moment never to be
forgotten. and which hope may never again
have occasion to see repeated.