佐賀の乱
After resigning from the government, Etō returned home to his native Saga, and gathered together a group of disaffected former "samurai" who were unhappy with the current regime. He formed the "Aikoku Kōtō" political party which criticized the government and called for the formation of a national assembly. Receiving little support, he then resorted to armed insurrection (the Saga Rebellion), gathering some 3000 followers, attacking a local bank for funds, and capturing government offices. The revolt was quickly suppressed by government forces under Ōkubo Toshimichi, and Etō, along with 13 other ringleaders, was executed. Then their heads were displayed in public. It was the ultimate sanction in Japan.