Honor more than life: like the samurai in Japan did harakiri

A stunning series of vintage photographs shows the life of Japanese samurai warriors 130 years ago. Among the photographs are those which show the harakiri, aka seppuku. It was used by warriors who wanted to die, saving the honor, or voluntarily, or when they are in captivity of the enemy.

Ceremonial release of gut was actually part of a more complex ritual and was performed in the presence of the audience. On one of the pictures a young samurai pierces his stomach rolled.

The soldiers watching harakiri samurai in white.

Samurai doing harakiri or seppuku — ritual suicide by releasing the intestines.

A group of samurai in ancient armor and arms, circa 1870.

The made and painted Felice Beato: women in a traditional Japanese shop, the end of XIX century.

One of the first war photographers, Venetian Felice Beato took this picture about 1862.

A group of samurai, circa 1890. Illustration of the booklet "In Japan: the characters, costumes and customs".

Samurai in traditional attire and shoes blowing into a sea shell.

Three Japanese samurai in full regalia.

Bright traditional armor and old weapons on the samurai, circa 1890.