The Japanese lifestyle during the feudal period is often known for its emphasis on honor and modesty. Ritual in Japanese culture was considered a highly honorable act in most cases, especially among the samurai ranks. Every samurai was expected to adhere to the Samurai Code (Bushido), which included the ritual known as seppuku. This ritual plays an incredibly important role in kinship. It is also gender specific because only samurai were forced to perform seppuku. This action is often described as brutal by Western civilization who do not realize how honorable this practice was to the Japanese people of feudal Japan. What exactly is seppuku? Seppuku literally translates to “stomach cutting.” The one who performed the ritual took a sword or knife and stabbed himself in the stomach. Over the years, the ritual has become more and more unique. The samurai wore a beautiful kimono as they ate their last meal. After consuming the meal, the act of stabbing began, followed by the beheading of a person of their choice. This ritual was specifically practiced by samurai to regain or...