Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai

In 1635, Hanshiro Tsugumo experiences a profound sense of loss as his clan has fallen from grace. This sets the stage for his quest to regain honor through the ritual of seppuku.

Hanshiro arrives at Lord Ii's castle and formally requests to perform seppuku in the courtyard. This traditional ritual is meant to restore his honor in the eyes of his peers.

Kageyu Saitō, a senior retainer, intervenes and begins to narrate the tragic story of Squire Motome Chijiiwa from the previous year. This tale reveals the circumstances leading to Motome’s ill-fated ritual.

During Motome's seppuku ceremony, he pleads for one more day to secure money for his sick family, specifically asking for 3 ryō. His desperate request is ignored, leading to a tragic outcome.

In a moment of despair, Motome attempts to take his life with a bamboo sword. The sword breaks ineffectively, and he suffers further humiliation until Saitō mercifully ends his pain.

Despite Saitō's offer to dismiss his seppuku request, Hanshiro remains firm in his decision. He chooses Omodaka as his second, but is soon met with obstacles when Omodaka and others are missing.

Hanshiro mournfully recalls the plight of Motome's father, Jinnai Chijiiwa, who was banished and died. This background gives context to Motome's struggles and the burdens he carried.

Years later, with financial struggles due to their sick child, Motome sells his sword to pay for medical expenses. This act highlights the desperation faced by the family, eventually leading to further misfortune.

After Motome's death, the tragic consequences continue as his son dies and his wife Miho, overwhelmed with despair, commits suicide using the broken bamboo sword. This deepens the tragedy surrounding Motome's life.

Infuriated by the injustices faced by Motome, Hanshiro sets out to find Omodaka, Matsuzaki, and Kawabe. He takes humiliating actions against them, cutting off their chonmage topknots.

In a bold act of defiance, Hanshiro returns the 3 ryō to Saitō and challenges the other samurai to a duel wielding a bamboo sword. This is a declaration of his belief that a warrior's honor is not just a superficial mark.

Faced with the repercussions of their actions, Omodaka, Matsuzaki, and Kawabe choose to commit seppuku. This decision underscores the samurai's code of honor while reflecting their deep shame.

As tensions ease in the courtyard, the remaining retainers work to restore the decorative suit of armor. This symbolizes the continuous cycle of honor and pride within the samurai culture.

When Lord Ii reenters the castle, he inquires about the polishing of the suit of armor. This moment signifies the enduring values of honor and pride that govern their samurai society.