⚠️ WARNING & DISCLAIMER ⚠️
The following content describes historical execution and interrogation methods used during the Edo Period of Japan (1603–1867)
⚠️Spoiler Alert ⚠️
Please only read these chapters after the completion of novel
This information is provided strictly for readers involvement into story and historical context regarding the antagonist's motive in Verdict of Edo.
I do not support or encourage violence. These methods are historical facts, but they are brutal and gruesome. DO NOT ATTEMPT any of the actions described here. This is a pure work of fiction and only intended for mature audiences. Reader discretion is advised.
FILE 006: SEPPUKU (Ritual Suicide)
Victim: Cheif Hideo
Sin: Cowardice
Historical Origin: Samurai Code (Bushido)
The History:
Seppuku (or Hara-kiri) was a ritual suicide practiced by the Samurai to protest decisions or restore honor which is deceived. The samurai should push a short blade into his abdomen and cut from left to right. After a second, behead him to end the pain. It was the ultimate act of taking responsibility.
In the Novel:
The Shogun does not "murder" the Chief of Police. He psychologically pushes Hideo into a corner where Seppuku is the only option left to save the police force's reputation. But he didn't cuts his head. The Shogun says 'Cowardice' is only responsible for this suicide. This is the only "Kill" where the Shogun allows the victim to retain some dignity, rather than murdering him.
FILE 007: ISHIDAKI (Stone Hugging) Victim: Takashi Akiyama
Sin: The Silence Sin
Historical Origin: Edo Period Interrogation
The History:
Ishidaki was a method used by the Town Magistrates to get confessions. The suspect was forced to sit stretchimg leg on a board. Heavy stone slabs, each weighing roughly 45kg (100 lbs), were placed onto the victim's lap one by one. The weight would crush the legs against the ridges.
In the Novel:
The Shogun alters the physics. Instead of placing the stones on the victim, he forces the victim to hug the stone to maintain a balance down on fulcrum. This forces the victim to become an participant in their own torture, if they let go of the "burden" (the stone), they die. It symbolizes the heavy weight of carrying a secret.
FILE 008: EBIZEME (The Shrimp)
Victim: Emiko Akiyama
Sin: Complicity
Historical Origin: Edo Period Detention
The History:
Ebizeme was a method of binding used to quite prisoners or silence spies. The victim's legs were crossed, and their ankles were tied to their wrists behind their back. This forced the body into a crescent shape resembling a shrimp. It restricts blood flow and breathing, causing immense muscle pain and panic.
In the Novel:
The Shogun uses this on the victim bent backward at the top of a fulcrum. The tension in her spine is what keeps the vessel from falling. It represents the physical strain of bending over backwards to support a lie.
FILE 009: USHI-ZAKI (Ox Tearing)
Victim: Reika Kurosawa
Sin: Inheritance
Historical Origin: Ancient Era (Heian/Sengoku)
The History:
Ushi-zaki involved tying the victim's legs to two oxen (or bulls). The animals were made running in opposite directions, tearing the victim's body apart. It was a punishment that signified the total destruction of the physical form.
In the Novel:
The Shogun targets the "Innocent" heir to the Kurosawa fortune. Since she benefited from the land deal, Shogun used this method tear apart her body (inheritance). The Shogun uses two high-torque bulldozer winches to resemble the Ox.
FILE 010: GOKUMON (Prison Gate Display)
Victim: Ichiro Tanaka
Sin: Shame
Historical Origin: Edo Period Post-Mortem Punishment
The History:
Gokumon was a punishment performed after a beheading. The severed head was washed, hair dressed, and placed on a wooden stand at the gate or a public bridge. A wooden board was placed next to it detailing the crime. It was designed to shame the family name forever.
In the Novel:
The Shogun targets the victim and beheads him. After execution, the victim's head is mounted on a wooden spike which held under Tokyo tower. By this he completes his masterpiece and kills the Legacy also!