Seppuku is a traditional form of ritual suicide in Japan, historically practiced by samurai. It involves a person disemboweling themselves with a short sword, often followed by a second, known as a kaishakunin, who assists in the act by beheading the individual. This practice was seen as a way to restore honor after a disgrace or failure, allowing the samurai to die with dignity. The origins of seppuku date back to the 12th century and were formalized in the Bushido code, which emphasized loyalty and honor. While it is no longer practiced, seppuku remains a significant part of Japanese history and culture, symbolizing the extreme measures taken to uphold personal and familial honor.