The term for ritual suicide in Japan, also known as hari-kiri, used to demonstrate courage and restore family honor is

• A. Seppuku
• B. Ritual suicide
• C. Samurai code
• D. Ceremonial death

Answer: (A)

Seppuku is the formal term for the ritual suicide practiced by samurai in Japan to demonstrate courage and restore family honor. Hari-kiri is a Westernized name for the same act, but seppuku is the authentic Japanese term. This ritual was part of the bushido code, reflecting the belief that a samurai could take responsibility and preserve honor even in defeat. It involved self-disembowelment with a blade, and often a second, the kaishakunin, would perform the final beheading to end the ritual quickly. This is why seppuku is the best answer: it names the practice itself, rather than just describing it in general terms.