However, harakiri is a more general term that encompasses various forms of self-disembowelment. Harakiri was often associated with shame or loss of honor, such as a samurai who failed in his duty, a merchant who broke the law, or a woman who committed adultery. In these cases, harakiri was seen as a form of self-punishment.
“You retreated,” she corrected. “There is a difference. You saved the clan’s records from the burning wagon. You carried the lord’s nephew on your back for two leagues. You lost the supplies, yes. But you did not run like a coward. You survived like a sentinel.” sepuku vs harakiri