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FTA: Several hundred years ago, the Japanese witnessed death regularly, with bodies buried by family members and samurai displaying severed heads in public. The
by miles 17y ago
FTA: Several hundred years ago, the Japanese witnessed death regularly, with bodies buried by family members and samurai displaying severed heads in public. These days, such moments are rare.
Indeed, it is a crying shame that displaying severed heads in public has become so rare. Seriously though, can't Time magazine do a slightly better job editing?
- patio11 17y agowith bodies buried by family members Dealing with death is considered unclean in Shinto and many of the various traditions it was synthesized out of, which is why only Japan's untouchable caste (burakumin 部落民) did gravedigging, and one reason why they were ostracized. It has been, ahem, a very long time indeed since burying one's family members would be considered normative behavior. For more on this and other interesting topics, see your favorite Japanese Civilization 101 textbook.
- ximeng 17y agoBefore reading the textbook, maybe watch "Departures", the film mentioned in the article. I'd wager most people will find it to be easier going and more moving. Half the cinema was sniffling by the end when I saw it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Departures_%28film%29 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Departures_%28film%29
- dnsworks 17y agoJapan got it's last hurrah of severed heads when it brutalized Nanking. I guess after Japan's devastating loss to America, who did not display the heads of our enemies, they accepted that their methods were sort of .. Barbaric?