“On the twenty-eighth of February 1936 … Lieutenant Shinji Takayama … took his officer's sword and ceremonially disemboweled himself in the eight-mat room of his private residence in the sixth block of Aoba-Chō, in Yotsuya Ward. His wife Reiko followed him, stabbing herself to death.” - Mishima (Patrriotism)
-
Due to his strong beliefs in Bushido, the Japanese warrior's way of life, Mishima practiced martial arts and even formed the TatenoKai (Shield Society) to preserve the feudal Japanese culture.
-
As Japan entered its post war era, it became more and more Westernized. In an attempt to restore Japanese culture, Yukio Mishima and four members of TatenoKai went to the Ichigaya Camp of the Self Defense Forces of Japan on November 25, 1970.
-
They barricaded the office and tied up the commandant to his chair. Mishima then delivered a speech to the soldiers there, which was intended to inspire a Coup D’état to restore the emperor’s power. The soldiers jeered and disapproved of the speech.
-
After Mishima completed his speech, he goes back to his office and commits Seppuku, a ritual disembowelment. Mishima had planned his suicide in advance, all in the hopes of restoring Japanese culture. This Seppuku and Coup D'état attempt will remain another important part of Mishima's legacy.
Mishima delivering his speech
Mishima committing Seppuku
