The last official government crucifixion, Japan 1894 - This photograph, taken by Felix Beato at the execution grounds near Yokohama, was part of his successful series of documenting Japanese culture. Beheadings were a humane form of execution, as death was instantaneous, while crucifixion was meant to be a slow and torturous death. This man had stolen from a nobleman’s son. In 1866, the Meiji restoration began when the Tokugawa Shogunate was overthrown and Emperor Meiji restored to power. Japan began modernization, and the capital was moved from the ancient city of Kyoto to Tokyo. Crucifixion was abolished, and beheadings became the principle method of execution in Japan for criminals. In was the custom in the Japanese criminal justice system to leave the body of the crucified or the head of the beheaded at the execution grounds for public display before burial.
In 1597, 26 Christians were nailed to crossed in Nagaski. The usual method was actually a combination of crucifixion and impalement: after hanging, four bamboo spears were inserted into the body. If the condemned could pay his executioners well, the spears were inserted into vital organs; if not, or if the crime was heinous, the spears were inserted into non-vital areas. At times, disemboweling of criminals was practised as part of crucifixion.
(via partyinhell)
