Serial Killers of Medieval Japan
Summary
This episode explores serial murder and banditry in medieval Japan, challenging the romanticized image of samurai honor. It covers specific cases like the Lake Biwa massacre and the bandit Hakamadari, while examining the practice of tsujigiri, where samurai tested swords on innocent travelers. The discussion analyzes how society distinguished between heroic battlefield violence and criminal homicide, highlighting the role of Buddhist penance and collective punishment in addressing these atrocities.
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