Ikido (in Japanese:生き胴) is a Japanese execution method.
Ikido translates to "living torso".[1] Ikido was invented during the Edo period and was used as a form of tameshigiri (test cutting) on living people and dead people.[2][3][4][5]
Prior to execution, a mound of dirt was set-up on the execution site. The condemned person was laid on their stomach on the dirt mound and then blindfolded. The condemned person was then slashed with a sword on their neck and torso simultaneously, slicing the person in two. [6] Sometimes after the execution, details of the execution were carved into the sword of the executioner.[7]
While mostly used as a form of capital punishment, ikido was also used on ordinary citizens.[8]