Yukio Mishima, a leading figure in modern Japanese literature, sought to advocate for a return to traditional Japanese values and a strengthened role for the Emperor in Japan, which he believed had been diminished since World War II. In a dramatic turn of events, he attempted a coup against the Japanese government in an effort to inspire a military uprising. On the day of his ritual seppuku, Mishima, accompanied by a loyal follower, took control of the Tokyo headquarters of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, hoping to rally soldiers to his cause. However, his appeal was met with resistance, and the military personnel refused to support the uprising.

Realizing that his coup was failing, Mishima proceeded with the ritualistic act of seppuku, an ancient method of suicide among Samurai, where one disembowels oneself as an act of honor. Witnesses reported that Mishima remained composed and dignified throughout the process, even presenting his final words with clarity and conviction. The coverage of this event resulted in a media frenzy and heightened interest in Mishima's literary works, as well as his nationalistic views, which found resonance among certain factions in Japan.

Mishima's seppuku was not just a personal act but symbolized a tumultuous moment in Japanese history, representing the conflict between modernity and tradition. His life and death brought attention to the struggles within Japanese identity and the country's rapid post-war transformation. The event raised questions about nationalism, individualism, and the changing nature of Japanese society as it navigated the ramifications of its imperial past and the aspirations for a new future.