torture by fire
Historical term for a form of torture or execution using fire, often associated with medieval Japanese punishment methods.
戦国時代には火責めという残酷な刑が行われた。
During the Warring States period, a cruel punishment called torture by fire was carried out.
Compound of 火 (hi, 'fire') and 責め (seme, 'torture, persecution'), with rendaku voicing to ぜめ. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it refers to a specific method of punishment.