torture by pouring molten lead on the back
Historical form of torture used in feudal Japan; the victim was forced to lie face down while molten lead was poured over their back.
Teppō-zeme was one of the cruel tortures of the Edo period.
Compound of 鉄砲 (teppō, 'gun') and 責め (zeme, 'torture'), literally 'gun torture'. The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but it may refer to the use of molten lead (used for bullets) or the resemblance of the pouring to gunfire.