Ana-tsurushi , also known simply as tsurushi , was a Japanese torture technique used in the 17th century to coerce Christians ("Kirishitan") to recant their faith. The victim was hung head-down by the feet. Both Japanese and Western Christians are known to have been subjected to the torture. One of the victim's hands would be held tight with a rope, but the other would be left free so that he could signal his willingness to recant.