"If a kobun fails his oyabun, he must undergo yabitsume, a form of reparation for his failings. The most common method of this reparation is "finger-cutting." To atone for his failure, a kobun must willingly cut off a part of a finger, or in serious cases the entire finger. "Generally, yabitsume is performed in a very formal ritual attended by the oyabun. The individual making amends ties a white cloth around the finger and is presented with a sharp knife. He then cuts off his own finger. Showing any pain or emotion during the procedure brings even greater shame than the initial failure or disobedience"