Three men, Izo OKADA, Harunosuke KIYOOKA, and Tashima ABE, took Bunkichi to Sanjo-gawara Riverside, and strangulated him with a cord, since 'cutting him would leave a stain on the sword.'
岡田以蔵・清岡治之介・阿部多司馬の3人は三条河原へ連行の上、「斬るのは刀の穢れになる」として細引で絞殺した。