Hitobashira (Human Pillar), practiced formerly in Japan, is a human sacrifice, buried alive under or near large-scale buildings like dams, bridges, and castles, as a prayer to the gods so that the building is not destroyed by natural disasters such as floods or by enemy attacks. Hitobashira can also refer to workers who were buried alive under inhumane conditions.

Hitobashira (Human Pillar) Practice of Human Sacrifices in Japan - Unexplained Mysteries