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"Otokodate" (otoko date, ÄÐÒÁß_) or "street
knights", were sometimes also called "ninja", and were a kind of samurai or ronin warriors.
During the Edo period, the samurai class was still adjusting to peacetime daily routines and frustrated at the loss of status and utility. Bored and idle, they frequently caused trouble in towns and engaged in street fights and robberies. At the same time, the common otokodate (road knights) among merchants gained confidence in their strength and were employed by the local population for protection from outlawed or marauding samurai (cf. "Ronin", "Samurai" and "Ninja"). The samurai and the otokodate were therefore natural rivals, and as each group formed into teams under leaders, fierce and bloody clashes frequently ensued.
Otokodates were also fashion icons and followed the latest trends. Their clothing was often adorned with rich patterns reminiscent of traditional Japanese festivals, and they carried swords and shakuhachi, a flute often associated with street knights and a symbol of defiance of authorities and the government.
Otokodates were a type of street thug that figured prominently in Edo literature, theater, and everyday culture in the early Edo period. Closely related to the Machiyakko (î®Å«), they engaged in a variety of violent and bullying activities to assert and maintain their power within a neighborhood. Famous otokodates are Banzuiin Chôbei and Sukeroku.
By the early 18th century, however, the otokodates were largely suppressed, surviving only in literature and theater. On the street, they were replaced by the Isami (ÓÂ), a character who performed machismo and toughness, talking about his various exploits (e.g. street brawls he won), physical strength, etc. violent behavior.
Kunisada (Toyokuni-III) compared famous kabuki actors of the day with legendary otokodate. Otokodate portraits of famous kabuki actors are also known by his pupil Kunisada-II. Compare KUNISADA's Bando Hikosaburo as Aratamano Harugoro, and "Five Heroes" by KUNISADA-II.
Female street toughs or "onna date" ( Å®ÒÁß_) were also known.
During the Edo period, the samurai class was still adjusting to peacetime daily routines and frustrated at the loss of status and utility. Bored and idle, they frequently caused trouble in towns and engaged in street fights and robberies. At the same time, the common otokodate (road knights) among merchants gained confidence in their strength and were employed by the local population for protection from outlawed or marauding samurai (cf. "Ronin", "Samurai" and "Ninja"). The samurai and the otokodate were therefore natural rivals, and as each group formed into teams under leaders, fierce and bloody clashes frequently ensued.
Otokodates were also fashion icons and followed the latest trends. Their clothing was often adorned with rich patterns reminiscent of traditional Japanese festivals, and they carried swords and shakuhachi, a flute often associated with street knights and a symbol of defiance of authorities and the government.
Otokodates were a type of street thug that figured prominently in Edo literature, theater, and everyday culture in the early Edo period. Closely related to the Machiyakko (î®Å«), they engaged in a variety of violent and bullying activities to assert and maintain their power within a neighborhood. Famous otokodates are Banzuiin Chôbei and Sukeroku.
By the early 18th century, however, the otokodates were largely suppressed, surviving only in literature and theater. On the street, they were replaced by the Isami (ÓÂ), a character who performed machismo and toughness, talking about his various exploits (e.g. street brawls he won), physical strength, etc. violent behavior.
Kunisada (Toyokuni-III) compared famous kabuki actors of the day with legendary otokodate. Otokodate portraits of famous kabuki actors are also known by his pupil Kunisada-II. Compare KUNISADA's Bando Hikosaburo as Aratamano Harugoro, and "Five Heroes" by KUNISADA-II.
Female street toughs or "onna date" ( Å®ÒÁß_) were also known.
Copyright 2008 ff: Hans P. Boehme