noun
kabukimono; flamboyant Edo-period samurai
Historical term for eccentric, flashily dressed samurai who roamed Edo streets in the early 17th century, often engaging in disruptive or violent behavior. Their style influenced early kabuki theater.
傾奇者は、派手な着物と奇抜な髪型で江戸の町を闊歩した。
Kabukimono strutted through the streets of Edo in flamboyant kimono and with eccentric hairstyles.
かぶき者の風俗が、のちの歌舞伎の衣装や演出に影響を与えたと言われる。
It is said that the style of kabukimono later influenced the costumes and staging of kabuki theater.
歌舞伎 refers to the classical Japanese theater form, while 傾奇者 refers to the historical figures whose flamboyant style is said to have inspired it.
侠客 were chivalrous commoners or gangsters of the Edo period, often protectors of the weak, whereas 傾奇者 were samurai known for their outrageous behavior rather than chivalry.
From 傾く (かぶく, 'to tilt, to be eccentric') + 者 (もの, 'person'). The kanji 歌舞伎 is ateji applied later due to the association with kabuki theater.