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.
Kabukimono strutted through the streets of Edo in flamboyant kimono and with eccentric hairstyles.
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.
Standard kanji spelling for the historical term.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling; less common but still encountered.
Ateji spelling using characters for 'song, dance, skill'; may cause confusion with 歌舞伎 (kabuki theater).
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.