Edo-period hired thief taker; private detective
Historical term for a civilian who assisted the authorities in catching criminals during the Edo period, often working on a commission basis. Similar to 目明かし and 御用聞き.
Okappiki helped catch criminals during the Edo period.
In period dramas, scenes of okappiki patrolling the town often appear.
Standard spelling for this historical term.
Variant spelling without the small っ; less common but still encountered.
The term likely derives from 岡 (hill, but here possibly a euphemism for 'unofficial' or 'outside') and 引く (to pull, to draw in), with the diminutive っ inserted. The exact origin is uncertain, but it refers to someone who 'pulls in' criminals from the shadows.