Kabukimono

Kabukimono gangs were flamboyant rogue groups comprised of increasingly bored samurai during the late Sengokuperiod and lasted throughout the Edo period. They were noted for wearing loud, gaudy kimono (some used kimono intended for use by women) and engaging in wild behavior. Most of their members were made up of young men who were not in line to inherit their family positions or holdings. Often these groups were known to bully townspeople and others of lower classes, indulge in protection rackets, become gangs of thieves, or even kill innocent civilians|. Fuwa Kuzuemon of the 47 Ronin was known to be a member of a Kabukimono gang.

References

• Rankin, Andrew, Seppuku (Kodansha International Ltd, Tokyo 2011)