− | ''Otokodate'' were a type of street toughs prominent in [[Edo]] literature, theatre, and everyday culture in the early [[Edo period]]. They were closely related to the ''machiyakko'' (町奴), and engaged in a variety of violent and bullying activities to assert and maintain their power within a neighborhood. | + | ''Otokodate'' were a type of street toughs prominent in [[Edo]] literature, theatre, and everyday culture in the early [[Edo period]]. They were closely related to the ''machiyakko'' (町奴), and engaged in a variety of violent and bullying activities to assert and maintain their power within a neighborhood. Famous ''otokodate'' include [[Banzuiin Chobei|Banzuiin Chôbei]] and [[Sukeroku]]. |
| By the early 18th century, however, the ''otokodate'' were largely suppressed, living on only in literature and theatre. On the streets, they were replaced by the ''isami'' (勇), a figure who ''performed'' machismo and toughness, speaking of his various exploits (e.g. street brawls he won), physical strength, and so forth, but without actually engaging in (much) violent behavior. | | By the early 18th century, however, the ''otokodate'' were largely suppressed, living on only in literature and theatre. On the streets, they were replaced by the ''isami'' (勇), a figure who ''performed'' machismo and toughness, speaking of his various exploits (e.g. street brawls he won), physical strength, and so forth, but without actually engaging in (much) violent behavior. |