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Banzuiin Chōbei

1622 – 1657

Japanese street tough

Youxia
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About Banzuiin Chōbei

Lived 1622 – 1657 (aged 34–35). Banzuiin Chōbei was a Japanese youxia.

was a historical street tough of Japan's Edo period who, according to later fictionalized portrayals of his life in literature and drama, fought against injustices, and to protect the common people from the abuses of the samurai aristocracy. Born in Karatsu as Tsukamoto Itarō (塚本伊太郎), he established himself in the Asakusa district of Edo, where he led of a band of machi-yakko and founded an employment agency for rōnin. Trained as a warrior, he was renowned for his swordsmanship.

In Asakusa, Chōbē organized a kumi (group or gang) which opposed the hatamoto-yakko in seeking to control the area's markets. He was eventually killed by hatamoto Mizuno Jūrozaemon.

Following his death, Chōbē became a popular figure in literature and drama. A 1974 prime-time television jidaigeki series, , starred Mikijirō Hira as Chōbē. He was also portrayed by the famous motion picture actor Tsumasaburô Bandô in the 1951 film Oedo go-nin otoko.

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Important facts

Born
1622
Birth century
Occupation
Youxia
Nationality
Also known as
Banzuiin Chobei, Banzuiin Choubei

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Banzuiin Chōbei's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Banzuiin Chōbei?

Japanese street tough

When was Banzuiin Chōbei born?

Banzuiin Chōbei was born in 1622.

When did Banzuiin Chōbei die?

Banzuiin Chōbei died on 27 August 1657.

What was Banzuiin Chōbei's occupation?

Banzuiin Chōbei was a youxia.

What nationality was Banzuiin Chōbei?

Banzuiin Chōbei was Japanese.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Banzuiin Chōbei

· Wikidata: Q4857401

· DBpedia: Banzuiin Chōbē

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Banzuiin Chōbei. https://biography.guide/banzuiin-chobei/

MLA: "Banzuiin Chōbei." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/banzuiin-chobei/.

Chicago: "Banzuiin Chōbei." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/banzuiin-chobei/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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