Banzuiin Chbei was a historical street tough or otokodate(street knight) who, according to later fictionalised portrayals of his life in literature and drama, fought against injustices, to protect the common people from the abuses of the samurai aristocracy.

Born in Karatsu as Tsukamoto Itar, he established himself in the Asakusa district, leading a band of machi-yakko (early yakuza) and founded an employment agency for rnin. Trained as a warrior, he was renowned for his swordsmanship. In Asakusa, Chbei led a kumi (group or gang) opposing the hatamoto-yakko seeking to control the area's markets. Finally, history tells us he was eventually killed by said hatamoto Mizuno Jrozaemon.

The Last Days of Banzuiin Chbei is a dramatic scene from a kabuki drama about his final days. His enemy, the samurai Jrozaemon, attacks him while at a bathhouse and without his weapons lunging at Chbei with his spear, while another attacker thrusts with his sword. With an angry grimace, Chbei pushes away the handle of the spear while defending himself with a makeshift weapon against the katana. Unable to kill him in combat, his enemies lock the doors setting the bathhouse alight ending the life of this Japanese folk hero.

Pack containsone miniature.

Miniatures supplied unpainted and mayrequireassembly. Spears (if applicable) and 25mm MDF round bases supplied.