Who are the Yakuza?

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A yakuza member shows off his tattoos. © Anton Kusters/antonkuster.com

Who are the yakuza? Similar to the American and Italian mafias of the West, the yakuza are a collection of associated and disassociated crime organizations—more commonly referred to as gangs. The origins of the earliest yakuza groups seem to date back to around the 1870s[i]. The name Ya-Ku-Za literally translates to 8-9-3, a losing hand in a Japanese form of blackjack. This is a fitting name for a group thought to have originated from gamblers and master-less samurai in the 17th century[ii]. Initially, these groups participated in activities quite similar to other crime organizations around the world: racketeering, gambling, prostitution, drug trafficking, money laundering, and loansharking.

However, the modern yakuza are notable for their unique and uneasy standing in Japanese society. The yakuza are not completely outlawed by the Japanese government, but, rather, are closely monitored and curtailed[iii]. In more recent history, the groups have moved primarily into economic schemes, as they have become infamous internationally for infiltrating the executive boards of some of Japan’s largest corporations with the goal of stock manipulation for economic gain. Additionally, most of the organizations have numerous legitimate business along with their less savory practices.

Corporate emblems for the various yakuza groups and office buildings where recognizable crime bosses operate from are well known to the greater public[iv]. In fact, public image is one of the groups’ top priorities, as they actively espouse their existence as humanitarian organizations dedicated to the purpose of creating a better Japan. Behind all of this, however, lies a seedy and dark side to the organizations[v]. Yakuza members are well known for involving themselves, and others, in Yubitsume or finger shortening—a ritual amputation meant to serve as atonement. Numerous instances of assassinations and brutal disposals of stubborn political leaders have also been attributed to these elaborate crime organizations[vi]. Order, hierarchy, and stringent codes of conduct have become synonymous with the yakuza name.

Ultimately, Japan’s criminal underworld is less of an underworld as it operates much more like a corporation hiding in plain sight. This unique notion of such a successful system of organized crime from the western prospective is at once fascinating and mysterious. Hopefully this website can help spark curiosity on the subject.

[i] Johnson, Adam. “Yakuza: Past and Present.” Yakuza: Past and Present. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.

[ii] “Why the Yakuza Are Not Illegal.” The Economist. The Economist Newspaper, 29 Sept. 2015. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.

[iii] Ibid.

[iv] McCurry, Justin. “Yakuza Moves From Street to Boardroom.” The Guardian. N.p., 27 Aug. 2007. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.

[v] Sterngold, James. “Gang in Kobe Organizes Aid for People In Quake.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 21 Jan. 1995. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.

[vi] Raz, Jacob. “The Way of the Yakuza.” Kyoto Journal. N.p., 6 Aug. 2014. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.