Instroduction

 

The Yakuza, often referred to as the 'Japanese mafia,' is a puzzling and multi-layered element of Japan's culture and society. This organized crime group, rooted in the distant past, has grown into a symbol of the complex relationship between tradition and modernity. On one hand, the Yakuza is viewed through the prism of brutality and ruthlessness, typical for criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and other dark aspects of the criminal underworld. On the other hand, its members are often portrayed as figures adhering to a strict code of honor, reminiscent of ancient samurai traditions. This duality of the Yakuza arouses fascination both in Japan and around the world, creating an image of an organization representing Japanese culture, while simultaneously being its fringe.

 

However, one cannot ignore the Yakuza's impact on contemporary Japanese society. It is present not only in the dark alleys of the criminal world but also in the legal aspects of everyday life - from business to politics. An interesting phenomenon is its role in charitable activities, especially visible during natural disasters, when Yakuza members often provide aid to the affected, acting faster and more effectively than official government agencies. Such activity, though seemingly contradictory to its criminal nature, contributes to building a complex image of the Yakuza in the eyes of society. Thus, the Yakuza, being both a taboo subject and an object of interest, becomes a living example of a cultural paradox that continually intrigues and provokes questions.

 

 

 

YA '八' + KU '九' + ZA '三' = 5, 3, 9

 

The name 'Yakuza' originates from the Japanese card game 'Oicho-Kabu', similar to baccarat. The term 'yakuza' comes from the worst combination of cards: 'ya' (八), 'ku' (九), and 'za' (三), meaning eight, nine, and three respectively. The sum of these numbers is the least advantageous in the game, which led to the use of this term in the context of 'useless' or 'worthless' people. The metaphorical use of this term then transferred to individuals living on the social margins, including members of criminal gangs, leading to the modern meaning of 'Yakuza.'

 

The Yakuza as an organization originates from two main groups: 'Bakuto' (gamblers) and 'Tekiya' (market guards). Bakuto traveled around Japan organizing gambling games, while Tekiya were involved in selling goods at fairs and festivals. Both groups were strongly associated with violence and activities at the edge of the law. In the Edo period (1603-1868), these groups began to form early structures similar to modern Yakuza gangs, using their strength to protect interests and influence local communities.

 

 

 

Yakuza History

 

Edo (1603~1868)

Yakuza's history dates back to the early Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan, where its early forms began to shape from groups known as Kabukimono. Kabukimono were eccentric, often displaced samurai, who drew attention with their appearance and behavior. Their defiant lifestyle and disdain for established social norms became the genesis for the later Yakuza culture. Alongside them were Machi-yakko groups, a type of urban militia that gained popularity as defenders of local communities against bandits and Kabukimono. Though different in nature, both Kabukimono and Machi-yakko were the prototypes for Yakuza, combining elements of rebellion, defense of local interests, and laying the foundations for the later code of honor.

 

In the late Edo period, with the formalization of social and economic structures, Yakuza began evolving into a more organized form. Groups like tekiya (street vendors) and bakuto (gamblers) laid the groundwork for this transformation. Tekiya mainly focused on trade at Japanese festivals and fairs, often operating on the fringes of the law. Bakuto organized gambling games, contributing to the development of their own codes and traditions that influenced the later Yakuza culture. During this period, the first o-zumo (sumo) and other gambling types were regulated and partially controlled by these groups. The growth of these activities led to the formation of the first hierarchical structures resembling later Yakuza clans, as well as an increase in their influence in Japanese society. The Edo period was also a time when the Yakuza's relationships with power and society began to take shape, showing its ability to adapt and survive in changing historical conditions.

 

 

Meiji and Taisho (1868 ~1926)

The changes brought about by the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912) and the following Taisho period (1912-1926) had a significant impact on the development of the Yakuza. Japan's modernization, opening to Western influences, and socio-economic transformations created new opportunities and challenges for the organization. During the Meiji era, with the introduction of a new legal and police system, Yakuza began organizing into more coordinated groups to survive increased government pressure. These changes led the Yakuza to engage more in legal and semi-legal businesses, especially in gambling and trade sectors. In the Taisho era, Japan experienced growth in urbanization and industrialization, which the Yakuza utilized by expanding their activities into new areas such as illegal gambling dens, brothels, and money exchange offices, responding to the growing demand in rapidly developing cities.

 

 

Showa Period (1926~1939)

The Showa period, beginning in 1926, brought further challenges and opportunities for the Yakuza, especially in the 1930s as Japan increasingly immersed itself in militaristic and expansionist nationalism. The rise of nationalism and ultra-nationalist movements created a new arena for the Yakuza, which began to act as an unofficial force supporting government and military goals, often in secret operations or intimidating political opponents. This period also saw the development of the Yakuza's ties with politics and high-ranking state officials, providing it with protection and influence. At the same time, the Yakuza continued the development of its traditional criminal activities, such as gambling, prostitution, and extortion, adapting to the changing socio-economic conditions. In the 1930s, the Yakuza also began to engage more in international trade, including opium smuggling, contributing to further growth of its influence and operational scope.

 

 

World War II

During World War II, the Yakuza played a significant, though often hidden, role in Japanese society. Wartime conditions and nationwide mobilizations contributed to the further blurring of the line between legal and illegal activities, creating new opportunities for criminal organizations. The Yakuza, utilizing its organizational skills and extensive networks, engaged in various activities, from black market trading and distribution of scarce goods to collaborating with government agencies to maintain order and internal stability. Due to restrictions in supplies and resources, the Yakuza often controlled key resources for the wartime economy, such as food, fuel, and even medicines, using them for their own enrichment and to increase their influence.

 

 

Post-War Period

After the end of World War II, Japan experienced a period of reconstruction and chaos, creating ideal conditions for the development of the Yakuza. During this time, the organization began to engage in the black market and other illegal activities to meet the growing demand for goods and services unavailable in the devastated economy. The Yakuza used its connections and resources to provide access to commodities, such as food, fuel, and medicines, significantly increasing its influence and reputation. This period also saw the crystallization of the Yakuza's ties with politics, especially with the conservative Liberal Democratic Party, further strengthening its influence in Japanese society.

 

 

Expansion (1960~70)

In the 1960s and 70s, the Yakuza expanded its activities into more organized crime, including drug and arms trafficking. Yakuza groups also began investing in legitimate ventures, such as construction, real estate, and entertainment. These decades also saw international development, where the Yakuza began cooperating with other criminal organizations worldwide, including the Italian mafia and Chinese triads. This expansion solidified its position as a global player in the criminal world.

 

 

Internal Conflicts and Splits of the 1980s

In the 1980s and 90s, internal conflicts and rivalry between different Yakuza factions began to escalate. One of the most significant conflicts was the so-called Yama-Ichi War of the 1980s, a bloody battle between two major factions of the Yamaguchi-gumi. This internal struggle led to hundreds of murders and retaliatory actions, drawing public and law enforcement attention to the Yakuza, leading to increased legal and police pressure on the organization.

 

 

New Challenges and Adaptation in the 21st Century

In the 21st century, the Yakuza faces new challenges, including increased pressure from the Japanese government, which has introduced a series of measures aimed at curbing its activities. The Anti-Organized Crime Group Act, introduced in 1992, and subsequent amendments, have significantly hindered Yakuza operations, limiting its ability to conduct business and recruit new members. In response, many Yakuza groups have started exploring new methods of operation, including shifting some of their activities to cyberspace and engaging in more sophisticated forms of economic crime.

 

 

 

Who 'Founded' the Yakuza?

The early history of the Yakuza, covering the Edo, Meiji, and Taisho periods, is not associated with one dominating figure who could be considered the most important. Due to the nature and structure of the Yakuza as a decentralized and loosely organized federation of various groups, it is difficult to pinpoint a single individual leader who had a key impact on the entire organization in its early years. However, among the figures who played a significant role in shaping the early Yakuza, Banzuiin Chōbei is often mentioned.

 

 

Banzuiin Chōbei - The Beginnings

Banzuiin Chōbei was a notable figure in Edo (former Tokyo) in the 17th century. Considered one of the first "godfathers" of the Yakuza, he led a group of machi-yakko (literally "servants of the town"), which acted as a kind of local defense against crime. His actions were characterized by protecting ordinary people from violence and exploitation by bandits or corrupt samurais. In this way, Chōbei gained recognition and respect among the local community, contributing to the image of the Yakuza as an organization rooted in the defense of local communities.

 

 

Chōbei's Power and Influence

Chōbei was known for his authority and ability to maintain order in his area of influence. His leadership of the machi-yakko was not just about strength but also involved negotiation skills and conflict management. Although his actions could be seen as crime protection, they also fell into a legal gray area. Banzuiin Chōbei and his group commanded both respect and fear, laying the foundation for the later image of the Yakuza as an organization balancing between legal and illegal activities.

 

 

Chōbei's Legacy

Although Banzuiin Chōbei was not a member of the Yakuza in today's understanding of the term, his actions and stance significantly influenced the formation of the culture and practices associated with this organization. His figure remains present in Japanese culture, often recalled as an example of an honorable criminal who placed the welfare of the community above personal interests. Chōbei's legacy, as a leader of a group on the edge of the law, influenced the formation of the idea of the Yakuza as an organization that, besides criminal activity, also carried a kind of honor code and principles.

 

 

 

Yakuza – Range of Activities

 

Organized Crime

The Yakuza, known as one of the most complex and branched criminal organizations in the world, engages in a wide range of criminal activities. From traditional gambling, extortion, and drug trafficking to more organized forms of crime such as human trafficking and international smuggling. Yakuza groups also operate in prostitution, managing networks of brothels and escort agencies in and outside of Japan. Their activities also extend to financial crime, including fraud, money laundering, and other types of corporate scams.

 

 

Real Estate

The Yakuza has long been involved in the real estate market, using intimidation and violence tactics to acquire land and properties. This form of operation often includes "sōkaiya" - gangsters specializing in corporate manipulation and blackmailing companies. Sōkaiya use their shares in companies to influence corporate decisions and to extort money from businesses in exchange for protection against other gangsters or scandals. Additionally, the Yakuza is known for engaging in "jigeya" procedures, involving forcing residents to leave their homes to facilitate property development.

 

 

Legal Activities

Despite their criminal operations, the Yakuza also maintains a presence in legitimate business, often serving as a front for their illegal operations. Enterprises run by or with the involvement of the Yakuza include restaurants, bars, nightclubs, construction companies, and others. Some of these businesses operate fully legally, though they may be used for money laundering or other illegal activities. Furthermore, the Yakuza invests in legal financial markets, real estate, and other economic sectors, allowing it to diversify income sources and increase its economic power.

 

 

Attempts at Legitimization

Attempts to legalize and legitimize Yakuza activities have become more visible in recent decades. The organization tries to portray itself in media and society as a "chivalrous organization" ("ninkyō dantai"), which it has somewhat achieved through public charitable actions and assistance during natural disasters. However, despite these actions, the Yakuza remains under strict legal and social scrutiny, and its activities are the subject of numerous debates and controversies in Japan. This ambiguity - presence in legal business and criminal underworld - is a key element of the complex image of the Yakuza in Japanese society.

 

 

 

Yakuza as a Charitable Organization?

One of the most famous examples of the Yakuza's pro-social activities is their response to the Great Kobe Earthquake in 1995. The Yakuza, especially its largest clan, the Yamaguchi-gumi, which is based in Kobe, quickly organized assistance for the disaster victims. They provided shelter, food, water, and basic necessities for those who lost their homes and were left destitute. This action was widely commented on in the media, showing the Yakuza in an unusual light - as an organization that can play a positive role in society during times of crisis.

 

The Yakuza showed a similar response after the earthquake and tsunami in Tōhoku in 2011. Various Yakuza clans, including Yamaguchi-gumi, Inagawa-kai, and Sumiyoshi-kai, quickly responded by providing disaster victims with food, water, blankets, and other necessities. In this case, the Yakuza again demonstrated their ability to mobilize resources quickly and organize effective aid, in contrast to the relatively slower reaction of the Japanese government.

 

Apart from help in natural disasters, the Yakuza occasionally engages in other charitable activities. Examples of such actions include organizing events for children from poor families, financial support for schools, and even organizing local festivals and cultural events. These activities are part of the Yakuza's strategy to build a better image in society and strengthen local community ties. However, despite these actions, the image of the Yakuza as a criminal organization remains dominant, and its charitable activities are often seen as a way to improve its public image and gain greater social acceptance.

How is the Yakuza structured?

 

 

 

General Structure

The modern Yakuza is characterized by a strongly hierarchical and complex structure that resembles a family or clan. At the top of the hierarchy is the "oyabun" (literally "father role"), who is the leader of the entire organization. The oyabun has absolute power and is treated with deep respect by other members. Directly under him are the "saikō-komon" (senior advisors) and "wakagashira" (deputies), who manage individual regions or sectors of activity. The further structure consists of "kumichō" (clan bosses), "shateigashira" (junior bosses), and other ranks that define a member's position in the organization. Each Yakuza clan functions as a separate unit, though all are interconnected and subordinate to central leadership.

 

 

Clans and Families

The Yakuza is divided into many clans, also known as "gumi" or "families." The most well-known clans are Yamaguchi-gumi, Inagawa-kai, and Sumiyoshi-kai, each with its network of connections and activities. These clans may contain smaller groups, known as "bōryokudan" (violence groups), which operate locally. Within these groups are even smaller units, known as "kobun" (children), who are the direct subordinates of their oyabuns. This structure allows for effective management and coordination of activities throughout Japan and facilitates the spread of the Yakuza's influence beyond the country's borders.

 

 

 

Major Yakuza Traditions

Irezumi (入れ墨, "injecting ink") - Yakuza Tattoos Irezumi are traditional Japanese tattoos, often covering almost the entire body. Characteristic of Yakuza members, these sophisticated and often symbolic works of art serve as a sign of their dedication and loyalty to the organization. These tattoos are both a testament to courage and sacrifice, due to the pain and time spent on their creation.

 

 

Yubitsume (指詰め, "shortening fingers") - The Ritual of Finger Cutting

Yubitsume is a self-punishment ritual involving the amputation of a finger joint. This practice is an expression of apology for errors or offenses against the organization. The loss of a finger also symbolizes the weakening of the samurai sword grip, increasing the Yakuza member's dependence on their oyabun (leader).

 

 

Sakazukigoto (盃事, "cup affair") - Yakuza Initiation Ceremony

Sakazukigoto is a ceremony where a new member officially joins the Yakuza by exchanging sake cups with the oyabun. This ritual symbolizes the establishment of a familial bond between the oyabun and his subordinate (kobun) and a commitment to loyalty and obedience.

 

 

Oyabun-Kobun (親分子分, "parent-child") - Hierarchical Relationship

The Oyabun-Kobun system is based on hierarchy and loyalty, resembling a parent-child relationship. Members of lower ranks are obligated to obey and be loyal to their immediate superiors, ensuring discipline and structure in the organization. This structure reflects traditional Japanese family and social values.

 

 

 

Yakuza: Adaptation and Transformation

In the 21st century, the Yakuza is undergoing significant changes, adapting to new social and legal realities in Japan. The number of members and the visibility of the organization are decreasing, partly due to increasingly stringent anti-mafia laws and government pressure. The Yakuza is increasingly leaning towards activities in the gray area of the economy, avoiding direct involvement in traditional crime. There is also a growing trend of investing in legitimate ventures, from real estate to technology. Interestingly, the Yakuza has started using modern technologies, including social media, to recruit new members and promote its activities.

 

Faced with increasing pressure from society and authorities, the future of the Yakuza is uncertain. The organization must confront challenges such as a diminishing pool of young recruits, increased investigative actions, and changes in societal attitudes toward organized crime. The Yakuza stands at a crossroads, deciding whether to adapt to new realities and survive or face the possibility of further marginalization and weakening of its position. Some experts suggest that the Yakuza may evolve towards a more covert and complex criminal network, focusing on digital forms of crime to maintain its influence and revenue.

 

 

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