The History and Impact of Yakuza, Japan's Organized Crime Syndicates
Japan's infamous organized crime syndicates, the Yakuza, have a long and intricate history of more than 300 years. Originating during the Edo period, the syndicates began as poor peddlers and gamblers in villages and eventually grew into an advanced criminal organization with extensive impact.
Origins and History
The word "Yakuza" literally translates to "good for nothing," which dates back to a card game in which 8-9-3 was deemed the least desirable hand. The word eventually came to be associated with Japan's organized crime syndicates. The early history of the Yakuza was comprised of two main groups: tekiya (village peddlers) and bakuto (gamblers). They eventually came together to establish the core of the Yakuza, which over time branched out into such fields as construction, politics, and the underworld.
Structure and Culture
The Yakuza follows a rigid hierarchical framework, inspired by traditional Japanese family structures. The oyabun-kobun system, where the chief (oyabun) is considered a parent figure, and members (kobun) must be loyal and respectful, forms the crux of the organization. The Yakuza culture is characterized by unique symbols, such as complex tattoos (irezumi) and self-mutilation of fingers (yubitsume) as an atonement or apology.
Major Yakuza Syndicates
Yamaguchi-gumi: Largest Yakuza syndicate, established in Kobe in 1915, with its main operations now located in Tokyo. They maintain extensive overseas links and are involved in a range of illegal activities, such as economic crime.
Sumiyoshi-kai: Second-largest syndicate in Japan, operating mainly in Tokyo, with a decentralized system and adaptability.
Inagawa-kai: Third-largest syndicate, established in 1949, with a formal hierarchical organization and participation in lawful businesses and illegal activities.
Influence and Activities
The influence of the Yakuza penetrates into other areas of Japanese society, such as politics, business, and culture. They have been instrumental in the history of Japan, especially during World War II, where they assisted in the war effort and gained influence. Nowadays, they still engage in both legal and illegal activities, such as construction, real estate, loan sharking, and drug trafficking.
Challenges and Future Prospects
The Yakuza is being severely challenged by government crackdowns and laws to control organized crime. Membership in the Yakuza has been on the decline, and their power is weakening. They are, nevertheless, still present in Japan and continue to spread operations into other countries.
Key Figures
Kazuo Taoka: A key leader of the Yamaguchi-gumi, respected for his code of honor and loyalty, who had brought the influence of the organization beyond the realm of crime.
Susumu Ishii: A flashy head of the Inagawa-kai syndicate, noted for his high-end lifestyle and numerous arrests on money-related charges.
Shinobu Tsukasa: The current head of the Yamaguchi-gumi, who has advocated global expansion and rigorous discipline within the group.
The Yakuza's rich history, cultural impact, and current influence make them an intriguing yet powerful element of Japanese culture. As law enforcement continues to crack down on organized crime, the future of the Yakuza is uncertain, but their place in Japanese history and culture cannot be denied ¹.