Lecture Notes: The Yakuza - A Deep Dive into Japanese Organized Crime

Introduction

• Yakuza: One of the world's most powerful and enigmatic criminal organizations.
• Known for tattoos and amputated fingers, first encountered by US authorities in the 1960s in Honolulu.
• Larger than American mafia with 180,000 members compared to 20,000 in the US during the 1960s.

US Confrontation with Yakuza

• US authorities struggled to understand or combat the Yakuza due to their massive size and operations.
• Japanese authorities were reluctant to share information; Yakuza had societal acceptance and police ties.

Yakuza's Origin Theories

1. Kabukimano: Descendants of ronin (fallen samurai).
2. Makiaco: Considered themselves as defenders of the oppressed.
3. Bakuto (Gambling): Term "Yakuza" derived from a losing hand in a traditional card game.
4. Techia (Scams): Hierarchical merchants with similarities to modern Yakuza.

Yakuza Structure and Culture

• Family Structure: Similar to Italian mafia but with unique oyaban-kobun (parent-protege) relationship.
• Initiation Ceremony: Involves loyalty pledges with sake; kobun must prioritize oyaban over family.
• Code of Honor: Respect for secrecy, obedience, and protection of civilians.
• Punishments: Include yubitsumi (finger amputation) for rule-breaking.

Tattoos and Finger Amputation

• Tattoos: Originally a punishment; later became a symbol of strength and belonging.
• Finger Amputation: A punishment aimed to weaken and ensure dependency on the oyaban.

Yakuza's Political Involvement

• Cooperated with police and got involved in politics during the Meiji era.
• Mitsuru Toyama and Yoshio Kodama: Key figures linking Yakuza with Japanese ultra-nationalism and political influence.
• Post-World War II: Played a key role against communism with support from US interests.

Economic Influence

• Benefited from Japan’s rapid post-war industrial growth; engaged in black market activities during US occupation.
• Shifted to other illicit activities like drug trafficking and gambling as Japan modernized.

Modernization and Global Expansion

• 1980s economic boom: Huge profits from real estate and stock markets.
• Global expansion in the 1990s: Drug trafficking, international alliances, and human trafficking.
• Challenges: Modern Yakuza more violent, less traditional, focused on profit.

Law Enforcement and Legislation

• 1992 Anti-gang law: Aimed to curb Yakuza influence but pushed them underground.
• Continued international expansion despite domestic crackdowns.

Current State

• Traditional Yakuza culture eroding with younger generation's focus on profit over loyalty.
• Decline in Yakuza numbers due to societal integration efforts and changing social attitudes.

Conclusion

• Yakuza's role has evolved from a feared criminal empire to a declining force amid societal and legal pressures.
• Once integral to Japan's socio-political fabric, now faced with extinction and societal reintegration efforts.