Yakuza: History, Meaning, Rituals, & Facts

Introduction

• Yakuza: Japanese organized crime groups often compared to the Mafia.
• Also known as bryokudan or gokud.
• Members adopt samurai-like rituals and have elaborate tattoos.
• Engage in various illegal activities and control legitimate businesses.
• Notably involved in drug trafficking, gambling, and extortion.

Origins and Etymology

• The term yakuza means "good for nothing" and originates from a losing hand in a Japanese card game.
• Possible historical roots:
  • Descendants of ronin (masterless samurai) turned bandits.
  • Do-gooders defending villages from rogue samurai.
  • Grifters and gamblers from Japan’s feudal period.

Structure and Organization

• The yakuza is highly hierarchical, similar to the Italian Mafia.
• Oyabun: The leader (parent status).
• Kobun: The followers (child status).
• Blood Oath: Traditional allegiance ritual; violators historically amputated their little finger.

Yakuza Activities

• Yakuza are involved in various criminal activities:
  • Extortion, blackmail, smuggling.
  • Prostitution, drug trafficking, gambling.
  • Control of restaurants, bars, trucking, and more.
• Also partake in charitable acts, such as helping earthquake victims.

Decline and Modern Influence

• Peak membership in the 1960s (~184,000 members).
• By early 21st century: ~80,000 members.
• Shift towards white-collar crimes with less violence.
• Complex relationship with Japanese police; membership not illegal.

Major Yakuza Conglomerates

• Largest: Yamaguchi-gumi.
• Notable Leaders:
  • Taoka Kazuo: Significant figure in post-WWII expansion.

Cultural and Legal Perspectives

• Viewed as both a societal evil and a necessary regulator against spontaneous crime.
• 1990s policies renamed them bryokudan to emphasize criminality.
• Japanese government increased legal restrictions in the 21st century.

Conclusion

• Yakuza continues to wield significant influence in Japan, though societal and legal pressures are forcing adaptations and changes in their operations.