Japanese Yakuza

Hi, everyone. Today, I want to share with you my thoughts on the Japanese yakuza, the notorious crime syndicates that originated in Japan.

The Japanese yakuza are also called bōryokudan ("violence groups") or gokudō ("the extreme path"). They are organized into hundreds of gangs, most of them belonging to one of some 20 conglomerate gangs. The biggest conglomerate is the Yamaguchi-gumi, which has about 20,000 members and operates all over Japan and abroad. The yakuza have a hierarchical structure that resembles a family. The leader of any gang or conglomerate is called the oyabun ("boss" or "parent"), and the followers are called kobun ("protégés" or "children"). The yakuza follow strict codes of conduct and rituals, such as yubitsume, which is the cutting off of the left little finger as a punishment or apology.

One of the things that fascinate me about the Japanese yakuza is their elaborate body tattoos, which cover most of their skin. The tattoos are made by hand with a needle and ink, and they often depict dragons, flowers, gods, or other symbols. The tattoos are a sign of loyalty and courage, but they also make it hard for the yakuza to hide their identity from the police or society. Another thing that intrigues me about the Japanese yakuza is their involvement in various legitimate and illegitimate businesses. The yakuza extort, blackmail, smuggle, prostitute, deal drugs, gamble, lend money, and recruit day-laborers. They also control many restaurants, bars, trucking companies, talent agencies, taxi fleets, factories, and other businesses in major Japanese cities. They sometimes provide protection or assistance to local communities in exchange for money or respect.

The Japanese yakuza are different from other crime organizations in some ways. For example, the Japanese yakuza have a strong sense of honor and pride, and they often claim to follow the code of ninkyō dantai ("chivalrous organizations"). They also respect their rivals and enemies, and they sometimes cooperate with the police or the government to maintain order or prevent violence. On the other hand, the Japanese yakuza also share some similarities with other crime organizations. For example, the Japanese yakuza are involved in international criminal activities, and they have connections with other groups such as the Chinese triads, the Italian Mafia, or the Russian mob. The Japanese yakuza also face many challenges and threats, such as internal conflicts, rival factions, police crackdowns, public hostility, and legal restrictions.

I think the Japanese yakuza are a complex and intriguing phenomenon that deserves more attention and understanding. I admire their artistry and culture, but I also condemn their violence and corruption. I hope to learn more about the Japanese yakuza and their impact on Japan and the world.