Are there mafias in Japan?

yakuza, also called bōryokudan or gokudō, Japanese gangsters, members of what are formally called bōryokudan (“violence groups”), or Mafia-like criminal organizations.

How many mafias are in Japan?

The Yakuza are still very active, and although Yakuza membership has declined since the implementation of the Anti-Boryokudan Act in 1992, there are still approximately 12,300 active Yakuza members in Japan as of 2021, although it is possible that they are a lot more active than statistics say.

What is organized crime called in Japan?

Yakuza or bōryokudan (“violent group”) is an umbrella term for Japanese organized crime, a.k.a the country's mob. Instead of being one large collective, the yakuza are split into 21 designated crime groups, each with its own code and agenda. It isn't uncommon for the factions to engage in gang warfare.

Do gangsters still exist in Japan?

Opinion: Japan's yakuza aren't disappearing. They're getting smarter. There were about 70,300 known yakuza members in 2011, but that number had dropped to 25,900 by 2020, according to the National Center for Removal of Criminal Organizations.

Is Japan safe?

Japan is generally safe and is rated among the safest countries in the world. Reports of crime such as theft are very low and travellers are often stunned by the fact that locals leave belongings unaccompanied in cafes and bars (though we certainly don't recommend it!).

The Yakuza - Mafia of Japan

Can females be yakuza?

One can easily misunderstand the women working there related to Yakuza members. Though most women are related to the syndicate, many are not. After some time, Chloe realized that to gain access into the secret lives of Yakuza women she had to meet some Yakuza boss.

Is yakuza illegal in Japan?

These activities make the relationship between yakuza and police in Japan a complicated one; yakuza membership itself is not illegal, and yakuza-owned businesses and gang headquarters are often clearly marked. Gang whereabouts and activities are often known to Japanese police without the latter's taking any action.

Is it possible to leave the yakuza?

Unfortunately, no such pathways to reintegration currently exist. Social acceptance is unattainable for most who renounce their membership in organized crime groups. As a result, they have no option but to resort to illegal activity to survive.

Do yakuza use guns?

Japan's yakuza are putting away their weapons after an unprecedented death sentence was passed on a crime boss. Gangs affiliated with the Yamaguchi-gumi, the country's biggest crime organisation, have been ordered not to use guns “in public” after the conviction of the head of a rival crime group.

Are the yakuza respected?

The yakuza have done their best to portray a noble image within the public sphere. They dress nicely, are respectful and talk politely – when not trying to make money. Violence for the most part happens between gang branches or non-yakuza gangs within Japan.

Can an American join the yakuza?

Straight away, the strangest thing is that a foreigner – a gaijin – gets to become a member of a Yakuza family. Not only that, but Lowell quickly rises to become a member with key responsibilities – at one point he becomes the main boss's bodyguard.

Do yakuza cut off fingers?

In Japan, a stunted pinkie signifies membership in the yakuza, or Japanese mafia. In a ritual known as "yubitsume," yakuza members are required to chop off their own digits to atone for serious offenses. The left pinkie is usually the first to go, though repeated offenses call for further severing.

Are the yakuza rich?

Robert Feldman, a respected economist, once said that the Yamaguchi-gumi were Japan's second largest private equity group. Some yakuza operated firms have generated millions of dollars in profit.

How violent are the yakuza?

In the 1990s, there were dozens of yakuza-related violent attacks, assaults and arsons. In a five year period from 1990 to 1994, gangland violence killed 34 and injured 69. If a yakuza member rats on those above him in the chain of command he not only endangers himself but also puts family members at risk.

What are Chinese gangsters called?

Triads are family-run organized crime gangs. They are sometimes refereed to as the Chinese Mafia or, among mainland Chinese, as "black societies." The Triads are active in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Southeast Asia and the Chinatowns in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere.

Does the yakuza do human trafficking?

The yakuza worked with the Japanese government during World War II to provide Imperial soldiers with “comfort women.” From there, the yakuza expanded into sex tourism, human trafficking of women to Japan, pornographic enterprises, etc. in addition to gambling businesses and the trafficking of drugs and weapons.

What crimes do the yakuza commit?

Illegal gambling and prostitution are Yakuza hallmarks, while the smuggling of banned goods such as drugs, firearms and pornography is also profitable. The age-old protection racket, in which Yakuza threaten business owners and other citizens with violence unless they pay a tribute, is a common Yakuza tactic as well.

How do yakuza cut off fingers?

To perform yubitsume, one lays down a small clean cloth and lays the hand onto the cloth facing down. Using an extremely sharp knife, or tantō, the person cuts off the portion of his left little finger above the top knuckle on the finger or the tip of the finger.

Why can't Japan have an army?

Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution prohibits Japan from establishing a military or solving international conflicts through violence.

Why do yakuza wear suits?

Yakuza wear kimono on special occasions — rituals, important meetings, or for commemoration photos. Thus the kimono serves a dual purpose: as the national costume, it denotes belonging to the Japanese cultural milieu.

What do Japanese call foreigners?

Gaijin (外人, [ɡai(d)ʑiɴ]; "outsider", "alien") is a Japanese word for foreigners and non-Japanese citizens in Japan, specifically non-East Asian foreigners such as white and black people. The word is composed of two kanji: gai (外, "outside") and jin (人, "person").

Can yakuza have wives?

Unlike Western mafia wives, Yakuza wives remain outside the sphere of criminal activity. Although the women play a vital role in running the clan – managing finances, resolving quarrels and providing emotional support – they are barred from being active participants or formal members.

Do Yakuza members get married?

Despite this, wives don't have any real power within the gang. In her thesis, criminology academic Rie Alkemade, points out: “Unlike Western mafia wives, Yakuza wives remain outside the sphere of criminal activity in this organised crime structure, remaining in the passive emotionally and financially supportive role.”

What do you call a yakuza boss wife?

A family affair

In return, a yakuza boss or upper level family member calls the younger ones kodomo (子供 – children) and may use other family terms to refer to people. The boss's wife is often called anesan (姉さん – older sister).