YAKUZA HISTORY ORIGINS.
Source: Google Apps.
Although this mafia originated in Japan, its history still raises many questions about the origins of its members.
The Yakuza first appeared in the Edo period.
Historical evidence dates their emergence around the 8th century, as descendants of Kabuki-mono, samurai who worked under the shogun during the Tokugawa era. The establishment of the "Pax Tokugawa" left these men unemployed, forcing them to turn to crime.
They committed various atrocities against the Japanese people and were known for their extravagance and sword fighting skills. However, there is no written source that provides concrete evidence of a relationship between the Yakuza and these criminals. The Yakuza themselves claim to be direct descendants of the Machi-Yakko group (city servants).
To protect themselves from the abuses committed by these fallen samurai (ronin), some would have formed a group of vigilantes.
It is from these defenders of the oppressed that the yakuza derived their customs (such as yubitsume and irezumi).
Thus two different castes arose.
The bakutos, also known as "professional gamblers", acted as self-appointed watchdogs in the cities and dominated the gambling market. In fact, these games remained the yakuza's most lucrative activity.
The Tekiyas, who were found on the streets as street vendors, selling a variety of goods at low prices.
Yakuza crimes, activities and hierarchy.
The Japanese mafia commits few murders or thefts.
It is involved in extortion, embezzlement, prostitution, gambling, money laundering, arms and drug trafficking.
Yakuza members are integrated into society, directly or offering protection to certain establishments, especially in red-light districts such as Shinjuku's Kabukichō.
The Yakuza consists entirely
of men.
Women are barely visible, and their role is primarily limited to discreet support (especially in entertainment venues).
Yakuza clans recruit their members directly from the burakumin community or from South Korea.
The hierarchical structure of the Japanese mafia is very similar to that of the Sicilian mafia.
It is pyramidal and familial with the following levels:
Oyabun:
Also called kumicho, equivalent to "godfather".
Just like in the feudal system, it is a hereditary title passed down from father to son.
Any member who joins the yakuza becomes a protégé (kobun) and takes an oath of loyalty and obedience to the oyabun.
Both are bound by a moral code (the jingi code), and the kobun may eventually become a sponsor to expand the organization.
Saiko-komon:
Advisors who assist the head of the family. This is an administrative position that supervises lawyers, treasurers, etc.
Waka-gashira:
Below the oyabun, he is the second in command in the family (a sort of right-hand man). He receives direct orders from the patriarch and supervises managers, such as directors.
Shatei-gashira:
Under waka-gashira, in terms of authority, he acts as an intermediary between the clan's number two and the intermediate members.
Wakashu:
Middle rank consisting of kyodai (older brothers) and at the bottom of the hierarchy, shatei (younger brothers).
Junkōseiin is the family's apprentice.
The rituals and customs of the Yakuza gang.
Like the Italian mafia, the yakuza hierarchy takes the form of a family. The leader of any yakuza gang or conglomerate is known as the oyabun ("boss/godfather"; literally meaning "parent"), and the followers are known as the kobun ("protégés" or "apprentices"; considered children).
Despite their gangster image, they follow a code of honor, just like samurai.
Loyal, they are forbidden from hiding money from the group, going to the police, or disobeying a superior.
The Kobun traditionally takes a blood oath of allegiance during the Sakazuki induction ceremony.
A member who violates the yakuza code must show penance via a ritual in which the kobun cuts off his little finger and presents it to his oyabun: This is the Yubitsume.
This ritual today creates problems for all former yakuza, who have difficulty reintegrating into society.
For example, it is forbidden to open a bank account and to have a normal office job: they often end up in the construction trades.
According to police estimates, gang membership reached its peak of around 184,000 in the early 1960s. By the start of the 21st century, however, their numbers had fallen to around 80,000, evenly divided between a few members and affiliates.
Members are organized into hundreds of gangs, most of which are affiliated with one of about 20 main gangs.
The largest conglomerate is the Yamaguchi-gumi, founded around 1915 by Yamaguchi Harukichi.
Yamaguchi-gumi, the largest yakuza family.
Its primary activities centered around entertainment and gambling. It is one of the largest criminal organizations in the world and also one of the richest. According to a statistical estimate, in 2010 this family represented more than 40% of the yakuza in Japan.
In the realm of organized crime, the Yamaguchi-gumi rakes in several billion dollars each year through its illegal activities, which include arms and drug trafficking, prostitution, extortion, and pornography.
Shinobu Tsukasa is the new head of the family, having taken over in 2005 following the retirement of Watanabe Yoshinori. In 2007, Tsukasa launched an expansion campaign in Tokyo, where he established his headquarters. The former headquarters, located in Kobe, is now under the leadership of the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi, a breakaway group of "Claners" who
have been expelled from Yamaguchi City. Despite increasingly strict laws against the yakuza and their tarnished image, the Yamaguchi-gumi clans are trying to continue.
Yakuza tattoos.
Tattoo = Proof of new members' courage and loyalty, sign of belonging to a Clan and representation of the yakuza's strengths (determination - koi carp, courage - tiger, power - dragon)
They cover the back, buttocks, thighs, torso and arms. Parts of the body remain bare so that the irezumi is hidden by the clothing (face, hands, feet, mid-torso line).
The problem with tattoos being so visible?
It is impossible for the yakuza to gain access to most public baths and other public areas.
Are yakuza good?
Although the organization is often used for extortion, they helped a lot after the earthquakes, for example by providing emergency services and welcoming people to their offices.
They participate in festivals, such as Sanja Matsuri (where they reveal their tattoos).
Best regards,
Kenneth Enevold Nielsen-Shin.
