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Yakuza (Japanese: ヤクザ, IPA: [jaꜜkɯdza]; English: / jəˈkuːzə, ˈjækuːzə /), also known as gokudō (極道, "the extreme path", IPA: [gokɯꜜdoː]), are members of transnational organized crime syndicates originating in Japan.
5 days ago · The word yakuza (“good for nothing”) is believed to have derived from a worthless hand in a Japanese card game similar to baccarat or blackjack: the cards ya-ku-sa (“eight-nine-three”), when added up, give the worst possible total.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- The History of The Yakuza
- World War II
- Yakuza Structure
- The Yakuza Initiation Process
- Yakuza Tattoos
- Famous Members of The Yakuza
- The Modern-Day Yakuza
- Impact on Japanese Society
- Conclusion
The yakuza trace their origins back to two separate groups in feudal Japan: tekiya and bakuto. Tekiya were peddlers who travelled from village to village, selling their wares while living on the outskirts of society. Bakuto were gamblers and often associated with sumo wrestlers (who were also considered outcasts). These two groups eventually coales...
During World War II, the Yakuza played a significant role in Japan’s economy and war effort. They engaged in various activities such as smuggling rationed goods, running black markets, and providing protection for businesses. As the war progressed and resources became scarce, the Yakuza stepped in to fill the void. They smuggled goods like food, ga...
The Yakuza is structured and organized in a hierarchical manner, with each member having a specific rank and role within the organization. At the top of the hierarchy is the “oyabun,” or boss, who holds ultimate power and authority over the group. The oyabun has several underlings known as “wakagashira” who act as his advisors and help him make dec...
The Yakuza initiation process, also known as “sakazuki,” is a formal ceremony that marks a person’s entrance into the organization. It involves several rituals and tests designed to weed out those who are not committed to the Yakuza’s values and way of life. The first step in the initiation process is to find a sponsor, or “aniki,” who will vouch f...
Yakuza tattoos, also known as “irezumi,” are not only a symbol of power and status within the gang but they also serve as a form of identity for Yakuza members. The tattoos are often large and cover much of the body, with intricate designs that can take years to complete. The process of getting a tattoo is painful and time-consuming, adding to its ...
The following are just a few examples of some of the most well-known members of the Yakuza throughout history. While many have passed away or been imprisoned, their legacies continue to shape this secretive criminal organization today.
The Yakuza continues to be a prominent and influential presence in modern-day Japan. Despite increased efforts by law enforcement agencies to crack down on organized crime, the syndicates continue to operate both openly and covertly throughout the country. One of the primary sources of income for the Yakuza is through illegal gambling operations. T...
The Yakuza has had a significant impact on Japanese society as a whole. Their activities have affected businesses, politics, and everyday life in Japan. The Yakuza’s control over various industries such as construction, real estate, and entertainment has had a direct impact on businesses in Japan. Companies that refuse to cooperate with the syndica...
In conclusion, the Yakuza remains a powerful and influential presence in modern-day Japan. Despite efforts to crack down on organized crime, the syndicate continues to operate both openly and covertly throughout the country. The Yakuza’s influence extends far beyond their own criminal organizations – touching on all aspects of Japanese life from po...
Nov 5, 2019 · The yakuza make some of their money in the stereotypical manner of criminals: prostitution, blackmail, gambling, and the like. But their real wealth comes from completely legitimate businesses, which are often clearly marked as being yakuza owned.
- Kathy Benjamin
Aug 6, 2022 · Known informally as the Japanese mafia, the Yakuza are a 400-year-old criminal syndicate that carries out everything from human trafficking to real estate sales.
Jul 16, 2019 · The yakuza originated during the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603 - 1868) with two separate groups of outcasts. The first of those groups were the tekiya, wandering peddlers who traveled from village to village, selling low-quality goods at festivals and markets.
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Sep 15, 2015 · Last month, Japan’s largest crime group split into two main factions. But what is the yakuza, how much influence do they wield, and what could this split mean?
