1. Introduction
The Yakuza are an organized crime syndicate in Japan, and have been a part of the country’s culture for centuries. The Yakuza are heavily involved in many aspects of Japanese society, from extortion and gambling to drug trafficking and prostitution. Despite their criminal activities, the Yakuza have a very complex relationship with the Japanese government and public. This article will explore how the Yakuza are treated in Japan, including their history, culture and practices, public perception and government response.
2. History of the Yakuza
The origin of the Yakuza can be traced back to 17th century Japan when they were known as “bakuto” or gamblers. The bakuto were considered outcasts by society and were looked down upon by other members of Japanese society. Over time, the bakuto evolved into what we now know as the Yakuza. During World War II, many members of the Yakuza joined forces with the Japanese military and were used to carry out various tasks such as espionage and assassinations. After World War II ended, many former members of the military joined forces with existing Yakuza organizations to form powerful crime syndicates that would dominate much of Japan’s underworld for decades to come.
3. Yakuza Culture and Practices
The Yakuza have a unique culture that is based on a strict code of honor known as “ninkyo” or chivalry. This code requires members to be loyal to one another, protect each other from harm, and never betray their fellow members. Additionally, it requires them to show respect for authority figures such as police officers or politicians even if they disagree with them politically or ideologically.
Yakuza organizations also have strict rules about how money should be handled within their organization; money must be shared equally among all members regardless of rank or seniority within the organization. Additionally, any profits made from criminal activities must be reported to higher-ranking members so that they can determine how it should be distributed among all members fairly without favoritism or corruption taking place within the organization itself.
4 How are the Yakuza Viewed in Japan?
The general public perception of yakuzas in Japan is mixed; while some view them as criminals who engage in illegal activities such as extortion and racketeering, others view them with admiration due to their adherence to traditional codes of honor such as ninkyo which require them to protect those weaker than themselves even if it means putting themselves at risk in doing so. Additionally, there is some level of respect given towards yakuzas due to their willingness to take responsibility for their actions rather than trying to evade punishment through bribery or other means which is seen by some sections of society as honorable behavior despite its illegality under Japanese law.
5 The Government’s Response To The Yakuza
The Japanese government has taken a hard stance against yakuzas since World War II when it outlawed them completely in 1948 via an amendment known as “the Anti-Organized Crime Law” which made it illegal for any organized crime group such as yazukas from operating within Japan’s borders under penalty of imprisonment for up to ten years if caught violating this law by engaging in criminal activity such as extortion or racketeering. In addition to this law,there have been several other laws passed throughout the years aimed at curbing yazuka activity such as increasing penalties for certain crimes committed by yazukas,banning certain symbols associated with yazukas,prohibiting banks from allowing yazukas from using their services,etc.
6 Public Perception Of The Yazuka
Public perception towards yazukas has shifted over time ; while historically they were seen by many sections of society with admiration due to their adherence towards traditional codes such ninkyo,this has changed over time due to increased media coverage on criminal activities committed by yazukas.As a result,public opinion towards yazukas has become increasingly negative over time ; however,there still remains some level respect amongst certain sections of society towards these groups due largely in part due too their willingness to take responsibility for their actions rather than trying evade punishment through bribery or other means.
7 Impact Of The Yazuka On Japanese Society
The impact that yazukas have had on Japanese society has been both positive and negative ; while they have historically provided protection services (albeit illegal ones) against criminals targeting small businesses owners,they are also responsible for various types criminal activities ranging from extortion/racketeering/drug trafficking/etc.Additionally,some argue that due too corruption amongst certain police officers/politicians/etc.that allow certain criminal activities committed by these groups go unpunished thus contributing towards an increase crime rate within Japan itself.
8 Conclusion
In conclusion,while traditionally viewed with admiration due too their adherence towards traditional codes such ninkyo,public opinion towards yazukas has become increasingly negative over time due largely increased media coverage on criminal activities committed by these groups.As result,both government authorities private citizens alike have taken steps curb these criminal activities through various laws/regulations/etc.However despite this,there still remains some level respect amongst certain sections society towards these groups due largely part too their willingness take responsibility for actions rather than trying evade punishment through bribery or other means.
9 References
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1) “YAZUKA: A BRIEF HISTORY OF JAPAN’S ORGANIZED CRIME SYNDICATE”, https://www.japaninsiderstories.com/yazuka-a-brief-history-of-japans-organized-crime-syndicate/. Accessed April 28th 2021
2) “YAZUKA: THE DARK SIDE OF JAPAN’S UNDERWORLD”, https://www3dwjapanesehistoryresourcescom/yazaki/. Accessed April 28th 2021
Is the Yakuza respected in Japan?
Some Japanese view the Yakuza as a necessary evil with its heroic appearance and organized crime nature sometimes viewed as a deterrent to individual street crime.
How do the Yakuza punish people?
The traditional punishment for failure in yakuza clans is biting the little finger. This destruction process is known as yubizume. When a bully insults his master all he gets is a knife and bandages.
What type of crime do the yakuza do?
The group controls many businesses involved in gambling and sophisticated moneylenders and invests heavily in sports and other entertainment. They also deal in drug and pornography smuggling.
Do yakuza protect people?
Most of the violence in Japan is between gangs or non-yakuza gangs. Yakuza carry out their punishment by sometimes making the offender pluck his fingertip as an apology. Yakuza are also known to reduce some crimes. They often keep to themselves.
Why are yakuza allowed to exist?
Over the years the gang has maintained a strict code of respect. It allows authorities to maintain their legitimacy knowing that their code of conduct prevents them from disturbing public order. Currently the members are closely related and have great influence in Japan.
Is there a yakuza in America?
The yakuza is a highly organized transnational criminal network with branches in Asia Europe and the Americas and is involved in a variety of criminal activities including arms trafficking drug trafficking human trafficking fraud and money laundering.
