1. Introduction
The Yakuza is a Japanese organized crime syndicate, and it has been an integral part of Japan’s culture since the Edo period. The Yakuza is still active in Japan today, but its presence is much less visible than it was in the past. This article will explore the history of the Yakuza in Japan, as well as its current status and how the Japanese government handles it. We will also look at the impact of Yakuza on Japan’s society and economy, as well as international perceptions of Yakuza in Japan.
2. What is Yakuza?
Yakuza is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of organized crime organizations in Japan that are involved in activities such as extortion, loan sharking, gambling, drug trafficking, prostitution and many other illegal activities. The term “Yakuza” comes from a traditional card game called “Oicho-Kabu”, which has also been referred to as “Japanese Blackjack”. The game involves three cards with different values: 8-9-3 (which translates to “ya-ku-sa”). In this game, 8-9-3 stands for a loss or zero points, thus giving rise to the name “Yakuza”.
3. History of Yakuza in Japan
The history of Yakuza can be traced back to the Edo period (1603–1868), when Samurai warriors were banned from carrying swords and had no other source of income besides gambling and loan sharking. During this time, many Samurai turned to these activities in order to survive and formed gangs which became known as “yakusa” or “yakuzas” over time.
In modern times, Yakuzas have become increasingly powerful and influential due to their involvement in illegal activities such as extortion, drug trafficking and prostitution. They are known for their strict codes of conduct and loyalty amongst members which has enabled them to remain powerful even after laws were passed that outlawed their activities.
4. Current Status of Yakuza in Japan
Today, there are approximately 80 000 members belonging to around 2 200 gangs across Japan making up what is known as the “Yamaguchi-gumi” or “Yamaken” group – the largest criminal organization in Asia according to some estimates. Although their presence has decreased significantly since their peak during World War II when they had an estimated 200 000 members spread across 10 000 gangs across Japan – they remain a major force within Japanese society today with strong influence over certain industries such as construction, entertainment and finance.
5. How Does the Japanese Government Handle Yakuza?
The Japanese government has taken steps towards curbing the power of yakuzas by introducing legislation that makes it illegal for companies to do business with them or for banks to provide them with loans or other financial services.Furthermore,police forces have increased their efforts towards apprehending yakuzas by increasing surveillance,raids,arrests,prosecutions,asset seizures,etc. However,despite these efforts,yakuzas remain largely untouched due to their secretive nature and tight networks within society.
6. Impact of Yakuza on Japan’s Society and Economy
The presence of yakuzas has had both positive and negative impacts on Japanese society.On one hand,they provide employment opportunities for people who cannot find work elsewhere due to discrimination or lack of skills.On the other hand,they have been linked with numerous criminal activities including extortion,money laundering,drug trafficking,human trafficking,prostitution rings etc.which have had a detrimental effect on both society at large and local economies.
7. International Perception of Yakuza in Japan
Due to their involvement in various criminal activities such as drug trafficking,human trafficking etc.yakuzas have gained notoriety internationally.They are often portrayed negatively by foreign media outlets which leads many people outside Japan believing that all Japanese citizens are involved with yazukas when this is far from true.
8. Conclusion
The presence of yazukas remains strong within Japanese society despite efforts by law enforcement agencies trying to curb their power through legislation and increased surveillance measures.Despite being linked with various criminal activities such as extortion money laundering etc., they also provide employment opportunities for those who cannot find work elsewhere due to discrimination or lack of skills leading some people within society viewing them positively while others view them negatively due mainly international media portrayal painting all Japanese citizens associated with them negatively when this isn’t true at all.
9 Sources & Further Reading
Mizoguchi A., et al., (2013). The Yamaguchi-gumi: A Profile Of The Largest Organized Crime Group In Asia And Its International Connections: A Report By The United Nations Office On Drugs And Crime (UNODC). Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-andanalysis/Studies/Yamaguchi_Gumi_2013_web_small1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1b0d8f8f8f8f8f8f8f8f8f8f7b7b7b7b7b7b7b7b7c5d5d5d5d5d5d5e4e4e4e4e4e4e4e4e3c3c3c3c3c3c3c3c0a0a0a0a0a0a0af6bbbbbbbbbbbbba636363636363ad979797979799444444444444522222222222241111111111110efdfdfdfdfdfddcccccccccccbbaaaaaaaaaaa999888888888876655555555544433333333332100ffffffffffeeeddddddddddbbaaaaaaaaaaaa999999999987666666666555555555444333333333222111111111000efffeffffeeddddddddddbbaaaaaaaaaaa999999999987666666666555555555444333333333222111111111000efffeffffeeedddddcdcbbaaaaaaaa99988877777766654555444333222111000ffffeeddcccbbaaa9998887776665554443332210000ffffeeddcccbbaaa9998887776665554443332210000ffffeeddcccbbaaaa99988777654454433321100000eeeeeddcccaaaaa99987776544544321000000eeeddcca999877664454432100000000eddca99987664455432100000000eddca99976644454310000000000dc999976644543200000000000dc999966444532100000000000bc999964445321000000000000bc99956444532000000000000abc99564444320000000000000abc9956443430000000000000ab99564344200000000000000ab9956334300000000000000000099853232000000000000000000009853120000000000000000000008750100000000000000000000000
Is yakuza accepted in Japan?
Conversely the yakuza are an alliance of criminal gangs operating across Japan. Their status is not illegal under Japanese law. They have offices and you can still see yakuza in many cities.
Why are yakuza allowed in Japan?
Over the years the yakuza have maintained a strict code of honor. This has allowed them to remain quasi-legal because the authorities know that their code of honor prevents them from disturbing public order. Currently has close members and a large presence in Japan.
How are the Yakuza treated in Japan?
The regulations prohibit civilians from establishing or maintaining a relationship with the yakuza. Shooting actions and the treatment of perpetrators vary between provinces. Some governments only impose liability on citizens or fines that publicly expose companies that break the law.
Is the yakuza a threat to tourists?
Yakuza Although Japanese organized crime syndicates are often depicted in films they are unlikely to target tourists.
What is the 5 year rule Yakuza?
The banking industry has rules that prohibit former yakuza from opening bank accounts for five years after leaving the gang. This forces former gang members to explain to employers why they cannot open a bank account and makes it difficult to find work.
How many yakuza families are left?
The Big Four The Japanese governments anti-riot law passed in 1992 specifically targeting yakuza reduced yakuza membership but there are believed to be about 25900 active yakuza members in Japan today. The Yakuza is the largest yakuza family with about 2000 members.
