1. Introduction
What are Japanese gangsters called? This is a question that has been asked for centuries, as Japan has a long and complicated history of organized crime. From the Edo Period to the present day, gangs and criminal organizations have had a major impact on Japanese culture and society. In this article, we will explore the history of Japanese gangs, the types of gangs found in Japan today, famous Japanese gangsters, and how to avoid getting involved with them.
2. History of Japanese Gangs
The history of Japanese gangs dates back hundreds of years to the Edo Period (1603-1868). During this time, gangs known as kabukimono (“crazy ones”) roamed the streets of Edo (modern-day Tokyo). These groups were known for their colorful costumes and outrageous behavior. They often fought with each other over turf or money matters.
The modern era of organized crime in Japan began after World War II when former military officers formed yakuza syndicates. Yakuza means “good-for-nothing” in Japanese and is used to refer to members of organized crime syndicates. The yakuza have become deeply entrenched in Japan’s underworld and have been involved in activities such as gambling, drug trafficking, extortion, loan sharking, human trafficking, and white-collar crime.
3. Types of Japanese Gangs
There are several different types of gangs found in Japan today:
• Yakuza: The most well-known type of gang in Japan is the yakuza. These gangs are highly organized criminal organizations that are involved in various illegal activities such as gambling, drug trafficking, extortion, loan sharking, human trafficking, and white-collar crime.
• Bōryokudan: Bōryokudan is another term for yakuza that is sometimes used by law enforcement officials to refer to these criminal organizations.
• Bosozoku: Bosozoku refers to motorcycle gangs that are often associated with juvenile delinquency and anti-social behavior.
• Gurentai: Gurentai are street thugs who engage in violent behavior such as extortion or robbery for money or protection rackets.
4. Famous Japanese Gangsters
Throughout its long history, there have been many famous gangsters associated with the yakuza or other criminal organizations in Japan:
• Kazuo Taoka was a legendary yakuza boss who led one of Japan’s largest criminal syndicates during the 1950s and 1960s until his death in 1981 at age 65 from natural causes while still serving as head of his organization.
• Yoshio Kodama was a powerful figure within the yakuza during post-war Japan who was closely linked with Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka during his tenure from 1972–1974 before his death from cancer at age 68 in 1984.
5 The Yakuza and Organized Crime In Japan
The yakuza have become deeply entrenched within Japan’s underworld since their emergence after World War II and remain active today despite government efforts to crack down on them through tougher laws such as the Anti-Organized Crime Law passed by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in 2005 which aimed to prevent members from engaging in certain activities such as extortion or bribery by making it illegal for them to associate with each other publicly or wear identifying tattoos or clothing items associated with their organization.Despite these measures however they continue to operate albeit more discreetly than before due mainly due to increased public awareness about their activities which has resulted in less support from citizens who no longer tolerate their presence within society.
6 Recent Developments In The Yakuza
In recent years there have been several high profile cases involving members or associates of the yakuza including an attempted assassination attempt on Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara by a member belonging to an affiliate group known as Yamaguchi Gumi which resulted in him being hospitalized for 6 weeks before recovering.Additionally there have also been numerous arrests made throughout 2014 related to financial crimes committed by members belonging to various factions including fraud,embezzlement,money laundering,tax evasion,bribery,counterfeiting,etc.As a result it appears that law enforcement agencies across the country are taking an increasingly hard stance against these groups which could potentially lead to further crackdowns on their operations over time.
7 How To Avoid Involvement With The Yakuza
It is important for individuals living or visiting areas where organized crime may be present such as Tokyo or Osaka,to take precautions against becoming involved with these groups either directly or indirectly.Some tips include : avoiding areas where suspicious activity may be taking place (e.g nightclubs,bars,gambling dens etc ) ; not carrying large amounts of cash ; not engaging in any illegal activities ; not getting overly friendly with strangers ; reporting any suspicious activity immediately ;and if approached by someone claiming affiliation with an organized crime group – refusing all requests politely but firmly.It is also important notto display any signs indicating wealth (e.g expensive jewelry )as this could attract unwanted attention from potential criminals looking for easy targets.
8 Conclusion
In conclusion it can be seen that although there has been some progress made towards curbing organized crime activity within Japan over recent years these groups still remain active nationwide despite government attempts at clamping down on their operations through stricter laws.It is therefore important for individuals living/visiting areas where these groups may be presentto take all necessary precautions against becoming involved either directly or indirectlywith them so as notto put themselves at risk unnecessarily.
9 Sources & Further Reading
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• “Yamaguchi Gumi” – Encyclopedia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yamaguchi-gumi
• “History Of The Yakuza” – BBC News https://www.bbcnewsasia/history_of_the_yakusa
• “Japanese Organized Crime Groups” – US Department Of State https://wwwstategov/j/inl/regionalissues/eap/organizedcrimegroupsinjapan
What do yakuza call themselves?
At the request of the Japanese police and media police they are called bōryokudan (报技団 violent group IPA: [boːɾʲokɯꜜdaɴ]) while yakuza call themselves ninkyo dantai (任侠更多 polite organization IPA: [iŋk]).
What does yakuza mean in Japanese?
: Yakuza in Japan: Gangsters in Japan.
Does the Yakuza still exist?
Although Yakuza membership has declined since the Japanese government passed an anti-gang law in 1992 there are currently about 25900 active Yakuza members in Japan. The Yamaguchi-gumi belongs to a yakuza family with drugs.
What are Chinese gangsters called?
The World Health Organization (WHOs WHOs) says that the KINZ community in almost every city in the Western world consists of secret societies known as triads which sanction the serious drug trade.
Are there yakuza in the US?
Yakuza Asia is a highly organized network of international crime families with branches in Europe and America and is involved in a wide range of criminal activities including arms trafficking drug trafficking human trafficking fraud and money laundering.
Why is yakuza allowed in Japan?
Over the years the yakuza has maintained a strict code of ethics. This allows them to maintain their quasi-legal status because the authorities know that their code of ethics prevents them from disrupting public order. Currently it has close members and has a great influence in Japan.
