The Yakuza is not only a symbol of Japan's underground society but also a well-known subject in films and novels.
Its origins date back to the Edo period when masterless samurai (ronin) and gambling groups began to organize themselves into structured entities.
While they sometimes played the role of protectors for the common people, they have also operated as criminal organizations, influencing society in significant ways.
However, few truly understand the essence, formation, and historical background of the Yakuza.
This article delves into how the Yakuza came into existence, the rituals and values that shaped its development, its social impact, and its current status in modern society.
By reading this, you will undoubtedly uncover aspects of the Yakuza you never knew before.
{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}The Allure and Presence of the Yakuza
When people hear the word "Yakuza," they often imagine a violent criminal organization.
However, their existence extends beyond mere crime; they are also deeply rooted in Japanese history and culture.
Their outlaw lifestyle and emphasis on duty and humanity have often captured the fascination of audiences, making them frequent subjects in films and novels.
The Yakuza organizations operate under strict rules and traditions, establishing a unique social structure that sets them apart from ordinary criminals.
Over time, their activities have evolved alongside Japanese society. While they once engaged in maintaining order and interacting with local communities, the enactment of the Anti-Organized Crime Law has significantly reshaped their role.
Despite this, their influence on Japanese society remains profound, and exploring their historical transformations provides a clearer understanding of their reality.
What Is the Yakuza? Their Unique Allure and Presence
Many associate the Yakuza with violence, but their existence is far more complex than that of a mere criminal syndicate.
Influenced by Yakuza films and manga, their world is often romanticized, emphasizing values like loyalty and justice, drawing admiration from some.
Particularly in Showa-era Yakuza films, they were depicted as outlaws with a chivalrous spirit, helping the weak and standing against the strong, creating a sense of admiration.
In reality, the Yakuza uphold values such as "honor" and "duty," maintaining a strict hierarchy and a strong sense of discipline.
However, they are also deeply involved in organized crime, engaging in illegal businesses while maintaining their public image as an organization governed by honor and justice.
This dual nature—an organization that upholds traditions yet operates in the underworld—adds to their mystique and intrigue.
The Themes and Historical Significance Explored in This Article
This article explores when and how the Yakuza was born, how it developed, and its role within society through various historical cases.
The Yakuza is not merely a violent organization; it has evolved throughout Japanese history, sometimes acting as a protector of local communities, while at other times exerting influence over politics and economics.
Their background is shaped by samurai values from the Warring States period, the tekya (street vendors) and bakuto (gamblers) culture of the Edo period, and the significant social changes following the Meiji Restoration.
Despite facing opposition from the government and law enforcement, they have established a unique organizational culture and continued to play a role in the underbelly of Japanese society.
Understanding this history provides insight into why the Yakuza emerged, how they have persisted into modern times, and how they might change in the future.
Through this article, we hope you gain a deeper perspective on the Yakuza and its relationship with society.
Origins and Emergence
The origins of the Yakuza can be traced back to periods of social unrest.
From the Warring States period to the Edo period, Japan underwent massive transformations, leading to the collapse of the samurai system and the rise of urbanization, which left many ronin and marginalized individuals without means of survival.
Some of them turned to gambling and protection businesses, which eventually evolved into the structured Yakuza organizations of today.
Initially, they served as self-defense groups protecting commoners, but over time, they strengthened their organizational structure by managing gambling dens and collecting protection fees.
During the Edo period, groups such as the tekya (street vendors) and bakuto (gamblers) emerged, each developing unique rules and structures within Japanese society.
This section will explore how the Yakuza was born and evolved over time, tracking its changes through different historical periods.
Social Unrest from the Warring States to the Edo Period
To understand the roots of the Yakuza, it is essential to examine the social changes that occurred between the Warring States and Edo periods.
During the Warring States period, constant warfare created numerous samurai and ronin, leading to a chaotic era of power struggles.
However, after the establishment of the Edo shogunate in 1603, peace prevailed across Japan, leaving many former warriors jobless and seeking new livelihoods.
Some turned to providing protection services, gradually forming organized groups.
Additionally, individuals managing gambling and street vending businesses emerged, leading to the development of groups like the tekya and bakuto.
These groups were not just lawless gangs; they often maintained order at markets and festivals, and in some cases, were seen as a necessary evil by local communities.
However, the shogunate viewed them with suspicion and imposed strict regulations to maintain social stability.
Through this historical backdrop, the foundations of the Yakuza gradually took shape.
The Emergence of Early Yakuza Organizations: Ronin and Tekiya
Ronin had limited means to earn a livelihood, and some resorted to criminal activities such as theft, gambling, or working as bodyguards for protection services.
Particularly, Tekiya (street vendors) operated stalls at festivals and fairs, selling goods while managing territories to secure their earnings, sometimes using violence to eliminate competitors.
They also collected protection fees from merchants, gradually expanding their influence.
Similarly, Bakuto (gambling groups) operated gambling dens (toba), amassing wealth as the house (domoto), enforcing debt collection and providing loan guarantees, thereby strengthening their financial control.
Additionally, Kaguyashi (showmen), who organized entertainment shows, also played a role in security and rights management, sometimes forming alliances with Tekiya and Bakuto.
This structured the underworld, gradually transforming outcasts into a powerful force.
Why Early Yakuza Were Accepted by Society
Despite the nationwide rule of the shogunate, law enforcement was not absolute, especially in rural highways and urban outskirts where bandits and lawless individuals were rampant.
Travelers and merchants frequently faced attacks, leaving the general public in a constant state of anxiety.
In this environment, skilled swordsmen and kyokaku (chivalrous men) sometimes took it upon themselves to maintain regional security.
They protected commoners from bandits, functioned as self-defense groups, and at times, received support from local elites or regional administrations.
As a result, some Yakuza groups gained a reputation as guardians of the community.
Additionally, during festivals and markets where large crowds gathered, Yakuza were often responsible for maintaining order and security.
This enabled them to establish cooperative relationships with local merchants and residents, leading to societal acceptance.
However, as their influence grew, they began expanding their power through the collection of protection fees and the monopolization of interests, eventually transforming into organizations that clashed with society.
Yakuza Traditions and Rituals
The world of the Yakuza is shaped by unique traditions and rituals.
These rituals serve more than a symbolic role; they are crucial in reinforcing bonds and loyalty within the organization.
Strict rules govern the relationship between bosses and subordinates, as well as the ways members atone for mistakes.
Such traditions indicate that the Yakuza functions not merely as a criminal syndicate but also as a distinct social institution.
Many of these customs are rooted in Bushido and Edo-period organizational culture, reflecting Japan’s unique ethical values.
This section explores notable Yakuza rituals, including the “Sakazuki Ceremony” and the practice of finger-cutting (yubitsume).
The "Sakazuki Ceremony" and the Origins of Finger-Cutting
One of the most well-known Yakuza traditions is the “Sakazuki Ceremony”.
In this ritual, a subordinate drinks from a shared cup with their boss to formalize their relationship, pledging loyalty, while the boss, in turn, accepts them as family.
Exchanging sakazuki is not merely a formality; it is a deep-rooted practice emphasizing duty and bonding, and once performed, the relationship holds great significance.
Another widely recognized practice is “finger-cutting (yubitsume)”, a method of atonement for serious mistakes or betrayals within the organization.
This ritual involves cutting off part of a finger, usually the pinky, as a way to demonstrate responsibility.
The choice of the pinky is significant, as it weakens one's grip on a sword, symbolizing the reduction of their combat ability.
It carries the message of offering one's life as a form of extreme apology, maintaining trust within the organization.
Although such rituals may seem extreme by modern ethical standards, they have been passed down as long-standing Yakuza traditions.
These practices retain elements of Bushido, emphasizing loyalty and responsibility, which define the Yakuza’s unique value system.
Internal Structure Emphasizing Familial Bonds and Loyalty
One of the defining features of Yakuza organizations is their “familial structure.”
The boss is referred to as the “Oyaji” (father), while subordinates are treated as “Ko” (children), forming a bond that goes beyond a simple hierarchy, resembling a close-knit family.
This structure heavily inherits the patriarchal system of the samurai class from the Edo period, where the boss holds absolute power and subordinates are expected to swear unwavering loyalty.
The relationship between boss and subordinate, formalized through the ritual exchange of sake cups, is more than just an organizational custom—it is a lifelong commitment.
Once bound by the cup ceremony, they are considered “family”, sharing each other’s fate.
The boss has a duty to provide for subordinates, ensuring their livelihood by offering food, shelter, and work, thereby reinforcing the organization’s unity.
Conversely, subordinates must display absolute loyalty to their boss, following orders without question under strict rules.
This “pseudo-family” structure, with its strong cohesion, is the backbone of Yakuza organizations and sets them apart from conventional businesses or social groups.
In particular, those in difficult circumstances often find a sense of belonging in the Yakuza “family,” allowing the organization to expand and continuously recruit new members.
Connections to Bushido Spirit
The development of the Yakuza was significantly influenced by the mentality of ronin who could not abandon their pride as samurai.
Despite losing their feudal lords, they formed independent organizations to uphold their beliefs and fulfill a social role.
The principles of duty, humanity, and honor from Bushido are deeply intertwined with Yakuza ideology, shaping their internal rules and operations.
Many Yakuza rituals and customs strongly reflect samurai culture, with the boss-subordinate relationship resembling that of a lord and vassal.
For example, the sake-sharing ritual (sakazuki) is considered an extension of samurai loyalty pledges to their lords, symbolizing an unbreakable bond.
Additionally, the practice of finger-cutting (yubitsume) for grave mistakes mirrors the samurai tradition of seppuku, embodying the resolve to take responsibility through personal sacrifice.
By adhering to Bushido values, the Yakuza is not just a criminal group but an organization that seeks to maintain a sense of order.
Even while engaging in illegal activities, they emphasize “following the code” and “upholding justice,” attempting to justify their existence and even gain respect.
Many Yakuza portrayals in film and literature highlight this samurai-like image, depicting them as “knights of the underworld.”
Power Structure and Factional Conflicts
The Yakuza is not merely a collection of criminals; it operates under a rigid hierarchy and is shaped by internal power struggles.
Its structure enforces absolute authority, with the boss-subordinate relationship strictly maintained.
This power dynamic sustains Yakuza operations but also fuels frequent internal conflicts.
Throughout history, numerous large-scale battles for dominance have taken place, sometimes affecting society at large.
The Yakuza’s relationship with the government and police has also evolved over time, shifting between opposition and mutual exploitation.
This section explores how the Yakuza’s power structure developed and the impact of factional conflicts.
Hierarchy Within the Organization and Loyalty Mechanisms
At the top of the Yakuza hierarchy sits the Kumicho (boss), followed by high-ranking executives, the wakagashira (second-in-command), and general members.
This structure is similar to Japan’s traditional patriarchal system, where the boss holds absolute power, and subordinates obey in exchange for protection.
In some ways, this hierarchy resembles modern corporate structures.
For instance, the boss can be likened to a CEO, executives to directors and managers, and general members to employees.
However, the Yakuza heavily emphasizes blood ties and pseudo-family relationships, requiring unwavering loyalty to superiors.
Bosses also engage in ceremonial cup exchanges to establish “brotherly” relationships, creating a complex network of alliances.
Because of this rigid structure, internal disputes can quickly escalate into large-scale conflicts.
Historical Conflict Incidents and Their Background
The history of the Yakuza is marked by numerous conflicts, with one of the most infamous being the "Osaka War."
This conflict saw major Yakuza organizations fiercely competing over territories and financial resources, eventually escalating into a large-scale armed confrontation that engulfed the entire city.
The background of the Osaka War lies in the Yakuza’s relentless expansion of influence, seeking control over political and economic spheres, leading to heightened rivalries.
During this period, Yakuza organizations were involved in both legal and illegal enterprises, making control over these resources a fiercely contested battle.
The conflict was not just a territorial dispute but also involved internal betrayals and factional struggles, escalating into cycles of retaliation that resulted in frequent shootings and murders.
As violence intensified, widespread damage affected civilians and commercial areas, leaving a significant impact on society.
Law enforcement launched large-scale crackdowns to quell the situation, but the prolonged conflict became a symbolic power struggle within Japan’s underworld.
This war highlighted the Yakuza's “code of honor” and demonstrated how their unique set of rules could lead to extreme violence.
The power struggles within the Yakuza resembled those of feudal warlords in Japan’s Sengoku period, where dominance and resources were fiercely contested.
Unexpected Cooperation Between the Government, Police, and Yakuza
The Yakuza and government authorities are often portrayed as adversaries, yet historical records reveal periods and regions where covert cooperation existed.
Particularly in the chaotic post-war era, when state governance was weak, the Yakuza sometimes played a role in maintaining public order.
In some cases, politicians and police provided certain Yakuza factions with intelligence and leniency in exchange for services such as suppressing strikes, quelling riots, and countering communist movements.
This "front and back" relationship persisted for years, where the Yakuza, despite being a destabilizing force in society, were at times regarded as a "necessary evil."
For instance, during Japan’s post-war economic boom, Yakuza groups played influential roles in sectors such as construction and entertainment industries, managing labor disputes and influencing industry development.
However, this dynamic significantly changed with the enactment of anti-Yakuza laws and the rise of social movements against organized crime.
Today, such cooperative ties between the Yakuza and authorities are rarely observed.
Nevertheless, examining these historical relationships provides a deeper understanding of the complex power dynamics that once existed within Japanese society.
The Yakuza’s Impact on Society and Culture
The Yakuza have influenced Japanese society not only as a criminal syndicate but also through their impact on culture and media.
In films, novels, and manga, they are often depicted in a romanticized manner, portraying them as honorable and emotionally driven individuals.
Such portrayals have shaped public perception and contributed to the global recognition of the term "Yakuza."
Beyond media influence, the Yakuza have also played roles in local communities and economic activities, sometimes serving as enforcers of order and security.
However, with the enforcement of anti-Yakuza regulations, their involvement in these areas has significantly declined.
Despite this, their influence has not entirely disappeared, as their roles in festival operations and local economies continue in certain regions.
This section explores how the Yakuza have shaped culture and society, analyzing their portrayal in media and their actual influence in communities.
The Yakuza Image Created by Literature and Film
When discussing the history of Japanese cinema, “ninkyo films” and “Yakuza films” are indispensable.
Particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, Yakuza films produced by Toei and other studios created a major boom, significantly influencing the Japanese film industry.
The ‘Nihon Kyokaku-den’ series starring Ken Takakura and the ‘Battles Without Honor and Humanity’ series featuring Bunta Sugawara captivated audiences and remain celebrated classics to this day.
These films portrayed Yakuza not merely as criminals but as “Showa-era heroes” who valued loyalty and justice.
The image of outlaws protecting the weak and standing up to the strong resonated with audiences in post-war Japan, offering a romanticized ideal in uncertain times.
However, these films also contributed to the spread of a glorified image of Yakuza, fostering misconceptions about their true nature.
While films emphasized the honor-driven lifestyle of Yakuza, the reality of organized crime remained deeply intertwined with violence and illegal activities.
Although these portrayals solidified the idea of Yakuza as men of loyalty and justice, there remains a significant gap between this perception and the actual evolution of Yakuza groups in society.
The media’s depiction of Yakuza spread beyond Japan, influencing Hollywood films and video games, where “Yakuza” became a distinct cultural trope.
The Yakuza Image in Domestic and International Media
Outside Japan, “Yakuza” is widely recognized as Japan’s unique version of gangsters.
Hollywood films and international video games frequently feature Yakuza characters, often exaggerating their cultural elements and values.
Elements such as full-body traditional tattoos, rigid organizational structures, strong brotherhood bonds, and cold-blooded violence are often emphasized, portraying them as an exotic criminal syndicate.
However, this media-created image does not always align with reality and often leads to misconceptions about Yakuza culture.
Many works depict Yakuza as “honorable outlaws who uphold loyalty,” further fueling global fascination with their world.
Meanwhile, real-life Yakuza organizations are heavily impacted by anti-Yakuza laws, facing strict crackdowns that have led to a decline in their organizational power.
Despite the gap between fiction and reality, Yakuza culture and aesthetics continue to garner international interest.
As a result, movies and games centered around Yakuza will likely continue to be produced, further expanding the fictionalized image of “Yakuza.”
The Influence of Yakuza on Japanese Society
At one point in history, it was said that “by day, the police maintained order, and by night, the Yakuza did.”
Particularly in the post-war chaos, when law enforcement struggled to maintain control, Yakuza groups sometimes acted as self-appointed neighborhood enforcers, preserving order in shopping districts and marketplaces.
They expelled thugs and criminals, forming relationships with local communities and even gaining a degree of public support.
However, as society evolved, their role dramatically shifted.
With the nationwide enforcement of anti-Yakuza laws, interactions between Yakuza and the general public have been significantly restricted.
Nonetheless, some Yakuza groups still provide funding for festivals and traditional events or take part in security management, maintaining behind-the-scenes involvement in local communities.
Organizations with long-standing ties to their regions sometimes continue these roles, even as societal views on their presence grow increasingly negative.
However, due to stricter police surveillance and changing social norms, the influence of Yakuza is gradually diminishing, making their past role as “guardians of the night” a thing of the past.
The Yakuza in Modern Japanese Society
In contemporary times, the position of the Yakuza has undergone significant changes.
Once closely tied to local communities and occasionally serving as arbiters of order and mediators, their influence has steadily declined due to the strengthening of anti-Yakuza laws and societal shifts.
However, the Yakuza have not disappeared entirely; instead, they continue their activities while exploring new business models and strategies.
They have also historically had connections to industries such as finance and entertainment.
Although efforts to eliminate illegal activities have progressed, completely eradicating their historical influence remains difficult, and traces of their presence still linger in the shadows of society.
This section delves into the ways in which the modern Yakuza interact with society, their ongoing influence, and future trends.
Influence on Economic Activities
Modern Yakuza are not only involved in violent activities but have also been accused of exerting influence in corporate shareholder meetings as “sokaiya”—a practice where they manipulate shareholders' votes to extract financial or strategic favors from company executives.
Sokaiya function by acquiring stock in a company, attending shareholder meetings, and using intimidation tactics to pressure management into granting financial benefits or privileges.
This allows the Yakuza to acquire funds in a seemingly legal manner, increasing their economic influence.
Historically, reports have surfaced about the Yakuza’s control over entertainment rights, particularly in event management and talent representation.
During the Showa and early Heisei eras, cases were reported where Yakuza played a role in talent debuts and contract negotiations.
Such operations, though appearing as legitimate businesses, were often used as conduits for money laundering and extortion, making them a serious societal issue.
Money laundering involves disguising illicit funds as legitimate earnings, a strategy the Yakuza commonly use to funnel criminal profits through legal businesses.
In recent years, however, increased law enforcement and corporate initiatives to exclude organized crime have weakened these practices.
Despite this, past influence has not been entirely erased, and suspicions of ongoing connections occasionally resurface.
Yakuza’s Role in Disaster Relief and Pandemic Support
During the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, while government aid efforts were delayed, Yakuza organizations swiftly utilized their independent networks to procure and transport supplies to affected areas.
They provided essentials such as water, food, and blankets, and in some cases, even organized communal kitchens for disaster victims.
Their efforts were covered by the media, with some residents noting, “The Yakuza arrived with aid before the government did.”
Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic of the 2020s, certain Yakuza groups reportedly distributed masks and sanitizers, making donations to hospitals and welfare facilities.
Particularly in the early stages of the pandemic, when supplies were scarce, Yakuza organizations swiftly secured and distributed essential goods.
While these actions were acknowledged in the media, public opinion was divided between appreciation for their assistance and criticism that it was merely a public relations move to improve their image.
Such actions suggest a dual motivation: not only providing aid but also maintaining influence and legitimizing their presence in society.
Historically, the Yakuza have often played roles during times of social upheaval, yet their contributions always carried elements of both genuine altruism and strategic calculation.
Understanding these complex dynamics highlights the importance of analyzing the Yakuza’s role beyond a simplistic good-versus-evil narrative, assessing their historical and contemporary impact on Japanese society.
Decline and Reorganization Due to Modern Laws and Social Changes
Due to the enforcement of anti-Yakuza ordinances and financial institutions' exclusion of anti-social forces, the Yakuza's financial resources have been significantly restricted.
As a result, their means of acquiring funds have been severely limited, leading to the fragmentation of major organizations and a shift toward establishing operations overseas.
For instance, some Yakuza groups have set up bases in Southeast Asia and Europe, allegedly using legitimate businesses as fronts for money laundering activities.
Domestically, traditional Yakuza revenue streams such as gambling and protection rackets have been strictly regulated, leading to the rise of Han-Gure, delinquent groups engaging in illegal businesses.
These groups are involved in fraud rings, illegal lending, and drug trafficking, utilizing the internet for fundraising and recruitment.
Notably, specialized fraud schemes (such as impersonation fraud and investment scams) pose a significant social problem, as they are highly anonymous and difficult for law enforcement to crack down on.
While the influence of traditional Yakuza groups is waning, new forms of organized crime continue to emerge, posing ongoing social risks.
The government and law enforcement must strengthen measures against these emerging criminal organizations, making legal reforms and international cooperation crucial in the future.
Unveiling the Truth About the Yakuza Through History
By examining the history of the Yakuza, it becomes clear that they are not merely a criminal organization but have evolved alongside Japanese society.
They once played roles similar to self-defense groups and contributed to maintaining order, but as time progressed, their activities transformed, reinforcing their image as symbols of the underworld.
Throughout history, the Yakuza have influenced politics, economics, and local communities while adapting to societal shifts.
Despite increasing government crackdowns, their ability to incorporate new strategies and survive highlights their role as a reflection of social change.
This section reviews Yakuza history to analyze their impact on society and consider future developments.
Lessons From History: Modern Challenges and Issues
A broad look at Yakuza history reveals their ability to evolve based on societal demands, exerting influence over order and economic activities from the shadows.
During the Edo period, Tekiya (street vendors) and Bakuto (gamblers) maintained ties with local communities while being monitored by the shogunate.
Following the Meiji Restoration, modernization policies led to the decline of some groups, while others found ways to survive in rapidly urbanizing cities.
During the Taisho and Showa eras, the expansion of industries and urbanization granted the Yakuza increased influence.
After World War II, they extended their reach into sectors such as construction, real estate, and finance, establishing close ties with politicians and business leaders.
Before the enactment of the Anti-Organized Crime Law, some Yakuza groups even played a role in maintaining order, embedding themselves in everyday life.
However, as their darker dealings were exposed, their image shifted from community figures to criminal syndicates, prompting stricter legal regulations.
Despite these crackdowns, the Yakuza have not disappeared entirely, maintaining influence in the underground economy and activities straddling the line between legal and illegal.
Considering this, the Yakuza should not be seen merely as “pure criminals”; rather, they are a product of Japan’s social structure and human relationships, continuously reshaping themselves to persist through changing times.
Questioning the Significance of the Yakuza’s Existence
Historically, the Yakuza once played a role similar to “self-defense groups”, maintaining order and supplementing law enforcement.
During the Edo period, Tekiya (street vendors) and Bakuto (gamblers) engaged with local communities, maintaining market order and carrying out self-policing activities. Some groups even gained support from local leaders and citizens.
However, as times changed, the Yakuza gradually shifted towards gambling, protection rackets, and eventually became deeply involved in extortion, drug trafficking, and illegal finance.
In the chaotic post-war era, they expanded their influence by exploiting weak administrative structures, intertwining with politics and the economy, ultimately becoming a symbol of the underworld.
Given this history, viewing the Yakuza as merely an “absolute evil” may oversimplify the issue.
Their emergence and continued influence stem from complex factors such as poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion.
Understanding the Yakuza problem correctly and considering how society should address it is an important challenge for the future.
Encouraging Readers to Reflect on the Yakuza’s Social Role and Future Outlook
In conclusion, I urge readers to consider this question: “Are the Yakuza truly an unnecessary presence?”
Of course, violence and illegal activities must never be justified, yet their sustained influence suggests the existence of gaps in public institutions that they have historically filled.
Historically, they have occasionally acted as mediators in community disputes or intervened where law enforcement was insufficient.
In industries such as finance and entertainment, they have sometimes played a role in maintaining order within certain sectors.
However, these roles have always been intertwined with violence, extortion, and illegal activities, making it difficult to justify their presence in society.
Today, the enforcement of anti-Yakuza laws and the expansion of public welfare have diminished the roles they once filled.
Still, society contains “gray zones” where new criminal groups could emerge.
History suggests that unless societal structures change, similar underworld groups will continue to be reproduced.
How should we perceive and address this issue? That is a challenge we must confront as a society.
Conclusion
Looking back at the history and culture of the Yakuza, it becomes evident that their existence is deeply intertwined with Japan’s social evolution, including influences from samurai ethics and family structures.
In the modern era, with the strengthening of anti-Yakuza ordinances and financial regulations, traditional Yakuza organizations are rapidly declining.
However, new challenges are emerging, including the rise of Han-Gure groups and online-based illegal businesses.
As government crackdowns intensify, the emergence of new criminal organizations and the increasing sophistication of illegal activities are expected.
How society responds to these changes will determine future social order.
Yakuza organizations have at times maintained order and at other times caused chaos, making their legacy complex.
Nevertheless, violence and illegal activities remain a fundamental societal problem, and with the enforcement of anti-Yakuza laws and increasing public awareness, their power is diminishing.
Yet, the possibility of “new underworld organizations” emerging remains, highlighting the deeper issues within Japanese society.
Understanding the Yakuza issue properly and contemplating how to shape our society is a vital responsibility for all of us.
By exploring history and context, we can uncover truths that lead to better countermeasures and social structures.
I hope this article prompts readers to question existing perceptions and gain new insights into this complex issue.
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