Once Upon a Crime. The Collapse of the Yakuza: A Tale in Three Acts. Part I
At the height of their power the Yakuza boasted almost 200,000 members. Now those numbers are thought to be less than 30,000. What has caused this dramatic change to organised crime in modern Japan?
Once Upon a Crime
Humble beginnings
Yakuza is a term that refers to the various gangs, and members of those gangs, that have been tied to almost 400 years of Japanese history. The representation of the Yakuza in the Japanese media has been one of violent lowlifes who should be eradicated from society completely. This is further shown in Western representation of these groups, in movies and video games, where crooked mobsters are becoming more and more alluring. However the modern day Yakuza is a deep and complex society which can be traced back as far as the Tokugawa Shogunate (between 1603 and 1868 C.E).
The early Yakuza are believed to have stemmed from two separate groups of outcasts. The Tekia, travelling salesmen who wandered between villages, belonged to the burakumin social class, referred to by many as “non-humans”. The other group, Bakuto, were gamblers, hustling in a time where gambling was strictly forbidden (it remains illegal in Japan even to this day). They often adorned colourful tattoos and were involved in money lending and other illegal activities at the time. This is where many of the hair styles and body tattoos we see today originate .
Throughout history, and more so in recent years, the island of Kyushu has seen large communities of yakuza members, including many renowned bosses in the Yamaguchi Gumi (family). Isokichi Yoshida (1867-1936) was from the Kitakyushu area and is considered to be a hold great influence over society for his dual role as Yakuza boss and political figure.
As Japan began increasing its industrial might in the 20th Century, the Yakuza began expanding their organisational reach, recruiting members in construction, dockwork and, eventually, office workers and university graduates. The Yakuza often attracted disenfranchised youth or young men, who lacked a sense of belonging in society or felt a lack of connection with their biological families.
“We help the weak, and fight the strong.” - Yakuza Ethos
Post war era
Yakuza groups began building political ties in the time before the war, and, following Japan’s losses in World War II, further capitalised on these relationships. They began to cooperate with the authorities in return for services and favours and to ease the harassment from the authorities.
American troops that occupied Japan after World War II saw the threat of the Yakuza, and began influencing Yakuza groups with goods and supplies in an attempt to destabilise many of the larger organisations.
The losses suffered during the war: the heavy bombing of major cities, the deaths and dismemberment of many of the adult male population, and the occupation by American troops led to the establishment of black markets throughout Japan. These presented as small stalls which popped up all throughout cities and, operating in a legally grey area, formed the basis of Japan’s micro economy as the country struggled to regain its former glory. These black markets were a hotbed of organised crime, with many Yakuza establishing themselves as loan sharks and security for their groups patch of turf. Eventually the financial success of these groups allowed them to expand further into infrastructure markets, with lucrative businesses involved in post war reconstruction such as the: construction of roads, sewers, apartments and factories. By the late 1950 to early 1960s, many of the larger Yakuza families established themselves as key players in the modern Japanese economy.
Leader of the pack
The Yamaguchi Gumi
The Yamaguchi Gumi is considered the largest criminal organisation in Japan. Founded in 1915 in Hyogo prefecture, western Japan, it grew significantly between the 1950’s and ‘70s and recorded 8,200 active members in 2020. The Yamaguchi Gumi has its headquarters in Kobe, but it operates all across Japan and has overseas operations.
Kenichi Shinoda (篠田 建市) also known as Shinobu Tsukasa (司 忍), is a Japanese Yakuza and the sixth and current Kumicho (chairman) of the Yamaguchi Gumi.
For an in depth look into the operations of the Yamaguchi Gumi, I would highly recommend this 5 part documentary on the organisation’s 5th regime (1979 - 2005).
The Yakuza have become closely interwoven with modern Japanese society. From businesses to education structures, these organisations are more involved in Japan than many realize.
The Collapse of the Yakuza continues in Part II: A Beast in the Shadows
This story, ‘The Collapse of the Yakuza’, is a three part series. To access the rest of the series, please consider becoming a paid subscriber.
As always, thank you for your ongoing support. - Al