yakuza

The yakuza are members of organized crime groups in Japan, known for strict internal rules, large tattoos (irezumi), and a long history. Unlike many Western mafia groups, they were once able to operate quite openly, sometimes even keeping marked offices in cities. They have been linked to crimes such as gambling, extortion, and trafficking, though their power has declined under stronger police action and anti-gang laws. You can think of them as Japan's version of the mafia, but with their own traditions and history.

The term yakuza originally referred to a losing hand in a traditional Japanese card game (Oicho-Kabu) - specifically, the numbers 8-9-3. This unlucky combination became linked with something useless or unlucky, and over time the name came to be used for Japan's organized crime groups. These groups are often said to have grown from two older groups: bakuto (gamblers) and tekiya (peddlers).

Today, the yakuza are complex organizations structured around a hierarchical system of absolute loyalty and obedience to the "father" figure, or oyabun. They often identify themselves with elaborate full-body tattoos called irezumi, which represent their commitment to the group and showcase their physical endurance through the painful needlework. The ritual of severing fingers (yubitsume) was historically practiced as a form of apology or atonement for mistakes, though this practice is becoming less common in the modern era.

While involved in illegal activities like drug trafficking, extortion, and prostitution, yakuza groups have sometimes presented themselves as protectors of their communities, occasionally offering disaster relief or other public help. This creates a complicated public image. Historically, they maintained a high degree of visibility, with offices openly displaying their group emblems. However, increasingly strict anti-gang laws and social exclusion ordinances in Japan have pushed more of their activity underground.

You might encounter the term yakuza in crime dramas, historical fiction set in Japan, or news reports about organized crime in Asia. Understanding the yakuza requires recognizing that they aren't simply criminals; they are a deeply ingrained, albeit controversial, part of Japanese history and cultural folklore.