In Japan, the Yakuza (also gokudō) is well known as the Japanese Mafia. But the Yakuza doesn't strictly apply as Mafia. They are involved in illegal actions like extortion and prostitution but they also have many legal businesses in Japan and outside of Japan. They help some people in needs and invest millions of dollars every year in legitimate businesses.
The biggest Yakuza family has even its own website
The Yakuza has a long History, Tradition and Structure. These three things sets the Yakuza apart from other Mafias.
The biggest Yakuza family has even its own website
The Yakuza has a long History, Tradition and Structure. These three things sets the Yakuza apart from other Mafias.
History
The origin dates back to the 17th Century. Back then, it all started with gambling groups (bakuto) and stealing groups (tekiya). Both groups had a very low social standing because they were illegal. Stealing groups became more influential over time thanks to the businesses they created or took over. Gambling groups grew bigger and became also loan sharks. Both groups became over time the Yakuza.
Structure
The structure of the Yakuza resembles a family. Overall there is the oyabun (parents) and the kobun (children). This is very similar to the Senpai Kohai relationship that is very common in Japanese society. The parent group is the boss family. The children are the various inferior families that serve as accountants, law advisors, administrators, etc.
The entire Yakuza is dominated by Men but there were a few Women. Yakuza women are usually called Nee-san (older sister). Overall the entire structure is based on experience. The more experience (senpai) the more authority he has over others (kohai).
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| Photo by Eneas De Troya |
Tradition
The most common tradition in Yakuza as we know them is the Yubitsume (finger shortening). This ritual or tradition is done as an apology or replacement for another life. A member may cut off his little finger to spare the life of another member or to apologize for an offense.
Back in the Edo period (17 century), Yakuza members fought with Katana and other swords. When you hold a Japanese Sword you grip it tight with you middle finger, ring finger and little finger. When a Yakuza member cuts off these fingers, he loses control and the power of his Sword. That is why a member has to cut off these fingers first after any offense.
Another tradition is Irezumi (insert ink), which refers to the full body tattoos. These tattoos are made over time by hand with sharpened bamboo sticks or steel needle. This takes sometimes years to complete. These tattoos are very painful and show that member can resist a great amount of pain (more respect).
They tattoo all the body even the genitals. The only parts they usually don't tattoo are the wrists, hands, part of the chest and neck and the ankles. The reason they don't tattoo those parts is because people would notice the tattoos on those body parts when they use a Kimono (commonly used in Edo period).
Tattooing the body so extensively and old fashioned damages the skin and its pores. That is why many yakuza members suffer from Liver problems like the Yakuza Godfather "Tadamasa Goto".
Although many families do participate in illegal actions like drugs and prostitution, there are also families that oppose illegal actions. One of the parent families (Yamaguchi-gumi) prohibits their members to participate in drug traffic.
Yakuza Help
Contrary to other Mafias, the Yakuza help also people. During the 2011 earthquake and tsunami the respective Yakuza families prepared shelter, food and other supplies for those who needed it. Some years before, during the Kobe earthquake they did the same. In both cases, they acted faster and more generous than the Japanese government.