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The Yakuza’s roots -

Dating back 300 years, the Yakuza’s origins can be traced to two distinct groups: the tekiya, or village peddlers, and the bakuto, or gamblers. These early factions merged, forming the foundation for what would become Japan’s most notorious organized crime network.

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Yakuza’s rise -

First noted by authorities in 1612 for their peculiar style and behavior, the Yakuza began formalizing in the 1700s, leveraging manipulative sales tactics. By the 1800s, they had expanded into construction, politics, and the criminal underworld, collaborating with politicians to strengthen their power and societal influence.

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"Help the weak, fight the strong" -

During World War II, the Yakuza took on an unexpected role, aiding citizens by smuggling essentials like goods, food, medicine, and gasoline. Meanwhile, their profitable protection rackets opened doors to collaborate with the Japanese government, solidifying their political influence.

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Postwar Yakuza -

Following World War II, the Yakuza exploited the weakened government to dominate Japan's black markets. They also ventured into legitimate industries like construction and real estate, blending respectability with their criminal roots to expand their influence.

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The Yakuza’s golden era -

From 1958 to 1963, the Yakuza reached its zenith, boasting 184,000 members across more than 5,000 competing gangs. They thrived on any lucrative venture—loan sharking, drug trading, smuggling—fueling fierce rivalries for dominance and profit.

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Cracking down on the Yakuza -

In 2009, the Japanese government ramped up efforts against the Yakuza, intensifying in 2011 with laws targeting businesses linked to the gangs and enforcing strict anti-corruption measures. These actions dealt a significant blow to the Yakuza's legal influence and operations.

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Symbols of the Yakuza -

Yakuza culture is steeped in symbolism, with tattoos and self-amputation standing out as key markers. Their intricate tattoos, or irezumi, are created using fine needles and manual techniques, making the process both painstaking and deeply meaningful.

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The Yakuza’s tattoos -

Yakuza tattoos are typically placed on areas of the body that can be concealed, allowing members to keep their affiliations private in public. These intricate designs often symbolize personal attributes or tell a story, making them deeply significant within the group’s culture.

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The Yakuza’s tattoos -

Every Yakuza tattoo is unique, yet they share recurring motifs rich in symbolism. Flames represent the banishment of negative energy, windswept bamboo signifies defiance against social norms, and koi embody strength. Each design weaves a narrative of values and personal meaning within the group.

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The Yakuza’s tattoos -

In Japan, tattoos are often stigmatized due to their strong association with the Yakuza. This societal rejection reinforces the Yakuza’s identity as rule-breakers and outcasts, further cementing their symbolic defiance.

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Yakuza’s ritual of atonement -

Self-amputation or yubitsume, once a hallmark of Yakuza culture for repaying debts or atoning for mistakes, is becoming less common among younger members due to increased scrutiny from law enforcement. Older members, meanwhile, often conceal their missing fingers with prosthetic-filled gloves to maintain appearances.

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Yakuza’s reach -

The Yakuza’s influence has extended into various facets of Japanese society, including politics. Allegations suggest that entities like the Ministry of Education and the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan have accepted donations from Yakuza-linked front companies, showcasing the group’s far-reaching impact.

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Yakuza's dual role -

Beyond their criminal activities, the Yakuza have occasionally contributed to society: providing aid during natural disasters and supporting Japan's economy post-WWII. Despite their outsider status, they’ve maintained a position of significant power and influence within Japanese society.

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Yakuza hierarchy -

The Yakuza operates under the oyabun-kobun ranking, reflecting traditional Japanese family dynamics. The oyabun, meaning “parent status,” leads the group, while the kobun, meaning “child status,” follows as loyal subordinates, creating a tightly bonded organizational structure.

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Yakuza hierarchy -

At the Yakuza’s core is the oyabun, or boss, followed by the wakagashira, acting as advisors, and the shatei, who handle daily operations. Members adhere to ninkyo, a strict code emphasizing respect, loyalty, and honor. Violating this code can lead to harsh punishments, sometimes as extreme as death.

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Leading Yakuza syndicate -

Founded in Kobe in 1915, the Yamaguchi-gumi has grown into Japan’s largest Yakuza syndicate. While its influence now centers in Tokyo, it stands out as the most internationally connected group, wielding significant control over economic crime.

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Leading Yakuza syndicate -

While maintaining a façade of legitimate businesses, the Yamaguchi-gumi remains deeply involved in various illegal activities. As of 2025, the syndicate comprises approximately 3,500 members, with its current leader, Shinobu Tsukasa (pictured), actively driving efforts to expand their international influence

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Japan’s second-largest Yakuza syndicate -

Operating out of Tokyo, Japan’s second-largest Yakuza syndicate, Sumiyoshi-kai, distinguishes itself with a decentralized structure, rejecting rigid hierarchies. This loose network grants members significant autonomy, allowing for adaptability, and making them a distinctive player in the underworld.

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Japan’s second-largest Yakuza syndicate -

Established in 1958, this syndicate operates legitimate business fronts while engaging heavily in criminal activities like protection rackets. With approximately 2,200 members as of 2025, they wield significant influence, particularly in the Kansai region.

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Japan’s third-largest Yakuza syndicate -

Founded in 1949, the Inagawa-kai maintains a strict hierarchical structure where bosses hold significant authority. Still, they are known for being slightly less rigid compared to the Yamaguchi-gumi.

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Japan’s third-largest Yakuza syndicate -

The Inagawa-kai balances legitimate business fronts with illegal operations, including extortion and drug trafficking. As of 2025, their membership is estimated at approximately 1,700 by Japanese police, though the real number is most likely significantly higher. 

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Yakuza’s decline -

Decades of targeted legislation and intensified crackdowns by the Japanese government have significantly weakened Yakuza operations. Membership has steadily declined in recent years, reflecting the impact of these sustained efforts to dismantle organized crime.

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The new face of crime -

As the Yakuza's influence declines, loosely organized criminal groups known as Hangures have emerged. The rise of these adaptable, low-level criminals has become a growing concern, bringing a resurgence of street-level crime that the Yakuza once suppressed.

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Yakuza’s persistence -

On January 9, 2025, US law enforcement arrested Takeshi Ebisawa, a high-ranking Yakuza member, during a sting operation. Ebisawa later pled guilty to attempting to sell nuclear materials, highlighting that the Yakuza remains active despite its decline. 

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The Yakuza's global play -

While the Yakuza’s influence in Japan is declining, they remain active in black market dealings and are increasingly focusing on international expansion to chase profits. They’ve also turned to social media, targeting younger recruits in an attempt to replenish their ranks—a modern twist on their age-old methods.

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Heroes or villains? -

The Yakuza's dual role in history—smuggling essentials during crises while engaging in criminal activities—paints a morally complex picture. While some see them as unlikely protectors in desperate times, their overall reputation remains largely negative, particularly in today’s global context.

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The Yakuza's lasting influence -

After decades of efforts by the Japanese government and international organizations to tackle organized crime, the Yakuza have undeniably left their mark on politics, business, and culture. From dabbling in construction and real estate to dominating the criminal underworld, their reach has been as audacious as it is enduring.

Sources: (Wikidata) (Grey Dynamics) (U.S. Department of Justice) (ThoughtCo.)

See also: Gang initiation rituals from around the world

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