The word “Yakuza” evokes images of tattooed gangsters, rigid codes of honor, and an underworld steeped in both tradition and violence. As Japan’s most infamous organized crime syndicates, the Yakuza have fascinated—and terrified—generations both inside and outside of Japan. From their mysterious origins to their modern-day metamorphosis, the Yakuza embody a paradoxical blend of ritual, brutality, and surprising social roles.
Origins of the Yakuza
The origins of the Yakuza are shrouded in folklore and semi-historical tales, but many scholars trace them back to the Edo period (1603–1868). Two groups are commonly cited as progenitors: the tekiya, who were street peddlers selling illegal or low-quality goods, and the bakuto, gamblers who often ran illegal games of chance. These two lower-caste professions laid the foundation for what would later evolve into more structured crime organizations.
The word "Yakuza" itself comes from a losing hand in the Japanese card game Oicho-Kabu—specifically the numbers 8 (ya), 9 (ku), and 3 (za), which add up to 20 and are considered worthless. This symbolism is deeply ingrained in the Yakuza’s self-perception as outsiders—men living on the fringes of society, unbound by its conventional rules.
Structure and Code of Conduct
Unlike many Western organized crime groups, the Yakuza are known for their rigid hierarchical structures. At the top is the oyabun, or "parent role", followed by the kobun, or "child role"—an arrangement reflecting traditional Japanese familial loyalty. The oyabun-kobun relationship is one of mutual obligation, with the oyabun offering protection and leadership, and the kobun providing obedience and service.
The Yakuza are also famous for their strict code of conduct, known as ninkyo, which emphasizes loyalty, honor, and courage. In theory, these values are upheld at all costs—even to the point of yubitsume, the ritual act of cutting off one's own finger to atone for mistakes or failures. Although such practices have declined in recent decades, their symbolic power remains potent within the organization.
Tattoos and Rituals
One of the most iconic aspects of the Yakuza is their extensive and elaborate irezumi (tattoos). These full-body tattoos, often depicting dragons, koi fish, geishas, and mythological scenes, are not just for show—they are marks of identity, endurance, and loyalty. Getting a traditional Yakuza tattoo is a painful, time-consuming process done by hand with wooden sticks and needles, reflecting the subject's willingness to suffer for the group.
Rituals also play a significant role in Yakuza culture. Initiation ceremonies, known as sakazuki, involve the sharing of sake in a formalized setting, establishing the oyabun-kobun bond. These ceremonies blend elements of Shinto and samurai culture, imbuing the syndicates with a sense of legitimacy and historical continuity.
The Yakuza and Japanese Society
Despite being criminal organizations, the Yakuza have historically maintained a semi-legal status in Japan. For much of the 20th century, they operated openly, with registered offices, business cards, and even appearances in the media. This visibility allowed them to exert influence in areas ranging from construction and real estate to finance and entertainment.
Remarkably, Yakuza groups have also engaged in disaster relief efforts. After the 1995 Kobe earthquake and the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami, Yakuza members were among the first to deliver supplies and aid to affected areas—actions that baffled the public and challenged simplistic portrayals of them as villains.
However, this uneasy coexistence has been changing. In recent decades, Japanese authorities have cracked down hard on organized crime, passing anti-Yakuza laws that ban businesses and individuals from associating with them. Public sentiment has also shifted, with younger generations viewing the Yakuza not as necessary evils but as outdated relics.
Yakuza in the Global Spotlight
The Yakuza have captured the imagination of international audiences through books, films, and video games. Movies like Takeshi Kitano’s Outrage and video games like the Yakuza (now Like a Dragon) series have glamorized their violent lifestyle while also portraying their inner complexity.
Yet the real Yakuza today are far less cinematic. As globalization and digitization reshape crime, Yakuza groups have had to adapt. Some have shifted toward white-collar crimes, including cybercrime, fraud, and human trafficking, often with global reach. Their influence has waned domestically, but their presence on the international stage remains an ongoing concern.
The Future of the Yakuza
The future of the Yakuza is uncertain. Membership numbers are declining, and legal pressure is intensifying. Former members often struggle to reintegrate into society, facing discrimination and few employment opportunities. Nonprofit groups and some government agencies have begun offering support programs for Yakuza defectors, but the stigma remains strong.
What remains is a legacy of contradiction: the Yakuza are both feared and romanticized, criminals and—at times—reluctant public servants. Their story is one of survival in a changing world, shaped as much by tradition as by necessity.
The Yakuza occupy a unique space in global organized crime. Rooted in Japan’s feudal past yet forced to adapt to a rapidly modernizing society, they reflect a blend of honor and violence, tradition and transformation. Whether as antiheroes in popular culture or targets of legal scrutiny, the Yakuza continue to challenge our perceptions of crime, morality, and the human capacity for reinvention.
Sources:
Kaplan, David E., and Alec Dubro. Yakuza: Japan's Criminal Underworld. University of California Press, 2003. ISBN: 9780520274907
Hill, Peter B. E. The Japanese Mafia: Yakuza, Law, and the State. Oxford University Press, 2006. ISBN: 9780199283307
Siniawer, Eiko Maruko. Ruffians, Yakuza, Nationalists: The Violent Politics of Modern Japan, 1860–1960. Cornell University Press, 2008. ISBN: 9780801445738