culture::backside::yakuza

[moyashi]

:clap:
This is one of my favorite subjects regarding Japan.

backside culture :: as in what most Japanese wish didn't exist.

We've all heard of Yakuza but that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Yakuza
The Yakuza like the famous Mafia are the gang leaders of the Japanese underworld. There's probably not much I can explain that you haven't all heard, read, seen some where else but I'd like to expand on some possiblities here.

The lower level Yakuza are basically independent businessmen trying to make a living. Some do it through protection, gambiling, festival stalls, racketiring, stocks, credit fraud, you name it! If they can make a buck they've already done it.

The Yakuza also are heavily tied to the police. They pay the police for protection, so that they can protect their interest in the business market.

The Police do every so often slap some fingers but still their is a partnership here. The police control the general populice while the Yakuza control the back end dirty crimes. ie, drugs, guns, women.

Ever notice with the fall of the Mafia in the States that other crimial organizations came to power? I really believe that it is because of the yakuza that crime is so low in Japan.

Irezumi (japanese tatoo) ... believe or not ... as the story goes. Is based on fishermen. Fisherman would tatoo themselves so that if they fall in the ocean and die, somebody would be able to recognize their remains.

Because of the relationship of irezumi with yakuza, the western type of tatoos also occurs the same stigma. My friends can't go to many pools or onsen because they have tatoos. (some aren't yakuza)

Leaving the family.
With current laws, many young, not so efficent yakuza have been able to leave their families. NO, the finger cutting is not so often. Or at least, haven't seen too many 4 fingers on the street.

Several of my friends, were Yakuza, and were able to leave the family. I haven't asked how much the had to pay. hehe... I should.

making friends.
hmmm ... I leave that choice up to you. I myself prefer not getting involved with them on anything more than a Kampai. Debts and paybacks are still a very large part of their society.
hmmm ... I don't want to think what they would want from me.

benefits of the Yakuza
- Increased credit card transaction protection
- low crime rate (yes, believe it or not)
- safe parking lots (I used to live in an apartment building were several yakuza lived and my car never even once got a scratch while in the lot since if some scratched the wrong car ... look out!)
- interesting drinking places
- gambling areas
- and many more.

current economics
Recently, much like the japanese economy the Yakuza too have been hit hard by the effects. Many Yakuza have had to quit since they can't make a living. Hey, you gotta have money to survive and if your protectees aren't able to pay what are you to do?


hmmm ... this came out much more jumbled than I had planned. sorry
:bow:

[thomas]

Tatooed four-fingers... I've heard that some surgeons are specialized in finger prothesis, usually it's the little one that's severed if I'm not wrong.

There's an interesting book by Saga Junichi titled "The Confessions of a Yakuza". Saga Junichi was small town doctor who befriended Eiji Ijichi, a local yakuza boss, one of his patients. He narrates Ijichi's mafia career from "apprentice" to "patrone", the entire book is written in interview-style, very impressive.

Here's another link shedding light on the history of the yakuza and their connections to ultranationalist movements

=> http://www.japanreference.com/cgi-bin/jump.cgi?ID=2847

[moyashi]

:bow:

Just trying to shed a little more light on this aspect of Japan's culture.

So many things have been written about this topic that diffentely go beyond my knowledge. I just thought I'd try sharing my bit of knowledge on this topic.

Dang long thread though wasn't it :blush:

[thomas]

Much obliged for sharing with us, Moyashi! If there's someone who deserves to be called an "Old Japan Hand", it is you.
:bow:

My first "encounter" with Yakuza was while watching the movie "Black Rain" with Michael Douglas, hehe. Early 80s, I was still a teenager and stunned. The movie portrayed Japan in a way I've never seen it before. I love Takakura Ken. He seems to have acted in a lot of yakuza movies, I remember there's another one he co-starred in with Robert Mitchum (forgot the title, produced in the 70s), lots of sword-fighting in that film.
:)

[deborah gormley]

I didnt know that Japan also had mafia type gangs,

I always beleived that Japan was a quite reseved country and that these gangs only exsisted in the countrys with a lot of trouble in them,(mine ect; lol), I also thought for some reason that the japanese people where extremely against violence and that it simply did'nt exist there,maybe its the t.v or films I watched as a younger me lol, that has had this impression of a very reserved and obedient nation, but that shows you what I know!!!.
I will be looking forward to more info on this yakuza gang.

[tosh]

That's why you have to troll the papers, especially the crime section[s]. Unfortunately, in order to get a well rounded view of a thing, place, or person, you have to ferret out the good, the bad, and the ugly.

[thomas]

Legendary:

http://mdn.mainichi.co.jp/waiwai/

These articles are mostly direct translations from Japanese tabloids, a bit sensationalist, yet infotaining.
;)

[deborah gormley]

Yes tosh I totally agree with you, its never easy summing anything up with all the aspects and issues that surround it.:cool:

but we must admit that these gangs and mafia type stories are at times facinating (in my opinion of course) because they do things that we never would:ouch:

[tosh]

I think the term is um, "larger than life" ...Remindes me of the story about Tom Mix, Hollywood actor from the silent twenties. According to a story i came across, Mix had something like a fifty foot rotating neon sign over his house, flashing the words, "Tom Mix". -Hmmm, i must be in spaghetti western mode.

[moyashi]

hehe ... Mafia, yakuza, Triad, Russian mafia, they're every where.

I don't want to spoil Japan's image for folks here but ... there's lot's of interesting underground culture in Japan that they don't want you as an outsider to know about.

No, not all Japanese are obedient and subserviant ... heheh ... just chat with my wife.

[thomas]

Originally posted by moyashi
No, not all Japanese are obedient and subserviant ... heheh ... just chat with my wife. I can confirm that re. my wife too.
;)

[moyashi]

lol ... great ...

forgot to post but that movies name was "yakuza" Robert Mitchum was in love with Takura Ken's wife and he didn't know that she was married. Time frame was dated back to the Korean Conflict I believe or was it WWII?

[deborah gormley]

I'm glad the wifes have you on your toes, lol,lol,,,


@moyashi
And do you meant you are not going to tell us about the underground of Japan??? come on you just have to tell us the rest,

@thomas
those tabliods,lol :o:o :

[moyashi]

@deborah

hhhh? the rest? lol.... just hang on I'll be posting more over the next few weeks. Just keep on eye on my culture::backside::XXX series!

[deborah gormley]

@ moyashi
"What they dont want you as an outsider to find out about"

I should have let you know as to what I was refering to moyashi sorry and i will be looking forward to your posts

[moyashi]

No problem!

Ahhh, the Japanese like to keep things in the family and/or ignore aspects which aren't very palatable, which is very understandable.

[deborah gormley]

And quite right too,

But this is facinating stuff and I'm a little nosey,lolol. (as you've noticed).
I should have been a detective or even a P.I. I love to piece crimes together just like a jigsaw, and if theres one piece missing I just keep on looking,haha,

Thanks Moyashi you are very patient.

[moyashi]

NP,
Just hope that I'm being helpful.

[deborah gormley]

more than helpfull moyashi, between thomas and yourself I'v learned so much and I really appreciate the effort and speed that you both use in your replys:bow:



I must add you have to get your scanner working because I dont like to keep asking for a picture but here it goes any way, It has been mentioned in another thread that an image of a yakuza could have been used, if there is an image handy and its not to much bother (thomas I'm sorry lol) could and would it be posted,
:sorry:


Thanks

[thomas]

Debs,

I'd do anything to keep my few regulars happy!
;)

Below I posted an image showing two yakuza guys with their typical tatoos.

Disclaimer: I, errm, borrowed this image from our friends at Japanforever.net (http://www.japanreference.com/cgi-bin/jump.cgi?ID=2410), I don't know where they borrowed it from...

[tosh]

Are you sure those two guys aren't from new york. They have that ahem,...attitude.

[deborah gormley]

wooooowww now thats a picture,lolol:bluush: :bluush:


Its scary looking and tough, not what I imagioned, but now I can almost see a mafia type connection and they must mean buissness, they must be dedicated to their cause, to allow them selves to be tatooed like that,a cult almost.

[moyashi]

hmmm half tattoos ... missing the sleeves....

yeah, most yakuza sport attitude. Fun to watch em when they bump into Gaijin though :) .... well, just on the street not in business :)

[deborah gormley]

I for one would really really not want to bump into those guys at time, not in a street, not even in a cafe,lol but dont stop there, tell us more about thier anticts,lol.

Have you any stories that they are famous for? something that every body knows about them, (except me).

[moyashi]

ahh they're not that bad :)

hmmm besides racketering. hmmm.... they donated relief goods during the Kobe Earthquake. Make good material for movies. hehe ... both porn and action.

ummm ... wouldn't want to know about their implants would you? ;) apparently quite interesting. Getting into what the Scottsman has under his kilt if you know what I mean. ;)

[deborah gormley]

moyashi the suspence is now killing me lolol,
you cant just give me a sentence about implants then stop, haha:D


They make donations to relief funds!! ahhh they must be quite soft at heart, but I understand they have a rep to protect and this action proves that they are not all bad.:cool:

[moyashi]

ok since you asked. An ex-girlfriend mentioned that they like inserting pearls.

@donations
Yeah, it was quit interesting when I saw that. It wasn't really a relief fund but more direct. They gave out blankets and food stuff directly to victims of that earthquake.

@manners
At times, Yakuza are quite mindful of their manners especially when it comes to the elderly. I've seen them hold doors open and allow elderly go first quite a few times.

It's sad but it seems that the Yakuza maintain the code of old Japan much more than others in Japan. Not really knights in shinning armor but still they can be thought of as knights.

[deborah gormley]

Ahhh now thats a lovely sentiment,

you know the last couple of posts have really made my out look on the yakuza change some, from the vicious,riotious,out of control gang to a much nicer simpler gang, with a bit of care in community life so to speak, maybe there are the few who run mad around towns ect, but all gangs have those kind, the respect side that you spoke of has to be admired and acknowledged, although this probably does'nt come with the tuff, maybe its there because of maturity and the inner knowledge that one day they will be elderly and waiting in long lines for service and some young yakuza will be as polite, just out of manners of course,:bow:


As for the pearls:eek: lol,

[thomas]

The Yakuza, the modern samurai...
:D

Well, another aspect of their acticities is their relationship and cooperation with ultranationalist political groups, not so pleasant and benevolent.

[moyashi]

Well, yeah business is strictly business and there is no farting around when it's time to make some clear cut above margin profit.

Yes, they uphold most of the Samurai sense of honor and duty to their [gumi] family. If you're not family well .... stay on your toes.

[chinkasu]

they are 2-bit punks and nothing more.

[deborah gormley]

@ chinkasu

Tell us why you believe they are [2 bit punks]

coming from outside japan I have an interest of the yakuza, if you know something I don't, please tell,haha :bow: :bow:


I'l be looking forward to your post:wave:

[chinkasu]

think of gang members in your home country. do you admire them? are they noble? or are they idiots who hide behind childish images of themselves as something more than the criminals they truly are?

a punk is a punk.

anyone with some $ can get a big tatoo and buy some bad suits. nothing admirable there.

[moyashi]

ahhh I see what you're saying.

[deborah gormley]

Ahhh see what you mean.


Although here the gangs are slightly different, they cant be seen or spoken too, but there are routes to complain or be heard threw
also the gang members are a little more for the people than against them, (example) If a home is broken into by the so called unrulely boys,or just boys who have nothing to do but cause problems, then a gang could arrive at your door unanounced and ask if you require any assistance or If you have an idea of who might have carried out the burglary, if you push the issue, then all items that was taken are normally returned by a gang member and the affender is punished severly.

[moyashi]

@ home-service
Now, that is a system that probably works.

Yeah, the Yakuza are mostly thugs but the belong in the mafia family class of gangs while the gang-bangers in the states ... ugh ... don't come near the class of a family based organization.

[Kiyotsuki]

Heheh, very true. The common gang here in the US do not come close to matching the complexities and such of mafia, or such. This could possibly show the lack of cultural depth of the US compared to many other nationalities. (may)

[deborah gormley]

very true, cultural depth has a lot to do with it:clap:



and maybe in time when such gangs as yakuza ect, when matured and respected for some good deeds,(as earthquake victims ect) will at some time in the future be FOR the people and NOT against them, how ever this is extremely difficult to acheive and its only the higher ranking members can inforce a code of conduct and themselves live by the rules, :bow:


@rules,
such as anti-drugs and with this could come amnesty for the members if in the past has taken (or what ever they do with them) to come clean and admit having such bad habits, but now this habit must be given up to remain a member and if in future to be found in posession of these drugs they will get punished and even banished from thier home town for a lenght of time deemed only by the boss, (so to speak):ouch



but from what I know about the yakuza(which is only whats on these pages,hehe) they are a long way from a code of practice or conduct that I have mentioned and this is only one practice from thousands that could be implemented if the yakuza are to be taken seriously by the people,which brings me to a question that I havent yet asked,,,,,,how long have the yakuza been a part of japanese life?:confused:

[moyashi]

hmmm just an off hand guess but at least 300 years.

I'd put them being 2 bit thugs and gamblers before Tokugawa Ieyasu unified Japan (well, he's given credit that is). Much Before that I don't know.

They somewhere along the line picked up an honor code and what not. It's a shame that don't push their code harder like Debs suggested.

[deborah gormley]

sometimes codes of practice can work against you, and the yakuza at the minuite dont have an army, they have different units, and the units are easier to control than an entire army spread all over the country all knowing what each other has to do and a way of dealing with unrulely young adults, suppose you heard of the famous punishment beatens, thats against thier own people who have been to say the least a bit naughty, and the gang brings outside members in to carry out these punishments so they are not emotionally involved or related to the receipants of such an act, so no mercy is shown, is this a price worth paying to have an exclusive gang at your doorstep and the face of the members you never see??:confused:


sorry, I made it sound so nice in my last post just thought I should show the flip side,:bow:


the yakuza are not so bad after all in my opinion.

[thomas]

Originally posted by deborah gormley
the yakuza are not so bad after all in my opinion. Yes, they really have manners

=> http://newsonjapan.com/cgibin/news/link.cgi?ID=18489

[Forgive me my sarcasm] :sorry:

[deborah gormley]

a little more insight has made me have a change of heart:note:




they appear to be just as crazed as our own gangs, never admitting responsbility, never taking the whole blame and never letting thier own side down, apity:bow:

[thomas]

Well, they come in all kinds and shapes, but they are certainly no Robin Hoods.

Their stepping in during the Kobe earthquake for instance actually showed the sad state public Japan was/is in. They were just filling gaps.
:o

[moyashi]

True they're not Robin Hoods are very rude and harsh when it comes to business and the underworld.

I was just hoping to write about some of the more unknown points about the Yakuza, since there are so many places to read up about them.

[thomas]

Another waiwai story on yakuza recruits:

Comfy times create dearth of yakuza young guns

=> http://mdn.mainichi.co.jp/waiwai/0206/020629guns.html

[deborah gormley]

not so comfy then!!!:eek:


as with all gangs I'v ever heard of or incountered, the reality is much different, and harsher than ever imagioned by the young hopeful,well these gangs must entice the youth of today if only to survive, and keep numbers up!!:bow:

[Mattanza]

I have read nearly every post,very interesting yes!
the shots of the yakuzas was really cool!
I think at the end it is not so different from italian Mafia...
really not a lot,now the situation inside italian mafia is not clear to me of course,but i know also italian Mafia has a father-child organization:
the boss is the "Padrino"means who take care of you like a father for the life,the padrino in our culture is also who is the witness to the baptism of the baby in our religios habits.
the gang mambers are called "Picciotti",that means kids.
everymen belonging to Mafia is called man of honor coz it is supposed he follow a strict code of behaviour.
At the end Mafia is a bunch of bad people leading dirty infamous buisnesses in collusion with gov and police,like in japan...

[thomas]

As long as mafia gangs adhere to their own codes of honour their actions can be foreseen and somehow controlled. I could imagine (as described in some of the artciles above) that these codes are more and more disrespected and questioned by younger members. Like that things could easily get out of hand.

At the end Mafia is a bunch of bad people leading dirty infamous buisnesses in collusion with gov and police,like in japan...I agree with you, Mattanza, but they are a social fact wherever you are.

[Mavurik]

Have any of you seen the movie Brother?
;)

[moyashi]

Not yet, I'm waiting for Beat Takeshi's movie to come on TV.

I just saw Black Rain again on TV starring Kirk Douglas (sempai) and Andy Garcia.
Interesting that not all of Japanese was translated in English. Obviously, becuase they bad mouthed the Americans pretty nicely. I remember watching it in the states at the movie theater with a few Japanese study abroad students, we all weren't too happy afterwards.

[shintemaster]

Yes they are 'common' organised criminals. Yakuza, like most organised crime realise that they are a parasitic organisation. You cannot extort money and goods from dead people. I would hazard to guess that this is the reason behind yakuza generosity after the earthquake. Using the idea that some of the more 'admirable' traits of Samurai are part of the Yakuza is ridiculous. Many groups have used supposedly 'good' ideas as their ideology. History has proven that this does not mean that they commit decent acts.:bow: