YAKUZA
Origins
Name
Ya - 9, Ku - 8, Sa - 3 = 20, a losing hand in the Japanese game hana-fudu, literally the "Bad hand of society," but more figuratively,
"Those which have no place in society." Includes many outsiders among its ranks.
Kabuki-Mono vs. Machi-Yakko
Kabuki-Mono (crazed ones) were ronin who, as far back as 1612, were plundering villages in organized bands.
- considered to be the origin of modern yakuza
Machi-Yakko (city servants) are considered the origin of the yakuza by the yakuza themselves
- protected villagers from the Kabuki-Mono
Regardless, modern yakuza appeared in the middle of the 17th-century, in two groups:
- bakuto (gamblers)
- tekiya (street vendors) sold illegal products
Rise of the Guerentai
Guerantai (hoodlums) came into existence after WWII, when there was a need for black-market goods
- modelled themselves after Al Capone and the gangsters of the 1930s, replaced swords for guns, etc.
Characteristics
Slang
Yakuza are known to speak a unique form of Japanese slang, complete with grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary
Tattoos
Yakuza often tattoo all areas of their body that can be hidden under clothing as a rite of passage. These ornate tattoos have become quite
recognizable in Japanese society.
Clothing
Yakuza wear clothing reminiscent of American gangsters of the 1920's and 1930's
Structure
Oyabun-Kobun Relationship
Father-son relationship. The kobun must obey and be loyal to the oyabun; likewise, the oyabun will protect the kobun.
"If your boss says the passing crow is white, then you must agree."
Hierarchy
I. Kumicho (supreme boss)
A. Saiko komon (senior advisor)
B. So-honbucho (headquarters chief)
C. Wakagashira (number two man; regional boss)
1. Fuku-honbucho (responsible for several gangs)
2. Shateigashira (lesser regional boss)
a. Shateigashira-hosa (assistant)
b. Shatei ("younger brother")
c. Wakashu (junior assistant)
Traditions
Initiation Ceremony
"A successful candidate for admission into the Mafia must participate in a ceremony where his trigger finger is pricked and the blood smeared on the picture of a saint, which is then set on fire and must burn in the initiate's hands as he swears his loyalty to the family. In the yakuza initiation ceremony, the blood is symbolized by sake (rice wine). The oyabun and the initiate sit face-to-face as their sake is prepared by azukarinin (guarantors). The sake is mixed with salt and fish scales, then carefully poured into cups. The oyabun's cup is filled to the brim, befitting his status; the initiate gets much less. They drink a bit, then exchange cups, and each drinks from the other's cup. The kobun has then sealed his commitment to the family. From that moment on, even the kobun's wife and children must take a backseat to his obligations to his yakuza family."
Yubizume
When a yakuza displeases a boss, the last joint of his little finger is amputated.
- Mostly a symbolic gesture, with roots in practicality
References
Image: Yakuza man showing tattoos
Image: Movie rendition of two Yakuza
See also: The Yakuza