The Evolution of Yakuza Honor: A Journey Through Time and Luck
Origins of Yakuza Honor
The term "yakuza" is often associated with Japanese organized crime, but its origins are deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. The word "yakuza" itself is believed to have derived from a worthless hand in a Japanese card game similar to baccarat or blackjack, where the cards ya-ku-sa (eight-nine-three) give the worst possible total[1]. This etymology reflects the complex and multifaceted nature Yakuza Honor game of yakuza honor, which has evolved over centuries.
Historical Context
Yakuza organizations are thought to have descended from gangs of rōnin (masterless samurai) who turned to banditry or from bands of do-gooders who defended villages from these wayward samurai during the early 17th century[1]. Their lineage may also be traced to bands of grifters and gamblers in Japan’s feudal period. This historical context underscores the yakuza’s connection to gambling, which has been a cornerstone of their activities.
The Rise of Yakuza Conglomerates
By the early 20th century, yakuza organizations had coalesced into large conglomerates. The Yamaguchi-gumi, founded by Yamaguchi Harukichi in 1915, is one of the largest and most influential yakuza groups[1]. Under the leadership of Taoka Kazuo, the Yamaguchi-gumi expanded significantly after World War II, becoming a dominant force in Japanese organized crime.
Hierarchy and Discipline
Similar to the Italian Mafia, the yakuza hierarchy is reminiscent of a family. The leader of any gang or conglomerate is known as the oyabun (boss; literally “parent status”), and the followers are known as kobun (protégés, or “apprentices”; literally “child status”)[1]. This rigid hierarchy and discipline are often matched by a right-wing ultranationalistic ideology. Kobun traditionally take a blood oath of allegiance, demonstrating their commitment to the yakuza code.
Rituals and Traditions
Yakuza members adopt samurai-like rituals and often bear elaborate body tattoos. These tattoos, known as irezumi, are intricate designs that signify a member’s status and loyalty within the organization. The practice of cutting off one’s little finger as penance for breaking the yakuza code has declined over time but remains a testament to the group’s strict adherence to tradition[1].
Criminal Activities
Yakuza engage in a wide range of criminal activities, including extortion, blackmail, smuggling, prostitution, drug trafficking, gambling, loan sharking, and day-labour contracting. They control many businesses in major Japanese cities, such as restaurants, bars, trucking companies, talent agencies, taxi fleets, and factories[1]. Their organizational nature is sometimes viewed as a deterrent to impulsive individual street crime.
Dual Nature of Yakuza
Despite their criminal activities, the yakuza style themselves as ninkyō dantai (literally “chivalrous organization”). They have been known to perform charitable acts, such as donating and delivering supplies to earthquake victims during significant disasters like the Kōbe earthquake of 1995 and the earthquake and tsunami of 2011[1]. This dual nature of yakuza—both criminals and sometimes humanitarians—complicates their relationship with the police in Japan.
Modernization and Shifts in Activities
Over time, the yakuza have shifted toward white-collar crime, relying more on bribery in lieu of violence. By the early 21st century, they were one of the least murderous criminal groups in the world[1]. This shift reflects a broader trend in organized crime, where violence is often replaced by more sophisticated and less detectable methods.
Yakuza and Popular Culture
The yakuza have been idolized in popular media as underdogs, which has contributed to their complex relationship with society. This portrayal often overlooks the harsh realities of their activities but highlights the allure of their chivalrous facade. The Japanese police agency responded to this dual perception by instating the name bōryokudan (violence groups) in an antigang law to reinforce the criminal nature of yakuza organizations[1].
Historical Examples of Yakuza Activities
-
Gambling and Hanafuda Cards
- In the late 19th century, most forms of gambling were banned in Japan, but doing so with hanafuda (flower cards) was permitted. There was a strong demand for these cards from yakuza-run gambling dens[2].
- One company, Nintendo, which was founded in 1889, saw this gap in the market as a way to make money and had a number of very profitable years producing hanafuda cards before moving into mass-producing regular cards[2].
-
Early 20th Century Yakuza Activities
- Before guns, drugs, loan-sharking, real estate, and hitmen on motorcycles carrying swords, the old school yakuza were strictly all about gambling. This memoir by Eiji Ijichi, "Confessions of a Yakuza," casts back on his experiences as a 15-year-old street-wise kid right through to becoming boss of the Dewaya gang[3].
- Ijichi’s story highlights the less glamorous tasks that yakuza members had to perform, such as washing up, cooking, cleaning, and shopping. It also underscores the brutality and sadistic tactics of the police during this period.
Yakuza Code of Honor
The yakuza code of honor is strict and unforgiving. Members who break the code must show penance, historically through a ritual in which the kobun cuts off his little finger with a sword and presents it to his oyabun[1]. This practice has declined over time but remains a testament to the group’s commitment to their traditions.
Charitable Acts and Humanitarian Efforts
Despite their criminal activities, the yakuza have been known to perform charitable acts. During significant disasters like the Kōbe earthquake of 1995 and the earthquake and tsunami of 2011, they donated and delivered supplies to those in need[1]. This dual nature of yakuza—both criminals and sometimes humanitarians—complicates their relationship with society.
Yakuza in Modern Times
In modern times, the yakuza continue to evolve. They have shifted toward white-collar crime, relying more on bribery in lieu of violence. By the early 21st century, they were one of the least murderous criminal groups in the world[1]. This shift reflects a broader trend in organized crime where violence is often replaced by more sophisticated methods.
Conclusion
The yakuza’s journey through time and luck is a complex and multifaceted one. From their origins in Japanese card games to their modern-day activities, the yakuza have evolved significantly. Their strict code of honor and rituals reflect a deep commitment to tradition, while their charitable acts highlight a more nuanced side to their nature. Understanding the yakuza requires acknowledging both their criminal activities and their humanitarian efforts, a duality that continues to shape their place in Japanese society.
Timeline of Yakuza Activities
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 17th century | Origins of yakuza gangs from rōnin and do-gooders |
| Early 20th century | Formation of large yakuza conglomerates like Yamaguchi-gumi |
| Late 19th century | Banning of most forms of gambling except hanafuda cards |
| Early 1960s | Peak membership of yakuza with approximately 184,000 members |
| Early 21st century | Decline in yakuza membership to approximately 80,000 members |
| 1995 | Charitable efforts during the Kōbe earthquake |
| 2011 | Charitable efforts during the earthquake and tsunami |
Yakuza Hierarchy
- Oyabun (Boss) : The leader of any gang or conglomerate, known as the parent status.
- Kobun (Protégés/Apprentices) : The followers, known as the child status.
- Blood Oath of Allegiance : Traditionally taken by kobun to demonstrate their commitment to the yakuza code.
Rituals and Traditions
- Irezumi (Body Tattoos) : Intricate designs that signify a member’s status and loyalty within the organization.
- Penalty Rituals : Historically, members who broke the code would cut off their little finger with a sword and present it to their oyabun.
Criminal Activities
- Extortion and Blackmail
- Smuggling and Prostitution
- Drug Trafficking and Gambling
- Loan Sharking and Day-Labour Contracting
Charitable Acts
- Kōbe Earthquake (1995)
- Donations and supply delivery to earthquake victims.
- Earthquake and Tsunami (2011)
- Similar charitable efforts during this disaster.
Modernization and Shifts in Activities
- White-Collar Crime
- Increased reliance on bribery in lieu of violence.
- Decline in Violence
- By the early 21st century, they were one of the least murderous criminal groups in the world.
Yakuza in Popular Culture
- Idolization as Underdogs
- Often portrayed in media as underdogs, which has contributed to their complex relationship with society.
- Reinforcement of Criminal Nature
- The Japanese police agency’s use of the term bōryokudan to reinforce their criminal activities.
Historical Examples
- Hanafuda Cards
- Strong demand from yakuza-run gambling dens in the late 19th century.
- Eiji Ijichi’s Memoir
- "Confessions of a Yakuza" provides a firsthand account of yakuza activities in the early 20th century.
Conclusion
The yakuza’s journey through time and luck is a complex and multifaceted one. Understanding their evolution from their origins in Japanese card games to their modern-day activities requires acknowledging both their criminal activities and their humanitarian efforts. This duality continues to shape their place in Japanese society.
