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• The Yakuza are an organized crime syndicate operating primarily in Japan that is one of the largest such groups in the world. And though their methods are different than organized crime in the West, they are commonly referred to as the "Japanese Mafia." They operate both legal and illegal operations, from gambling and extortion to real estate investment and entertainment promotion.

• Fast Facts

  1. Also known as: Gokudou, bouryokudan
  2. Number of members: Over 84,700
  3. Year founded: 17th century
  4. Likely originated from Kabuki-mono outlaw groups or machi-yokko provincial protection groups
  5. Divided into four families: Yamaguchi-gumi, Sumiyoshi-rengo, Inagawa-kaï, and Toua Yua Jigyo Kummiai
  6. Country of origin: Japan
  7. Also active in: China, Korea, the Philippines, Australia, and the United States, primarily in Hawaii
  8. Illegal Rackets: Gambling, pornography and sex-industries, drug trafficking, extortion
  9. Legitimate Businesses: Real estate investment, professional wrestling, mixed martial arts promotion and investment

• Look the Part

  The Yakuza are open about their existence, unlike the American Mafia or Chinese Triads, and members consequently openly display characteristic emblems indicating their affiliations. They typically have irezumi, tattoos covering their entire back, or missing fingers from a penance ritual called yubitsume, where portions of a finger are cut off and presented to a superior.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  History of Japan | Japanese | Tokyo | Triads | Mexican Mafia | Kill Bill (Films) | Hirohito | Mafia | Russian Mafia | Mara Salvatrucha | Varrio Hawaiian Gardens

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