The Yakuza is one of the largest and most powerful criminal organizations in the world. Much about the yakuza is shrouded in mystery. The members of the group have been diligently protecting their secrets for over a hundred years and are very reluctant to talk about their activities. In Japan, the yakuza is perceived as inevitable - so tightly mafia networks entwine the government and the economy. However, some of the secrets of the yakuza were still made public.
Yakuza does not break the law
The principle of the yakuza is to stay clean before the law. This is part of their complex disguise. The Yakuza is headquartered in one of Tokyo's busiest business districts, and official activities are within the law. Real criminal work is done by people who have nothing to do with the organization, and the best lawyers in Japan ensure legal purity.
Their tattoos are done by hand
Yakuza members are immediately recognizable by their tattoos, which cover most of the body. Although yakuza members wear long-sleeved shirts and high collars to hide these decorations, they can behave openly in private with other gang members. They use exclusively traditional tattooing techniques that go back centuries and are done without any electrical components.
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Yakuza wives wear tattoos
Members' wives play a minor role in the day-to-day business of the organization. However, there are times when women take another step towards dedication and cover their bodies with tattoos. Such wives participate in mafia affairs on an equal basis with men.
Yakuza help Japan
The Yakuza have repeatedly come to the aid of the people of Japan during disaster. This was the case during the numerous wars of the twentieth century, as well as during the devastating earthquakes. Yakuza brigades gathered the wounded, organized meals, and even let refugees into their headquarters.
They are all outcasts
Yakuza members do not have normal ties to the rest of Japanese society. This division began many centuries ago in feudal Japan. Members of the Barakumin society, starting from the 11th century, formed a class of criminals - they became poor peasants who were forced to rob rich samurai.
The origin of the name "Yakuza"
Many people have heard the word "Yakuza", but not all of them actually know what it means. The name of the mafia was given by the popular Japanese card game "oicho-kabu", similar to blackjack. The most unsuccessful combination of cards in it is called "ya-ku-za" - 8 + 9 + 3 = 20. The game is scored by the last digit, so in this case the player gets zero. In jargon, "yakuza" also means "good for nothing."
Yakuza members cut their fingers
In addition to tattoos, the yakuza have another cruel ritual - shortening the fingers. The ritual means atonement - an ordinary yakuza cuts off a phalanx of his finger and gives it to the boss. If he is not satisfied, the cutting of fingers continues until a complete apology.
They are the largest gang in the world
At last count, they have over 100,000 members around the world. The Yakuza is present in North America, Asia and Europe and is actively expanding, employing people from a wide variety of nationalities.
Ultra-Right Yakuza
The Yakuza are very close to various nationalist groups in Japan. They are extremely politicized and try to influence the government by introducing their people there. The yakuza uses such groups as "cannon fodder" - mass actions and pogroms.
Yakuza is at war
Right now, a massive group is torn apart by an internal war - the organization is divided into two large groups that are fighting for leadership. Many yakuza rank and file have already died in this war, and the conflict continues.