Tattoo Johnny Tattoos & Tattoo Design Guide: Japanese Yakuza

Japanese Yakuza

Thursday 19th of February 2009 10:47:34 AM [Add To This Article]

"Yakuza" is a general term referring to Japanese organized crime members. Yakuza are comparable to the Italian mafia or Chinese triads, although Yakuza are not a hidden organization. Also known as "the violence family," there are many clans within the Yakuza and members are active all over the world.

As of 2005, approximately 85,000 Yakuza members were said to be active in Japan. Their criminal movement is spread throughout other Asian countries, particularly in China where Yakuza are known to purchase unwanted girls. In the United States, there is a smaller group of active members, most of who are working in Hawaii. Other countries currently frequented by Yakuza include Mexico and Australia.

History of the Yakuza

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact moment when the Yakuza came about. There is a very long history of organized crime within Japanese and Yakuza roots are commonly traced back as far as the 17^th century. There are many historical debates on the movements history, however. Some members romanticize the syndicates history, painting the Yakuzas past as being protectors of poor citizens. This theory is not unlike the story of Robin Hood.

The Yakuza grew as Japan became more industrialized. By the time of World War II, American soldiers found the Yakuza to be very formidable enemies. Allied troops would occupy areas of Japan, offering food and other aid. An unfortunate result of this was a growth in the black market and criminal underworld. This was led, of course, by the Yakuza. After World War II, Japan was in disarray and the Yakuza became more deeply imbedded in Japanese politics and various high-profile industries.

In the mid 20^thcentury, Yakuza membership was very high and there were thousands of clans working throughout Japan. Today, numbers are declining as a result of stricter Japanese laws. It is not illegal there to be in a gang; however, certain criminal activities are now closer monitored and more people are being prosecuted. Certain businesses purposely distance themselves from the violent groups and membership now holds more of a stigma.

Yakuza Tattoos

Yakuza are known for their garish style and graphical tattoos. Many members have large gang tattoos, some covering the entire body. Yakuza is very much a male-dominated culture, although the women associated with the clans may also bear Yakuza gang tattoos. Members do not go out and choose random designs; rather, their tattoos bear symbolism associated with their particular clan.

In Japan, Yakuza tattoos are known as irezumi. The gangs began getting large Asian tattoos as a sign of strength and as a way to separate them from conservative society. Many Yakuza tattoos are applied in an old-fashioned, hand-poked style. This is a much more painful and expensive procedure than modern tattooing. Some Asian gang tattoos take years to complete and run the entire length of a members body.

Criminal Practices

Yakuza are involved in a number of criminal activities. These include gambling, protection rackets, prostitution, drug manufacturing, human trafficking and more. Some Yakuza business practices are semi-legitimate, however. The police do not strongly interfere with practices that benefit the community.

As previously noted, Yakuza are not a hidden series of gangs. Many are headquartered at an office that bears a public sign with the gangs name and/or symbol. It is widely believed that theft is an activity condemned by the Yakuza, as they are an open society that does not engage in the covert.

Yakuza Code

Although the Yakuza is a series of criminal families, the society does have a code of ethics. Members are taught to honor justice and duty, treating their clan brethren with respect and loyalty. One does not have to be born into the Yakuza. Members can come from all walks of life, although many members are from lower-class areas. In the upper levels of the Yakuza, leaders are quite the opposite from common thugs. They are, in fact, well-informed and crafty men with a head for business.

There are various rituals involved with Yakuza membership. One is the famous full-bodied tattoo that most acquire. Other rituals include sake-sharing ceremonies and punishment in the guise of finger cutting. In addition to traditional rituals, Yakuza have a distinct style about them. Gang members often wear loud, colorful suits and sunglasses. This, along with gang tattoos, makes them stand out among regular citizens.

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