The Untold Stories of the Yakuza: Exploring the Dark Side of Japan's Criminal Underworld

💀The yakuza were once a necessary evil, suppressing street crimes like theft and robbery, but with increased police presence and low crime rates in Japan, their services are no longer needed.

🔪Violence is an integral part of the yakuza's identity and power, with fights, arguments, and even deadly acts punctuating their interactions.

🔄Leaving the yakuza is a challenging process that often involves betraying the organization and can result in loss of reputation, fear for one's life, and attempts at revenge from former associates.

🤝The yakuza symbolize a sense of family and unity, providing a feeling of belonging and meaning to people who may have otherwise been lost in society.

🌇The decline of the yakuza can be attributed to stricter anti-yakuza laws in Japan, limiting their activities and making life as a member increasingly unpleasant.

What crimes do the yakuza engage in?

—The yakuza are involved in various criminal activities, including gambling, extortion, drug dealing, prostitution, and child pornography.

How have anti-yakuza laws affected the organization?

—Anti-yakuza laws have made it difficult for the yakuza to collect money, get accommodation, or even make phone calls. Their numbers have declined, and many former members are left in limbo.

Is violence still an important aspect of the yakuza?

—Yes, violence is deeply ingrained in the yakuza culture. Every interaction is a potential argument, and their weapons of choice include fists, Japanese swords, wooden swords, and even bicycles.

What is the perception of the yakuza in Japanese society?

—While the yakuza were once seen as a necessary evil, their criminal activities and violent reputation have led to a negative perception in modern Japanese society.

Why do some people still cling to the fantasy of a virtuous criminal syndicate?

—Some individuals find meaning and a sense of belonging in the yakuza's ideology or family structure, despite the challenges and risks involved.

00:03Introduction to the topic of the yakuza and their involvement in violence.

03:23Explanation of how anti-yakuza laws have impacted the organization's activities and made life for members unpleasant.

06:32Discussion on the importance of violence within the yakuza culture and their use of various weapons.

18:18Insights from a former yakuza member who highlights the declining relevance of the yakuza and the impact of leaving the organization.

26:17Exploration of the bond and sense of belonging found within the yakuza, as well as the challenges faced when trying to leave the organization.