Dating back to the Edo Period, the Yakuza is one of the oldest and most notorious crime syndicates in Japan. With a strict honor-code and a reputation for being above the law, the Yakuza has fascinated people around the world.
While the Japanese police and press label them as criminals, the Yakuza considers themselves a chivalrous organization. They follow a strict hierarchy and operate under the principles of loyalty, honor, and respect.
The Yakuza’s power is divided among four main clans, each with its own territory and influence. Their reach extends far beyond the criminal underworld, as they embed their severe nationalist ideas into communities.
Despite their criminal activities, the Yakuza has been known to assist in times of crisis. They have played a significant role in disaster relief efforts, such as the 1995 Kobe Earthquake and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. In these instances, they have provided relief and distributed aid faster than the government.
However, the Yakuza is not without its dark side. They are rumored to be involved in human trafficking, and they have shady links to banking and government. These connections allow them to operate with relative impunity, further fueling their reputation as a formidable criminal organization.