Organized Crime: The Yakuza Group - Term Paper Example

?Yakuza The Yakuza is a Japanese organized crime group, one which includes various specific traditions which sets it aside from other organized crimegroups. This group has once been known for its gamblers, peddlers, and bandits. Other activities which relate to drug use and political control have been seen from this group. It has dominated Japan for many years, and exists to this very day, with activities widespread, not just in Japan, but in other countries as well. This paper shall discuss the activities and the modus operandi of this group. It will also discuss the impact or effect of this crime organization on the national and the international level. This paper is being undertaken in order to seek a detailed discussion of the yakuza crime organization, helping this student understand the activities of the group and establishing specific details which would distinguish it from other organized crime groups. The yakuza organization became the organization it has become today at around the late 1800s under the leadership of Toyama Mitsuru (Butler and Kaplan, p. 40). Mitsuru founded the Genyosha Society and his main aid, Uchida formulated the Amur River Society. These groups dominated in activities like prostitution, gambling, entertainment, liquor, and other activities like dockside labour (Chemko). They also engaged in the 1960s and 1970s in drugs and arms trade. This group has also been highly connected with other organized crime groups, including the Sicilian Mafia, American Mafia, Colombian drug cartels, and the Chinese triads (Chemko). This group has long been recognized in Japan as a normal part of their history and activities, especially with its associations with politicians and rich businessmen. They have also become engaged in the international arena, not necessarily in areas with Japan nationals (Chemko). The current organization was organized in the mid-1600s and was identified to have engaged in gambling and street vending during its inception (Chemko). Protection for other members no matter the circumstance was one of the main qualities of this group. The members were expected to do everything necessary in order to protect their fellow members. When industrialization was introduced in the country, the group followed the trend and set-up businesses in industrialized activities, including dockside labour and construction (Bruno). Interest in policies also followed, and with it, strong associations with politicians were soon forged. Associations between the police/law enforcement officers and the yakuza were also established (Bruno). During the Second World War, the yakuza posed the most significant threat to the American troops. Food rations were given to soldiers and this caused the proliferation of the black marker, including higher resources for the yakuza and other criminal organizations (Fulford, p. 66). Street vendors, known as the gurentai gained strength, often carrying out bank robberies at the black markets. Soon enough, the American and other foreign troops played a strong role in the yakuza’s habit of wearing black suits, white shirts and black sunglasses (Chemko). They also relinquished their customary swords for firearms and became even more violent. There were about 5000 gangs during these times and with the influence of Yoshio Kodama, they were soon united and included in the major crime group known as the yakuza (Gangland). This group has traditionally considered itself a helper – a Robin Hood of sorts. Before the courts were in existence in Japan, individuals usually went to the yakuza to seek the settlement of their disputes (Gangland). However, the process of resolution often included harsh actions which were not seen when recourse from legal authorities was carried out. There are two kinds of yakuza. The first are the free yakuza which were considered outcasts of society and were not linked with other organizations (Chemko). They also did not carry out serious acts, but were considered common thugs. They were also not offered any protection and were often unable to function safely in other territories covered by other organized crime groups (Chemko). The members were those who opted to be a part of the organization, recognizing the notoriety of the group. The second kind is known as Clan Yakuza (Chemko). This group has been notorious for getting rid of freelancers who were considered suspicious threats to the organization. At times, if the group did not want to carry out the criminal activity, it would likely call on freelancers to carry out the crimes (Fulford, p. 132). The yakuza is structured as a hierarchy with the oyaban being the godfather and the wakatsu being the children; and the kyodai were considered the brothers (Chemko). The oyaban is the ruler and leader, and is often expected to govern like a tyrant. The saiko-komon is the advisor, serving as the counsellor to the oyaban (Chemko). A wakashu is assigned as the boss for the children or young members. He is also a middleman who implements the orders issued by the oyaban. The wakashu is second in authority to the father (Grant, p. 19). In the wakashu, sub-groups are also apparent and in these subgroups, and movement up the ladder can be possible (Chemko). Therefore, the organization is similar to other legitimate organizations as well as crime organizations that have various gangs associated with it. The leader of the kyodai (the brothers) is known as the shatei gashira (Grant, p. 19). He has a higher rank in terms of hierarchy to the waka gashira, however, he does not share the same level of authority. The kyodai also have their own children or younger brothers and following such “children;” the shatei may also have sub-gangs. All in all, the members of the sub gangs answer to their upper leaders, and the oyabun has the highest form of authority (Grant, p. 19). Yakuza sample organizational structure Another type of classification has also been made by Harry Johnson. His classification is as follows: 1.      Oyabun/Oyaji – godfather 2.      Anego – the wife 3.      Nidaime – the heir of the oyaji 4.      Kumin – member 5.      Chinpira – hooligan 6.      Teppoudama – this is the member who usually participates in direct battles with the oyabun. He is known as the ‘bullet’ of the organization. They may sometimes incriminate themselves in order to protect their leaders (Chemko). Tattoos are a usual custom for the yakuza organization. Their tattoos are often seen as flowers, dragons, samurai warriors, and similar designs which indicate their affiliation with the organization (Johnson). These tattoos may also run from their neck, down their body and on to their calf. This custom has originated from the bakuto or the gamblers who were seen wearing a black ring around their arm to indicate each crime which the member has committed. With time, the tattoo and the length of the tattoo symbolized the strength of the organization (Johnson). In recent years, the customary tattoos have become less popular because of the painful process of acquiring them and the time allocated in acquiring these. Yakuza Tattoo This group is also known for its tradition known as the yubitsume which is carried out if a yakuza is seeking forgiveness from his oyuban for a disrespectful or disloyal act (Bremner, p. 66). Those wanting to sacrifice themselves to spare any repercussions on their children are also expected to do the yubitsume. This act involves cutting off the smallest finger at its joint. Its original purpose has been to compromise a person’s ability to hold a sword properly (Bremner, p. 66). The act was originally carried out through a very sharp sword; however, in contemporary times, the use of hammer and chisel has been implemented. For persistent disobedience and infractions, the next smallest finger is often cut off, and so on. With time, if a yakuza has carried out many disobedient and disloyal acts, he would likely be killed or be dealt with in other ways (Kaplan and Dubro, p. 20). This criminal organization has been well known for its local and international impact – on international businesses and on politicians in the domestic setting. They are known for their links with other organizations in different parts of the world, and their enterprises and activities have involved both the legal and illegal activities and groups (Brues, p. 13). One of the major controversies in Japan which involved the yakuza and politicians actually pertained to the former Prime Minister Noburu Takeshita. Takeshita died in 2000 at the age of 76 and soon after, his aide Shin Kanemaru declared that the yakuza’s assistance was sought in silencing an ultra-rightist group harassing Takeshita in 1987 (Hill, p. 76). Takeshita soon resigned in 1989 due to corrupt practices which involved politicians and other businessmen. The group was also significantly hit by the recession and by the strict legal policies passed in 1992 set forth against organized crimes and criminals (Kattoulas). This law caused issues in gambling and corporate extortion activities. This mattered significantly because these activities were their primary sources of income. They are also considered to have played a significant part in bad bank debts which have been considered contributory to the current recession being experienced by Japan (Kattoulas). In 2001, a meeting during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan was carried out with attendants including an American economist and an investment banker (Kaplan and Dubro, p. 25). The economist expressed how an investigation by the FBI revealed that yakuza activities included corporate and bank activities domination. The meeting during the festival also included discussions on the fact that the yakuza signified a major stumbling block in the resolution of Japan’s debt crisis (Chemko). Challenges on how to rise above the illegal activities which occurred on a daily basis were one of the points of discussion during their meeting. In 1992, the term yakuza recession was coined, and such term has also been associated with the current financial difficulties which Japan is facing. Japan has been experiencing an economic stagnation in recent years (Kattoulas). Other elements are usually associated to the creation of the problem. However half of the bad debts in banks may not be easily recoverable because of the yakuza involvement as well as the rampant political corruption. Many American legislators and law enforcement authorities have expressed their concern on US financial institutions in Japan and how the yakuza’s activities may cross over to the global arena due to their illegal associations (Kattoulas). Claims have actually been made that about US$50 billion have already been funnelled into the financial markets of the US. In recent years, about 600 investigations have been carried out by US authorities in Japan and they have established that the yakuza has already gained a foothold in almost all sectors of Japan’s economy including entertainment, trucking, health, construction, and other industries (Reynolds, p. 56). About 50% of the companies are related or associated in some way to the yakuza. These organizations or companies are said to have been borrowing from the banks and then siphoning these funds to the members of the crime organization. Total amounts for these funds transferred is said to amount to about $300 to $400 billion US dollars (Chemko). It was previously believed that it was the yakuza which approached the bankers, however, it was actually the other way around. Following the Second World War, significant borrowing was seen with industries wanting to be competitive with their western counterparts (Reynolds, p. 67). However, as the 1980s rolled in, the banking rates were low. This prompted the banks to look in other places, mostly the international capital areas. There were losses in loans and this forced the banks to seek assistance from the yakuza in order to improve their portfolios (Hayes, p. 211). This practice soon grew and more and more organized crime groups wanted to join, also seeking an edge in legitimate business activities (Hayes, p. 212). The problem became irreversible for banks that could also not stop the practice once it started. The banks extended loans to yakuza-controlled corporations; and these companies are known as the kigyo shatei (Chemko). Some of the banks even lent funds to the mob bosses themselves. Banks encouraged the purchase of stocks by the yakuza at abnormally high rates, paying out commissions and declaring how they would find buyers who were willing to secure goods at high rates (Goodman and Refsing, p. 219). In general, the banks were happy; moreover, the organized crime groups increased their profits and further proliferated their schemes and related activities. Then, the economic crisis befell Japan. With the fall of Japan’s economy, the yakuza also experienced significant hardships. Many suicides were seen with the fall of Japan’s economy; moreover, various suspicious incidents were seen in the advent of the crisis, including the shooting of the Vice President of the Hanwa Bank in Wakayama Prefecture at Osaka (Chemko). The Vice President of the Sumitom Bank in Nagoya was killed in 1994. Japanese officials investigating the issue who were expected to testify were also shot under suspicious circumstances (Chemko). Two weeks after Tadao Honma was appointed president of the Nippon Credit Bank, a bank which has lent to the yakuza, he was found dead in his Osaka hotel room (Chemko). Corruption was also associated with the yakuza, as their activities also included politicians who carried out illegal activities for them. Politicians were often hesitant to cross the yakuza because of their reliance on their financial assistance and their fear of the organization (Goodman and Refsing, p. 221). Conflicts of interest have also apparent in various corporations and businesses. When they are appointed to top positions, they often take over the jobs of senior officers, often leading to job loss for these senior officers in their older years. These officers actually end up working for other corporations they used to supervise (Beeler, p. 203). This was seen to have contributed to the problem of corruption in Japan. Retired police officers were also inadequately paid and ended up working for corporations they investigated in the past (Beeler, p. 203). As a result, these investigators were not as strict with the yakuza. This same scenario was seen in the justice system. Moreover, the media also feared any mention of yakuza connections because of incidents of bribery for the establishments they were working for (Chemko). In terms of international relations, the 1960s and 1970s saw the expansion of the yakuza group beyond Japan. Their expansion gradually infiltrated the Pacific Rim countries, first of these countries being South Korea (Hayes, p. 185). Japan invaded Korea and occupied the country for four decades. During this time, thousands of Koreans were transported to Japan to engage in forced labour. Many of these labourers soon became members of the yakuza (Hayes, p. 185). Their years of forced labour made them ideal yakuza members because they were able to the gain acceptance and power they did not receive from the rest of Japan (Chemko). Machii, who was one of the strongest Korean yakuza in Japan then brought the yakuza to South Korea. The country became an ideal ground for the formation of the group (Hayes, p. 185). Moreover, the country also became a strong centre for drug trafficking activities, including methamphetamines. The biggest market for these drugs was Japan, with many of its citizens needing a drug fix in order to survive the fast-paced and demanding lifestyle in Japan (Chemko). The sex slave trade also became part of the international ‘trade’ of the yakuza. Sex tours were common and this trade grew in the Pacific region. The yakuza played a huge role in sex tourism in and around military bases (Hayes, p. 185). They ‘trafficked’ women and children, arranged mail-order brides, and produced pornographic materials. Their activities became rampant, not just in Japan, but in East Asia as well (Hayes, p. 185). The Philippines was also infiltrated by the yakuza. Their association with this country started with the sex slave trade and bigger connections eventually grew into other activities. The deplorable economy made the Philippines a strong breeding ground for smaller and younger gangs (Covey, p. 207). The yakuza associations with politicians have also been established and have also led to widespread corruption in the country. Moreover, different restaurants and businesses linked with the yakuza have opened up in Manila’s red-light district of Ermita (Covey, p. 207). These businesses are actually the fronts for different yakuza activities. The group also expanded their reach to include activities like gambling, fraud, and money laundering. The country was also ideal for their smuggling and gun assembly activities. From the 1970s, and on to the 1980s, the yakuza presence in Asia grew to cover the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan (Chemko). Aside from their usual criminal activities, they also established links with the Chinese triads; in the process, their activities soon included heroin trade. The yakuza organization also expanded to Western Europe and South America. Their presence has been strong in Brazil with most of their operations including smuggling, gambling, prostitution, and drugs (Hayes, p. 186). Colombia was also affected by this group, with women recruited to support the sex trade in Japan. Gun smuggling was seen in Argentina and in Peru, and cocaine trafficking was also spread by the yakuza. The group has also had a foothold in Hawaii for over 250 years and their activities in the area have included prostitution, gambling, and drugs (Chemko). With all these activities, the group is considered a major economic and political threat. In a US International Crime Threat Assessment, the group was considered one of the largest and most powerful organizations in the world (Chemko). Their impact has therefore surpassed their original and intended goals, and it appears as if they would continue to grow and expand in the years to come. This makes them an even more dangerous organization. The above discussion provides a specific perspective on the yakuza crime organization. This organization is primarily based on Japan, but its reach has long grown to include other countries, not just in Asia, but in Europe and in other western territories as well. Their activities mostly include gambling, prostitution, gun trade, drug trade, and smuggling. They have also expanded their association to various politicians and private corporations and as a result, their influence as an organization has been extensive. They have led with fear and dominance throughout the years. Their impact in the economic scene has mostly related to their corrupt practices; and the impact of such corruption on financial and political institutions has been significant. Corruption is considered contributory to the economic issues of Japan, and the yakuza is right in the middle of this corruption issue. The impact of the group will not likely abate in the years to come because they have managed to build a strong and large network in different parts of the world. In the meantime, this organization will continue to expand and infiltrate other activities within the realm of politics and finance, in the domestic and the international scene. Works Cited Beeler, Karin, Tattoos, desire and violence: marks of resistance in literature, film and television. London: McFarland, 2006 Bremner, Brian. “Don't Kill All the Lawyers--Send Them to Japan.” Business Week 3633 (June 14, 1999): p.66. Brues, Harry, Yakuza Pride. New York: Dreamspinner Press, 2011 Bruno, Anthony, “Yakuza.” Crime Library. n.d. (03 November 2012). Butler, Steven and David E. Kaplan. “Yakuza Inc.” U.S. News & World Report 124 (April 13, 1998): pp. 40-44. Covey, Herbert, Street gangs throughout the world. London: Charles C Thomas Publisher, 2010 Fulford, Benjamin. “Japan's Dirty Secrets.” Forbes, 166 (October 30, 2000): pp.66-70. Gangland.net. “Yakuza.” n.d. (03 November 2012). Goodman, Roger and Refsing, Kirsten, Ideology and practice in modern Japan. London: Routledge, 2002 Grant, Robert, Silhouette. London: AuthorHouse, 2009. Hayes, Declan, the Japanese disease: sex and sleaze in modern Japan. London: iUniverse, 2005 Hill, Peter, The Japanese mafia: yakuza, law, and the state. London: OUP Oxford, 2006 Johnson, Adam. “A Yakuza History” Tripod Crime n.d. (03 November 2012). Kaplan, David, & Dubro, Alec, Yakuza: Japan's criminal underworld. California: University of California Press, 2012 Kattoulas, Velisarios. “The Yakuza Recession.” Far East Economic Review. January 17, 2002. Kattoulas, Velisarios. “Yakuza web compounds debt crisis.” World Business. 11 January 2002. (03 November 2012). Reynolds, John, Secret societies: Inside the world's most notorious organizations. London: Arcade Publishing, 2006 Read More