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The Yakuza is a syndicate or in other words a mafia, originated but not limited to Japan and over the years has strengthened their network overseas. Mafia’s are a type of organized crime that obtain earnings from indulging in illegal activities but primarily from protection money, which is basically scaring shop owners upon the threat of theft/damage that has not happened yet or will happen if he doesn’t pay.
In movies they are depicted as cruel and fierce but subtle wearing jackets and suits. The Yakuza are ruthless people in real life with full body tattoos under their jackets. Yakuza being organized crime aims for hidden and quiet business in contrast to unorganized crime such as stealing and burglary often lead to victims/casualties. During times of hardships for example post-earthquake destruction, the Yakuza has brought help and aid faster than the government in hopes that business will soon recover. According to reuters.com the Yakuza put their code of honor, justice and duty, before business and anything else.
Other than protection money/racketeering, profits come from smuggling, drug trafficking, bribery, and prostitution. However, each gang has their own morale conduct thus the activities will differ. Better than protection money, bigger businesses may hire a couple Yakuza members to arrive at meetings to frighten investors into buying their stock.
Yakuza is not a single organization but rather a handful of groups who fight one another for the right of territory. Some shops in Japan have a sign in front that literally says the name of the yakuza clan. These shops are meant to hide their actual monetary gains in case suspected.
The yakuza is recognized as a semi-legal business. Basically organized crime is much better than having unorganized crime as long as they don’t go too far and the Japanese government monitors their movement rather than halt it. The yakuza does well in deterring petty thievery rate, burglary of shops and pickpockets through paid protection and so as long as they don’t go too far like murder, the police let them be.
Cracking down on gangs is rather complicated. Breaking down one gang will splinter them into more yet smaller gangs where a handful would grow back into power. Also, if a gang is suspected for illegal activities and gets caught red handed, the head of the family rarely falls as one of his subordinates will take the blame. By sacrificing himself, his real family(related by blood) will be treated well and protected as a result.
Hierarchy and honor play an important role in a clan. Outcasts, school delinquents and degenerates are the most susceptible to being recruited by the Yakuza. As a member, the yakuza is your second family. You are entitled to protect your family as your own. If a member messes up or makes a mistake then you are given a knife and a tissue and must cut off part of your finger to present to your boss as compensation. This serves another purpose because by losing a finger you cannot wield a sword and must rely more on your family to protect you. Other traditions include drinking sake or Japanese rice wine as a welcoming ceremony for a new member.
Source:
Yakuza Among First with Relief Supplies in JapanÂ
Japan's Yakuza: Inside the Syndicate
