Yakuza is a term that refers to anyone working on behalf of the Japanese organized crime.
The origin of the first Yakuzas dates back to the 16th century, when wandering bandits began to group together to do illegal activities.
Even deposed Samurai swelled their ranks little by little.

Like any clan belonging to the organized crime, Yakuzas are governed by a strong hierarchy.
A clan is like a family ruled by a patriarchal figure, the Oyabun, who is the equivalent of the godfather in the Italian mafia.

These foster families adopt a very strict code of recruitment, based on rituals and on the respect of the Goduko, a series of 9 commandments.
Among other rules, the Goduko specifies that a Yakuza is bound to accept at any time to die for his father.
Yakuzas' distinguishing features are tatoos.

Yakuza organizations swim in every troubled waters: drug traffics, prostitutions, gambling...

Japanese authorities turn a blind eye on most of their activities, first because they are so numerous and powerful that it is risky to attack them, and then because their political interest often matched with that of the government. ( that's how Yakuzas helped fostering Japan's expansion plans after 1945)

Thus, there sphere of influence spreads up to the Japanese government, but not only.
Yakuzas are almost everywhere there's a lucrative underground market: in the United States, in Mexico and even in Australia.

And now, they even spread on film reels ( like Kill Bill or Aniki) , and Manga drawings!

Yakuzas don't regard nationality as a criteria of selection. However, think twice before applying to be one of them. One mistake, and your little finger may be cut and offered to calm down the fury of your boss.

Are you afraid? Come and play at TomsGames.com