[rjbemsha]

The article goes on to say: "The number of yakuza has declined in recent years, standing at 63,200 in late 2012, down 7,100 on the year before, according to the National Police Agency.

"The Yamaguchi-gumi makes up more than 40 percent of the nation’s organised criminals, but it lost 3,300 members in 2012, the agency said."

[SkyPilot]

I’ll take Japanese “gangster” any day - they can have our real gangsters.

[Greetings_Puny_Humans]

I have a book on this topic, and it seems the Yakuza operate fairly brazenly and publicly in Japan, basically like an unfortunate reality and part of society. Even their businesses/loan shark buildings are identified with big signs.

They’re not angels though. They’re involved in the sex-trade. And if you are a foreign woman in Japan, be careful lest you catch the eye of one of these people, and get “disappeared” and shipped to some brothel.

[Greetings_Puny_Humans]

By the way, the link is no good. I commented before going forward to read the whole thing! It takes me to the FR posting screen.

[Dr. Sivana]

The head of the operation looks like he waled off of the set of Bugsy Malone. Quite comical.

[MasterGunner01]

“Your Yakuza Today” — what a unique concept for a magazine devoted to organized crime in Japan! Very clever these Japanese.