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The Modern Yakuza

© Ron Lombard

The Modern Yakuza

Just like in the United States it was due to economic and social changes that allowed the Yakuza to gain a position of power in Japanese life. With its movement toward the formation of an industrial nation Japan created power vacuums in areas of society and government that was quickly filled by members of the Yakuza. The rise in importance of political parties and the Yakuza's close connection with political movements allowed them to reach into national centers of power. Recognizing the increasing importance of industrial power the Yakuza began recruiting members from the rising trade unions. Their hands were now extended into areas of construction, the docks, and transportation businesses. The Tekiya faction began to rise above the influence of the Bakuto faction due to their entering into areas that was associated with more legitimate areas of business. As conflicts arose between various political factions, each trying to gain control of the government, the Yakuza began to provide funds and muscle to aid some of the political groups in their for power. In exchange for political support the Yakuza had the government turn a blind eye to some of their illegal actions. An alliance was reached between some of the political groups and the Yakuza. These groups would utilize the Yakuza to carry out some of the dirty work against their political opponents and served the purpose of someone outside of their own group if things went wrong or a public outcry arose due to a particular action.

In particular the Yakuza became close to the nationalistic groups that were calling for a military solution to the problems faced by Japan. These political groups were not above using violence to gain their goals and the Yakuza had the experience and workers that could carry out some of the more violent actions that were some times called for. The background that was needed for blackmail, secret operations, and assassination could be found in the ranks of the Yakuza for a price or a favor. With the outbreak of World War Two the Yakuza was forced into line with all the other groups to serve the war effort.

With the coming of the postwar occupation troops the Yakuza was viewed as a threat to security and efforts were made to break the power they had developed during the war years. The rationing of food provided an opportunity for the Yakuza to gain a position of power in the black market. The police and the occupation forces were unable to break the power of the reformed Yakuza and a new group arising referred to as the Gurentai. An alliance was formed between the two groups and the use of violence was increased to degree that had not before existed. The influence of American movies probably had a great deal to due with this new approach to the use of violence and the style of dress of these gang members. Dark glasses, dark suits, white shirts, ties, and crewcuts marked members of the gangs. The ranks of the crime organization rose to a degree that made gang membership larger than that of the army. Turf wars began to break out as the factions attempts to defend their territories. It soon became clear like in the gang wars that had taken place in America, that some type of organization was needed before the gangs destroyed each other.

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