Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Yakuza

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French version

Yakuza

やくざ暴力団
alternative words: Organized crime, Gangster, Mafia
keywords: title
related topics: Edo period , Samurai , Bushido
related web sites: http://www.web-sanin.co.jp/gov/boutsui/mini00.htm , http://www.web-sanin.co.jp/gov/boutsui/index.htm , http://www1a.mesh.ne.jp/BOUTSUI/
explanation: Yakuza appeared first during Edo period in Kanto area where farmers could get easily other jobs due to a development of money based economy. Yakuza's law has been strongly influenced by samurai code (Bushido) of that period such as "oyabun-kobun" (suzerain and vassal) and "giri-ninjo" (owed and sympathy). Recently, yakuza's activity is switching to economic crime and drug distribution from gambling and prostitution. Yakuza means "8-9-3", a popular card game of Edo period.