Yakuza, also known as gokudou, are members of traditional organized crime groups that originated in post-WWII Japan. In Japanese legal terminology, yakuza organizations are referred to as boryokudan (“violence groups”), which more traditional “samurai heritage” Yakuza members consider an insult as boroyokudan is applied to any violent criminal.

Unlike many organized crime groups, like the Triads and the Mafia, which evolved from secret societies, the model of the Yakuza was the machi yakko (“town servant”), vigilante protectors within the community (although many citizens also view them as kabukimono or crazy ones, for their propensity toward violence, vulgar slang, and bizarre appearance) or the masterless samurai ronin.

As a result, at least in the Japanese Imperial State and it’s protectorates, Yakuza groups maintain open offices, often with a wooden plank on the front door displaying the group name and their emblem. Yakuza members often wear sunglasses and flashy suits so that their profession can be immediately recognized by civilians (“katagi”). Members typically wear insignia pins on their suits, and, if needed, can display their extensive tattoos or customized cyberware.

Boston
Act primarily as MCT shadow ops.
Japan:
Watada-Rengo
Mars
Hikage Iinaki aka Sunshine Committee
Kuro-Mori Nakama aka Black Forest Group
Kibatsu Kijuuki Batsuzoku aka Striking Crane Clan
Seattle
Kanaga-Gumi
Kenran-Kai
Shotozumi-Gumi

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