(www.tattoo-spirit.de) In the world of organized crime, ruthlessness is key to success. One of the world's most powerful crime organizations is the Japanese Yakuza. Extremely violent, some Yakuza claim their roots go back to medieval samurai. In a society that favors conformity, the Yakuza pride themselves on being outsiders. They dress in trademark clothing, and one of their favorite forms of rebellion is sporting full-body tattoos. The Yakuza treasure their ancestral ties, and while many have traded in their swords for guns, they have not surrendered their traditions. When a Yakuza member displeases his boss, the punishment is often yubitsume, the removal of part of the little finger. The penalty for betrayal is execution. If these punishments seem severe, consider this: the Yakuza's way of doing things has survived the test of time. Suggested Sites... Introduction to Yakuza Japanese - how to talk like a Japanese gangster. Crime Library: The Japanese Mafia - in-depth look at Yakuza origins and traditions. Yakuza: Past and Present - a broad history of the Yakuza and its structure today. Japan Times: How to Tell If Your Neighbor Is a Yakuza - first-hand account of run-ins with the Yakuza.

Directory categories: Yakuza, Crime in Japan, Organized Crime

Archived under: Crime, Japan, Law Enforcement, Organized Crime, Tattoos

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