In Japan there are about 80,000 Yakuza members belonging to 22 organizations. 5 are based in Kyushu and Fukuoka prefecture alone there were 18 gang related shootings in 2011 along with death threats against the city Mayor. Japan has been trying hard to crack down on the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia) and the numbers appear to be dwindling, however as laws change, organized crime must adapt or die.
If you’re interested in learning more about this type of underworld, check out Photographer Anton Kusters journey and books he’s published including an interview he did to share his experiences.
A new law, the Organised Crime Exclusion Ordinance, was implemented nationwide late last year. Under this law, the National Police Agency and other government departments are trying to get businesses to stamp out mafia links, directing banks to increase safeguards to stop money-laundering, cut off loans to mob-related companies and deny bank accounts to individuals with known gangster ties.
When I lived in Sasebo I knew which bar they hung out in and I dare say got along with them pretty well.
The yakuza or organised crime in Japan, while often violent, is unlikely to affect the traveller or ordinary citizens. These crimes are often disputes over territory or business.