A Japanese organized crime syndicate, similar to the Mafia, or the Triads. They have some control of the Japanese social system, seeing as they own major things like casinos and the like. They have a strict code of loyalty and honor, which is a tradition long held by the Japanese. Yakuza are usually known to have large tattoos covering their backs, chests, and arms. They are also made famous by pop culture, an example being gangster flicks done by the famous Japanese director, Takeshi Kitano. Also, the whole cutting off of a fingertip is done by those who have angered the Yakuza as a plea for forgivness. THe name Yakuza translates roughly to 8-9-3, one of the worst hands you can get in Japanese Blackjack, where the goal is 19 instead of 21.
by 1337 Str33t Ninj4 July 27, 2004
Yakuza (also known as gokudo) are members of traditional organized crime syndicates in Japan. The term Yakuza comes from a Japanese game, Oicho-Kabu (played with hanafuda or kabufuda cards). The worst hand in the game is a set of eight, nine and three. In traditional Japanese forms of counting, these numbers are called Ya, Ku and Sa, thus the origin of the word yakuza. The yakuza took this name because the Ya-Ku-Za hand requires the most skill (at judging opponents, etc.) and, obviously, the best luck in order to win. The name was also used because it signified bad fortune, presumably for anyone who went up against the group. Despite uncertainty about the single origin of Yakuza organizations, most modern Yakuza derive from two classifications which emerged in the mid-Edo Period: tekiya, those who primarily peddled illicit, stolen or shoddy goods; bakuto, those who were involved in or participated in gambling. During the formation of the yakuza, they adopted the traditional Japanese hierarchical structure of oyabun-kobun where kobun (lit. foster child) owe their allegiance to the oyabun (lit. foster parent). In a much later period, the code of jingi (justice and duty) was developed where loyalty and respect are a way of life. The alleys and streets of Shinjuku are a popular modern Tokyo Yakuza hangout.
Yubitsume, or the cutting of one's finger, is a form of penance or apology. Upon a first offence, the transgressor must cut off the tip of his left little finger and hand the severed portion to his boss. Sometimes an underboss may do this in penance to the oyabun if he wants to spare a member of his own gang from further retaliation. Its origin stems from the traditional way of holding a Japanese sword. The bottom three fingers of each hand are used to grip the sword tightly, with the thumb and index fingers slightly loose. The removal of digits starting with the little finger moving up the hand to the index finger progressively weakens a person's sword grip. The idea is that a person with a weak sword grip then has to rely more on the group for protection—reducing individual action. In recent years, prosthetic fingertips have been developed to disguise this distinctive appearance. Many Yakuza have full-body tattoos. These tattoos, known as irezumi in Japan, are still often "hand-poked," that is, the ink is inserted beneath the skin using non-electrical, hand-made and hand held tools with needles of sharpened bamboo or steel. The procedure is expensive and painful which can take years to complete.
by ♫ Highway to Hell ♫ December 4, 2009
A very infamous gang of Japan,
Simular like mafia, sometimes refered to as 'Violent Crime Organisation'
Usually higher-Ranks are anonymous
Characterised as great fighters, typicalling weilding katanas in fiction
Originating from a illigal gambling game in ancient Japan
Simular like mafia, sometimes refered to as 'Violent Crime Organisation'
Usually higher-Ranks are anonymous
Characterised as great fighters, typicalling weilding katanas in fiction
Originating from a illigal gambling game in ancient Japan
Man 1 : Have you heard of the Yakuza?
Man 2 : Yea, those guys are tough
Man 1 : They cut off the fingers of unloyal members
Man 2 : 0_0
Man 2 : Yea, those guys are tough
Man 1 : They cut off the fingers of unloyal members
Man 2 : 0_0
by I_Speak_Nothing_But_Truth December 21, 2018
Japanese Mafia that has a strict code of loyalty to one another, following many ancient Japanese traditions such as the code of the Samurai, even though they seem honorable they will still fuck someone up, so if you ever meet one just walk away...they love to come in groups
The Yakuza...man fuck them lil pack travilin chinese mother.....Oh Jubei how's it goin hommie you and the Yakuza geetin y'all money??
by Lil Moe March 20, 2004
by Johnny Rocketfingers July 19, 2003
As the yakuzas stepped into the room, wielding samurai swords they standed to two sides making way for the yakuza leader, anthony fok to walk through
by LOLSAR April 8, 2009
by Jay The Cornchip September 2, 2008