Yakuza

Yakuza (from Japanese ??? or ???), also known as gokud?, are members of traditional organized crime groups in Japan.

Related Topics:
Japanese - Organized crime - Japan

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In Japanese legal terminology, yakuza organizations are referred to as B?ryokudan, literally "violence groups", or more traditionally "samurai heritage". Yakuza members consider this an insult as B?ryokudan is a term which can be applied to any violent criminal. In the Western press they are frequently called the "Japanese mafia".

Related Topics:
B?ryokudan - Mafia

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~