Shocking Confession of Former Yakuza Chairman in Japan, from Cleanliness Culture to Finger Cutting

kapanlagi 21 Sep 2020 17:45

Kapanlagi.com - Yakuza is one of the professions that was very popular in Japan in the past. Although it still exists today, its numbers are slowly dwindling. Because it is closely associated with violence, Yakuza often receives negative public image.

Recently, a former Yakuza chairman named Yuyama appeared in public to give an exclusive interview on the Nobita From Japan YouTube channel. The man who held the position for 10 years revealed many surprising facts about the Yakuza world that were previously unknown to the public.

"I worked as a carpenter since junior high school. When I was 18, I had a heart attack and broke my back, so I couldn't work as a carpenter anymore. At that time, I worked as a financial manager at a store operated by the Yakuza chairman. Before that, I had joined a motorcycle gang and often got into fights. Meanwhile, the Yakuza chairman was famous for his violence in the Fukuoka area. I joined the Yakuza because I idolized him," said Yuyama in his introduction, as quoted from the Nobita From Japan YouTube channel.

1. The Duties of a Subordinate

Credit: Youtube - Nobita from Japan

Until now, people may have seen Yakuza as wealthy gangsters who have many women. Although not entirely wrong, these things can only be obtained by the bosses, not the subordinates. And it turns out that the subordinates also learn about etiquette and ethics.

"Basically, we start as subordinates, so we have to follow others to learn about etiquette and ethics. For example, there is a correct way to hold a tray. We learn how to place tea, where to put a wet towel, fold it, and so on," said Yuyama.

2. Cleanliness is a Primary Requirement

Yakuza may always appear rough, rude, and dirty. And once again, that is wrong. On the contrary, they prioritize cleanliness above everything else because it also gives a specific judgment on their gang.

"The Yakuza world must be truly clean. The toilets must also be super clean. For example, if other Yakuza visit us and see our toilet, they can judge what kind of Yakuza we are. They will think they can defeat us," he said.

3. Finger Cutting Culture

Credit: Youtube - Nobita from Japan

One interesting culture to discuss in the world of Yakuza is the punishment of finger cutting (Yubitsume) for those who violate the rules. However, in reality, it is not a written rule imposed on a member.

"There is no specific rule that requires you to cut your finger for doing something. For example, I used to cut my pinky finger for a reason. At that time, there was a boss whom I really idolized. One day, I lied to him about a small matter. But because I liked him so much, I couldn't bear the fact that I had lied and betrayed him. So I cut my finger," said Yuyama, who no longer has a pinky finger.

"But that's just one example. Another example is someone who feels unable to cope because they are constantly pressured as a Yakuza and runs away because they cannot afford their needs. Then when they return, they are asked to take responsibility. So they cut their finger," he added.

4. Cut with a Chisel Knife

The way to perform Yubitsume oneself can vary. Most Yakuza do it using a chisel knife that is usually used by a woodcarver, not a regular knife.

"Do you know the chisel knife used by carpenters? Place your finger like this, then place the chisel knife on top of it and press until your finger breaks. After that, make sure to wrap it with rubber on the finger, if not, a lot of blood will come out. Actually, the pain varies from person to person. As for me, I cut it in my own way. I don't use a chisel knife, but a regular knife. Maybe if it's normal, it will feel painful, but because I have a sense of responsibility, I don't feel any pain at all," said Yuyama.

5. Sacrifice for the Boss

Credit: Youtube - Nobita from Japan

A Yakuza must obey all orders from their superiors, whether good or bad. In fact, they are also asked to protect the boss with their lives if necessary.

"For example, if your boss tells you to kill someone, you can do it because you feel obligated. But if you're just having a normal fight and want to kill them, then you won't be able to do it easily. The charm of being a Yakuza is being willing to sacrifice our bodies for the boss," he said.

6. Yakuza Tattoo Culture

Credit: Youtube - Nobita from Japan

Almost all Yakuza have various tattoos on their bodies. Not without reason, apparently this culture has existed since ancient times and is still enforced today.

"The tattoo culture started from fishermen. Many fishermen were often thrown into the sea, so they got tattoos to be identified when their bodies were lifted from the water. Another story started from the Edo era. In the past, prisoners were tattooed on their arms while in jail. Well, to cover up the tattoo, they painted another tattoo on top of it. And that became the culture of the Yakuza," explained the man who now works as an architect.

7. Not Paid

A Yakuza himself is not paid monthly like other workers in general. Each member has to work on their own to earn money, regardless of whether the work they do is legal or illegal.

"We are not paid, but we have to work on our own with the backing of Yakuza status. We have to do many things to earn money. When I first became a Yakuza, I only bribed people. Slowly I began to understand how society works, so I worked as a temporary assistant in a construction industry. But many of us sell drugs and stolen goods. I have committed crimes and been imprisoned for 5 years," recalled the man who has been in prison twice.

8. Negative Image

Currently, Yuyama is living a normal life and working as an architect. However, negative perceptions still stick to him. And Yuyama admits it.

"The label of a former convict and also a Yakuza will never disappear. We are always looked down upon. There are many negative views about me. For me, it is understandable if elementary, junior high, high school, or college students look down on people like us. It is truly understandable because I have indeed done it (being a Yakuza) and I have to accept it. But the most important thing is what you will do from now on," Yuyama concluded.