Manabu Miyazaki among those opposing anti-yakuza legislation
February 3, 2012
TOKYO (TR) – On October 5, the National Police Agency announced a revision to the Anti-Organized Crime Law to be submitted to the ordinary session of the Diet. The initiative follows anti-gang ordinances adopted by all prefectures and administrative divisions last October.
In spite of attempting to reduce criminal activities, the moves are not without their critics, reports Nikkan Gendai (Jan. 28). Read more
Yamaguchi-gumi member busted for fraud in convertible bond sales
January 12, 2012
TOKYO (TR) – Officers from the anti-organized crime division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Wednesday arrested an upper-level member of the Yamaguchi-gumi criminal syndicate for fraud in a scheme to sell convertible bonds, reports the Sankei Shimbun (Jan. 11). Read more
Yamaguchi-gumi member linked to Shimada rings in New Year at Kobe shrine
January 8, 2012
Just after 12:10 a.m. on January 1, five upper-level members of the Yamaguchi-gumi criminal syndicate, including top boss Shinobu Tsukasa, 69, arrived at Gokoku Shrine, located near the gang’s headquarters in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, for their first visit of the year, a practice known as hatsumode.
In addition to complications facing the gang regarding associating with the general public following the passage of legislation in October, Flash (Jan. 17-24) reports that the visit was also interesting due to the presence of one member in particular.
Chairman Hirofumi Hashimoto, 64, had been out of the spotlight since apparently being connected to Shinsuke Shimada, the popular entertainer who over the summer abruptly announced his retirement from the entertainment business. He cited an exchange of e-mails with an upper member of the Yamaguchi-gumi, presumably Hashimoto, as the reason.
“The chairman never had an intention to hide,” says a writer covering topics related to boryokudan, or organized crime syndicates. “He actually took part in the mochitsuki (rice-cake making) event last December. The media simply didn’t know where he was.” Read more
Arrest of former Yamaguchi-gumi member stirring entertainment world
December 27, 2011
TOKYO (TR) – The arrest earlier this month of a former Yamaguchi-gumi member for investment fraud is setting off shock waves inside the entertainment industry, reports Nikkan Gendai (Dec. 23). Read more
Upper member of Yamaguchi-gumi attacked in 20-man brawl inside Roppongi hostess club
December 14, 2011
TOKYO (TR) – A senior member of the Yamaguchi-gumi criminal syndicate was injured after being assaulted by a large group inside a Tokyo bar early Wednesday morning, reports Fuji News Network (Dec. 14). Read more
Yamaguchi-gumi gangster arrested for scalping Hello Kitty fun park tickets
December 6, 2011
TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested Kao Iwata, a member of the Yamaguchi-gumi criminal organization, for attempting to resell complimentary tickets to the Sanrio Puroland theme park in Tokyo’s Tama City, reports the Sankei Shimbun (Dec. 6). Read more
Mainichi Daily News: Yakuza crime syndicate linked to Inoue Kogyo’s alleged fake capital increase
November 24, 2011
TOKYO (TR) – Nearly half of the shares from an alleged fake capital increase by bankrupt construction company Inoue Kogyo may have gone to associates of a yakuza crime syndicate, the Mainichi Daily News reported, citing law enforcement sources.
Inoue Kogyo issued 150 million shares worth 1.8 billion yen in September 2008 and then is believed to have sold them to a financial broker, the paper said. The troubled construction firm may have footed three fourths of that amount in an attempt to maintain its share price, according to the Mainichi. Read more
Yamaguchi-gumi offers to not visit Kobe shrine at New Year
November 23, 2011
TOKYO (TR) – The shrine neighboring the Yamaguchi-gumi headquarters in Hyogo Prefecture on Wednesday revealed that the criminal organization will not pay respects at the New Year, reports Sports Nippon (Nov. 23). Read more
Osaka police officer arrested for accepting yakuza bribes, leaking information
November 10, 2011
OSAKA (TR) – Osaka prefectural police arrested a former sergeant on Wednesday for receiving bribes from local organized crime members and leaking information, reports the Asahi Shimbun (Nov. 10). Read more
Shinsuke Shimada sues tabloid Shukan Gendai over gangster coverage
October 25, 2011
TOKYO (TR) – Former television entertainer Shinsuke Shimada, 55, and his agency yesterday filed a lawsuit in the Tokyo District Court against publisher Kodansha for libel, reports Sports Nippon (Oct. 24). Read more
