Yakuza organizations are under the leadership of an oyabun or kumichō, who issues directives to their subordinates, known as kobun. In this context, the Yakuza ranking structure reflects a variation of the traditional Japanese senpai-kōhai (senior-junior) model.
The hierarchical ranks within the Japanese Yakuza hold significant importance for the functioning of the organization. These ranks are diverse and numerous, and certain members can hold multiple Yakuza ranks simultaneously. Moreover, individuals can advance in rank based on their demonstrated dedication and capabilities.
Members of Yakuza groups sever their familial ties to pledge allegiance to the gang’s leader. Prospective members are required to undergo an intricate initiation ceremony to enter the ranks of the Yakuza.
Within this ritual, both the initiate and the boss share a sake mixture from cups allocated according to their respective ranks. Subsequently, they swap cups and drink from each other’s cups. This symbolic act signifies the mingling of their metaphorical blood, establishing a profound bond between the initiate and the boss, akin to the relationship between a father and son.
Oyabun (The Boss)
The Oyabun/Kumicho holds the utmost authority within the Yakuza hierarchy, serving as the chief and the paramount figure of the family. Regarded as a paternal figure and a guiding influence, the Oyabun commands reverence within the Yakuza. Currently, Kenichi Shinoda heads the largest Yakuza syndicate, the Yamaguchi-gumi.
Beneath the Oyabun, the hierarchy consists of three additional ranks, each falling into either the category of made men or associates. Made men have ascended the ranks through dedicated service, often starting their Yakuza involvement at a young age and forsaking personal relationships for the Yakuza.
On the other hand, associates are business partners who engage in the more legitimate, corporate aspects of the organization. It’s important to distinguish Yakuza associates from their counterparts in the Mafia; while Mafia associates hold lower positions, some Yakuza associates even report directly to the Oyabun.
In contrast to the Mafia, the Yakuza enjoys a degree of acknowledgment from the Japanese police and the public. While not necessarily embraced by the public, the Yakuza is viewed as a somewhat inevitable presence and, to some extent, necessary. This contributes to the Yakuza being less secretive compared to other criminal organizations.
Saiko-Komon (Administration)
Directly beneath the Oyabun is the Saiko-Kommon, who serves as a senior advisor within the Yakuza structure. The Saiko-Kommon holds the status of a Jingi, an associate of the organization. Working alongside the Saiko-Kommon are the Kommon, who serve as advisors as well.
The Saiko-Kommon assumes the role of the head and spokesperson for these advisors when interacting with the Oyabun, often maintaining a close friendship with the leader. The primary responsibility of the advisors is to provide guidance to the Oyabun in the management of the gang from a corporate standpoint.
Positioned below them are the So-Honbucho (headquarters chief), Kaikei (accountants), Shingiin (lawyers), and the Kumicho-Hisho (secretaries), among other business associates.
So-Honbucho
The So-Honbucho takes charge of overseeing a Yakuza family’s headquarters. This facility functions as the central hub where high-ranking family members coordinate the operations of the entire syndicate and supervise the activities of various regions.
Unlike being tied to a particular region or individual gang, headquarters are collectively owned by high-ranking family members and the associated business staff. The So-Honbucho is responsible for the day-to-day management of this headquarters, often characterized by large modern buildings resembling corporate offices.
Support Staff: Yakuza Accountants, Lawyers, and Secretaries
Within the headquarters, Yakuza accountants, lawyers, secretaries (as mentioned earlier), and other business professionals engage in the legal and corporate aspects of the family’s operations. Similarly, these roles are also present at regional offices, where they manage the business activities of the gangs within the region. These regional offices fall under the jurisdiction of a Fuku-Honbucho, who oversees regional headquarters and reports to the regional boss.
Wakagashira (First Lieutenant)
Next Yakuza rank directly below the Oyabun lies the Wakagashira or first lieutenant, a distinguished member who has earned his rank through dedication. As a steadfast and devoted companion of the Oyabun, the Wakagashira stands as the Oyabun’s chief confidant and closest associate.
Tasked with being the right-hand to the Oyabun, the Wakagashira doesn’t oversee a specific geographical area; instead, his responsibility is to support the Oyabun in managing the organization. This entails performing various duties for the Oyabun across all regions.
Serving under the Wakagashira is a group known as Wakagashira-hosa. These individuals are exclusively loyal to the Wakagashira and the Oyabun, engaging in personal tasks such as safeguarding the headquarters and undertaking critical assignments that exceed the capacity of ordinary gang members.
The Wakagashira and his team trail the Oyabun’s steps wherever he ventures or instructs them to go. This setup distinguishes them from individual gangs confined to particular territories or expertise, enabling the Wakagashira and his associates to accomplish tasks across the entire expanse of a Yakuza syndicate’s domain.
Shateigashira (Second Lieutenant)
The next rank of Yakuza members, directly below the Oyabun, consists of the Shateigashira, also known as regional bosses. These individuals hold authority over specific regions within a Yakuza organization’s territory, overseeing the various gangs and activities operating within those regions.
Reporting to the Shateigashira are the Fuku-Honbucho and the regional business associates. In a manner similar to the Wakagashira-hosa, the Shateigashira each lead their own groups of dedicated subordinates called Shateigashira-hosa.
The Shateigashira-hosa undertake tasks at a smaller, more localized scale within the region. Much like their counterparts, the Wakagashira-hosa, they carry out personal assignments for their immediate superiors, the Shateigashira. This organizational structure allows the Shateigashira and their teams to effectively manage the intricacies of their designated regions and maintain a seamless network of operations.
The Gang Members
Lastly, the Yakuza hierarchal structure encompasses the final three tiers, constituting the framework of individual gangs. These gangs maintain a distinct level of separation from the Oyabun and the upper echelons of high-ranking members. However, their allegiance lies with the regional bosses. This arrangement permits high-ranking members to maintain control over these gangs, which execute various tasks on their behalf, without direct affiliation.
Individual gangs typically operate within loosely defined areas in a region, or they possess specific expertise that spans the entire territory.
The Kyodai: Referred to as the “big brother,” Kyodai assumes leadership over their respective gang. This leader reports directly to the Shateigashira, overseeing both the management and recruitment efforts of the gang, while also guiding their operational activities.
The Shatei: The Shatei, or “little brother,” plays a pivotal role in supporting the Kyodai’s responsibilities. Serving as the right-hand figure, the Shatei supervises the gang’s day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth functioning.
Kobun: The remaining members of the gang are collectively known within the Yakuza as Kobun, translating to “children.” However, even among these Kobun, informal hierarchies may develop based on experience or skill set. While the Yakuza as a whole acknowledges them under this common label, distinctions often emerge exclusively within the gang’s members.
Individuals who aid the operations of individual gangs in criminal activities, but have not yet attained the official status of a made-man, fall outside the Yakuza’s comprehensive recognition. This includes individuals like high school students or children of gang members. Their status isn’t acknowledged by the broader Yakuza community due to their lack of maturity and experience within the organization, preventing them from being formally promoted to the Kobun or made-men ranks.
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