The name comes from a losing hand in the card game Oicho-Kabu : 8 ( ya ), 9 ( ku ), and 3 ( sa ), which totals 20 and equals a score of zero—literally meaning "good for nothing".
They use a patriarchal "oyabun-kobun" (father-child) relationship. Lower-ranking members ( kobun ) pledge absolute loyalty to their boss ( oyabun ). Key Rituals: yakuzza
Full-body tattoos that were historically a test of strength and a sign of being an outcast. The name comes from a losing hand in
The ritual of cutting off a finger joint (usually the pinky) as an apology for a mistake. Key Rituals: Full-body tattoos that were historically a
The three largest groups as of 2025 are the Yamaguchi-gumi (the largest), Sumiyoshi-kai , and Inagawa-kai .
The Yakuza are transnational crime syndicates originating in Japan, known for their strict codes of conduct and ritualistic practices.
If you are looking to start the Sega-developed game series, it is known for blending intense crime drama with absurdly funny side activities like karaoke and bowling.