Yakuza-Related Japanese Words (Lexicon)

Below is a glossary of terms often associated with the yakuza, including titles, rituals, and concepts central to their world.

Clan Structure and Titles

1. Yakuza (ヤクザ):

   • Organized crime syndicate; derived from ya-ku-sa (8-9-3), a losing hand in a traditional card game.

2. Oyabun (親分):

   • Clan leader; the "parent" figure in the family structure.

3. Kobun (子分):

   • Subordinate members of the clan; "children" of the oyabun.

4. Saiko-komon (最高顧問):

   • Senior advisor; offers strategic guidance to the oyabun.

5. Wakagashira (若頭):

   • First lieutenant; second-in-command, overseeing operations and enforcing the oyabun's orders.

6. Shateigashira (舎弟頭):

   • Second lieutenant; assists the wakagashira and manages the junior members.

7. Kyodai (兄弟):

   • Senior members or "big brothers" within the clan.

8. Shatei (舎弟):

   • Junior members or "little brothers."

9. Honbuchiko (本部長):

   • Headquarters manager; responsible for internal clan operations.

10. Aniki (兄貴):

    • A term of respect used by subordinates to address senior members or mentors; means "big brother."

Rituals and Practices

11. Sakazuki (盃):

    • Sake-sharing ceremony formalizing bonds between oyabun and kobun.

12. Yubitsume (指詰め):

    • Ritual finger-cutting; a form of atonement for failure or dishonor.

13. Jingi (仁義):

    • Code of honor and loyalty, central to yakuza philosophy.

14. Ninkyo-dantai (任侠団体):

    • "Chivalrous organizations"; how yakuza often refer to themselves.

15. Zubari (ズバリ):

    • Direct confrontation or coming clean; associated with negotiations or admissions.

Territorial and Operational Terms

16. Shima (島):

    • Territory; refers to areas controlled by a yakuza clan.

17. Jingi-mochi (仁義持ち):

    • Upholding honor in dealings; someone known for fairness and loyalty.

18. Bakuto (博徒):

    • Traditional gamblers; a subset of early yakuza.

19. Tekiya (的屋):

    • Street peddlers; another historical origin of the yakuza.

20. Katagi (堅気):

    • Ordinary citizens or people not involved in criminal activities.

21. Inko (隠口):

    • Slang for hiding illicit activities or concealing evidence.

22. Gokudo (極道):

    • Another term for the yakuza; literally "the extreme path."

23. Shatei-dai (舎弟代):

    • Tribute payments made by subordinates to their superiors.

Conflict and Enforcement

24. Kenka (喧嘩):

    • Fight or brawl; often associated with territorial disputes.

25. Kumi (組):

    • A "crew" or "group" within the larger yakuza organization.

26. Tameuchi (溜め撃ち):

    • Ambush or preemptive strike in a conflict.

27. Hanzaisha (犯罪者):

    • Criminal; used to describe someone outside the yakuza acting unlawfully.

28. Giri/Ninjō (義理/人情):

    • Giri: Duty and obligation; Ninjō: Compassion and human emotion. These two concepts often conflict in yakuza life.

This guide offers a foundation for understanding the cultural and operational intricacies of the yakuza. Knowing these terms not only deepens your understanding of A Yakuza’s Tale but also enriches your appreciation for the layered dynamics of Japan’s criminal underworld.