This is the Unusual Lifestyle Yakuza Members Must Obey

The Yamaguchi-gumi is Japan’s largest yakuza syndicate, dwarfing all others in size and power. At its height, it boasted tens of thousands of members — a scale rivaling Fortune 500 companies. From its base in Kobe, the group built a fearsome reputation both in Japan and abroad.

The syndicate controls vast criminal and semi-legitimate operations, ranging from construction to entertainment. Its leadership transitions often make national headlines, and police heavily monitor its headquarters. The Yamaguchi-gumi’s sheer dominance has earned it comparisons to multinational corporations — except its business model includes extortion, gambling, and smuggling.