End of the Yakuza? Inside Japan’s Vanishing Underworld

The yakuza once ruled Japan’s streets — now their numbers are at a record low. But what’s replacing them might be harder to see… and harder to stop.

In this episode of Japan Today Spotlight, we look at the fall of Japan’s traditional crime syndicates, the rise of encrypted “tokuryu” groups and the lasting social impact of tattoo stigma, front companies and prosthetic fingers for ex-gangsters.

🎙️ Originally produced as a video for Japan Today Spotlight on YouTube.

📺 Watch the full video version here: https://youtu.be/LvUPkE42cuA

📍 Hosted by Jeff Richards from the Japan Today newsroom in Tokyo.