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This is the emblem of Yamaguchi-gumi, the biggest yakuza family in Japan. (Illustration: Alexander Krivács Schrøder)

Japanese gangsters known as “yakuza” have been taking on an unfamiliar role – a humanitarian one. They have been handing out blankets, water, toiletries and food to disaster victims. Anchor Marco Werman talks to Tokyo-based author and journalist Jake Adelstein to find out more. Download MP3

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Marco Werman: Imagine the earthquake and Tsunami hitting the shore of New Jersey and the mafia stepping forward to help the victims. Well, in a way that is what’s going on right now in Japan with the gangsters collectively known as Yakuza. They usually make headlines with murder, extortion and prostitution. Recently Yakuza members were linked to a betting scandal involving sumo wrestlers. Now the Yakuza are handing out blankets, water, toiletries and food to disaster victims in Northeast Japan. Tokyo based author and journalist Jake Adelstien has written extensively on the Yakuza. He says Japan’s gangsters actually see themselves as good guys.

Jake Adelstien: While the Japanese police refer to them as boldepadon, meaning violent groups, they refer to themselves as ninkotondite, which means basically humanitarian organizations. So they profess to be humanitarian organizations like the Boy Scouts or Kiwanis Club. They preserve public order in Japan and help out the weak and the needy as espoused by the philosophy of Ninkyo(do).  Which is a oriental type of humanitarianism.

Werman: Is this the first time that the Yakuza have taken on relief activities in Japan?

Adelstien: No. After the big earthquake in the Kolbe in 1995 the Yamaguchi-gumi which has their headquarters in Kobe was very quick to bring supplies, and food and offer shelter and necessities of daily life to the people in the area.

Werman: Does this create a sense of indebtedness among the Japanese public when, you know, these gangsters step into the void to help them out?

Adelstien: Of course. And, you know, there’s definitely an ulterior motive there. They want to cultivate good will. And there’s also kind of living up to the ideals you espouse.  If you’re going to claim to be a humanitarian group occasionally you have to do humanitarian activities, and since they’re not hampered by red tape.

Werman: To say the least.

Adelstien: They watch the news and figure out what areas that they’re needed and they send trucks there.

Werman: You know, I think of the Yakuza operating in Tokyo and Kobe as you pointed out. What about Northeast Japan? I mean are these areas of Japan where the Tsunami and earthquake really struck hard. Are these areas where the Yakuza have any type of great investment?

Adelstien: They have offices all over Japan. You have to think of the Yakuza as kind of franchises. The [xx] with 10,000 members, the 3rd largest organized crime group. Their offices are conveniently located across from the Tokyo Ritz Carlton if you want to pay them a visit.

Werman: Hmm.

Adelstien: So, yes they are invested in the community.

Werman: I think of the analogy of the mafia in Sicily. You know which steps into the breach when government services are dysfunctional, but it does seem the Japanese is the lead provider of the quake and Tsunami survivors. Is there a kind of competition evolving between the Yakuza and the government right now?

Adelstien: I think as the, as the government is getting their stuff together, um, I think the Yakuza are retreating to the sidelines. But in the first critical days, you know the Japanese government was slow getting things done. And there still is a lot of food and supplies and things in warehouses that aren’t getting to the people that need it. And one of the things that you know, the Yakuza can do, the Japanese government can’t is you know, simplify the process. Buy the goods. Load them on a truck. Carry them there. If you have to fill out multiple forms and account for who got what and where it taken it becomes a little problematic.

Werman: Apparently the Yakuza don’t really like their humanitarian being highlighted. Why not?

Adelstien: Well, September 30th of 2009 the National Police Agency has declared a war on the Yakuza, specifically the Yamaguchi-gumi. Thus, any activity that calls attention to the Yakuza, also invite a heavy crackdown from the police. So, if you wanted to argue that they are doing this to gain favor and public support, no that’s not what they were doing. They were doing it because, you know, the Yakuza are people too. You know, like anyone else they feel like they should be helping and.

Werman: That’s a hell of a bumper sticker. Yakuza are people too.

Adelstien: Mmm. They don’t see themselves as the bad guys. They see themselves as a necessary evil, as a second police force that serves to hold the social fabric of Japan together.

Werman: Jake Adelstien author of Tokyo Vice he’s been speaking with us from Tokyo. Thanks Jake.

Adelstien: You’re welcome.

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