Should I be worried about the Yakuza?

Question

I want to go to Tokyo but aren't there lots of Yakuza people there? Are they anything to be worried about?

Answer 1

don't worry , usually yakuza show up city in night , daytime we rarely see them in public place

Answer 2

Previous poster deserves best answer for making me laugh until my sides hurt.

But in all seriousness, don't worry about it. Japan is one of the safest countries in the entire world. You can walk through the streets in downtown Tokyo late at night and nothing will happen worse than perhaps a couple of drunken Japanese salarymen bumping into you. Chances are as a tourist you'll be unlikely to even come in contact with a yakuza, and even if you do they aren't going to do anything unpleasant. The yakuza are mainly operate gambling establishments and do loan sharking; I've rarely heard of them being involved in any kind of violent crime.

I've known several yakuza and most of them were actually very nice, neighborly people so long as you didn't owe them money. In one memorable instance, several yakuza came by during the night and pounded on the door of a neighbor who was heavily in debt, demanding their money. They broke a couple things and woke a good deal of neighborhood up with their yelling. The next morning they came by to all the neighbors and deeply apologized for having rudely awakened us during the night.

Generally you can spot yakuza easily, as they are the only people in Japan with tattoos, and they often stand out with their unusual hairstyles, dark sunglasses, and tough demeanor. If you do spot one, just don't bother him and he won't give you kind of trouble.

Answer 3

Not any more than you have to worry about the mafia when you go to New York City...Most likely any yakuza in Tokyo will ignore you if they see you. It's a money / power thing...They have no interest in tourists...

Answer 4

as long as you dont mess up with their business theres nothing to worry about.i had an employer whos one of the big bosses of yakuza in our area and never had any problem with him.im more careful to his "chimpira"(i hope i got this one correct)they are rude and ill mannered,they are always in group in black elegant cars and permed short hair,done eyebrows,chunky gold necklaces,and a very peculiar taste for dressing.you can differentiate these people with the normals easily.just dont hang out where these people go(usually clubs) and youll be fine.enjoy your trip!!

Answer 5

The answer is NO.
If you don't have any business with them, there is no way they would get with you. Just stay out of trouble, go to Roppongi area and Shibuya area, police are dealing with foreigners who always get in trouble. sad to say, but once I saw foreigners hitting the Japanese first on the street road, they're drunk.Oh' man..if the Yakuza see this..
Just stay out of trouble. Take your manners with you and happy trip.

Answer 6

This is an irrational fear! Criminals are in all countries! Kidnapping, extortion what have you! The Mafia's established in these nations have not pinpointed you! If you suffer from this type of phobia you need professional help. You can get into your car and be waylaid right here at home--even coming in or out of a store, so lighten up.

Answer 7

Should you be worried about Yakuza? NO. But you should be careful. It is not hard to spot the yakuza types. They stick out in society like a bunch of sore thumbs, and they don't care. Intimidation is their weapon and they use it very well.

I was sitting in a parking lot of a hospital waiting for my appointment time, when a yakuza typed drove in, parked, and started walking into the hospital. I was half asleep and woke up groggy eyed to see this guy walking. We made eye contact for just a split second and that sent him off. He walked up to my car and started banging on my window saying, "Why were you looking at me like that?" in Japanese. I basically understood what he was saying, but I played the stupid foreigner and spoke to him in English. Luckily he got tired of trying to communicate with me and left. He kept pointing to himself and saying "YAKUZA, YAKUZA". I just looked blankly and said, "huh? What?"

So my advice to you would be to enjoy your trip, but stay clear of those loudly dressed, bombastic people. Clearly they are the Yakuza types, and the myth about making eye contact with them is not a myth. Be careful.

Answer 8

you shouldnt be afraid of the yakuza. yes, they are a gang and yes they do commit crimes, but thier targets arent tourists.



unless you did something to them, i dont think they will bother you at all

Answer 9

i am going to japan with my son soon... not scared of yakuza. i wonder if i see any. i m not worried..why should i

Answer 10

Relax, Yazuka is not a lowly lousy clan and they have strict honour ethnic codes by the clan. Just stay out of trouble and enjoy your trip. Bon Voyage.