10 Most Powerful Clans in Japan's Criminal Underworld
Japan’s yakuza have been around since the 17th century, but it wasn’t until the Edo period that the modern-day yakuza organizations started to form. There are four main organizations that make up the most powerful clans in Japan’s underworld, each with their own territories and their own specialities. Here are ten of the most powerful clans in Japan’s criminal underworld...
Sumiyoshi-kai
Sumiyoshi-kai was founded as a breakaway group from Inagawa-kai. It became one of two largest gangs in Osaka after World War II, until it suffered a split in 1999 which spawned Yamaguchi-gumi and another offshoot called Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi. Sumiyoshi is known for its loose organizational structure and high degree of autonomy given to local members.
Kyushu Seido jimusho
In one of Japan’s most famous cases, a leading figure of Kyushu Seido jimusho, Shigenobu Fukuhara (d. 1990), was arrested and charged with murder after mutilating his wife during an argument. He was acquitted on grounds of self-defense, but later convicted on narcotics charges. In July 1993, Fukuhara was sentenced to life imprisonment for trafficking methamphetamine. Source : Wikipedia
Minamoto clan
The Minamoto clan were descendants of Minamoto Yoshitomo (源 義朝), who was a descendant of Emperor Seiwa (聖和天皇) and descended from Prince Kamitsumiya (神秀王). Tameyoshi had been one of Yoshitomo’s best friends.
Imagawa clan
The Imagawa clan was a Japanese clan that claimed descent from Emperor Seiwa (850-880). Under their rule, the clan controlled Suruga and Totomi Provinces. They claimed descent from Emperor Seiwa (850-880) and were a branch of the Minamoto clan by Minamoto no Yoshimitsu. They established themselves at Sunpu Castle. Their power declined after Yoshikata was defeated by Oda Nobunaga at the Battle of Okehazama in 1560.
Taira clan
The clan rose to prominence in 767 when Taira no Kiyomori became Great Minister and began his rule of Heian-kyo, then known as Kyoto. This culminated in his grandson, Emperor Kanmu moving to Heian-kyo from Nara. When Kiyomori died he was succeeded by his son, Taira no Munemori.
Oda clan
Yakuza gang Oda-gumi, based in Nagoya. One of three big families that own a total of 10% share of Yamaguchi-gumi, including Kodo-kai boss Kenichi Shinoda and Takashi Takayama (8th chairman). In 2010s they were mentioned on Mysterymovies. There is also suspicion that they had links with Aum Shinrikyo cult.
Asakura clan
The Asakura clan, also known as アサクラ家 (Asakura-ke), were a powerful daimyo family that ruled over a wide area of Japan during the Sengoku period. They were one of several clans who, like their rivals and neighbors, served under Oda Nobunaga until he was betrayed and killed in 1582.
Shimazu clan
The Shimazu clan is a Japanese Sōke clan, which ruled from their stronghold in what is now modern-day Kagoshima Prefecture. At its peak, the clan controlled Satsuma Domain (roughly, modern-day Kagoshima Prefecture) and some portions of Higo and Hyūga Provinces.
Matsunaga clan
The Matsunaga clan of Kyushu, especially Fukuoka Prefecture, has been associated with yakuza activity since at least 1959. The family is considered to be one of the 4 big clans (四大巨頭).
Fujiwara clan
The Fuijiwara clan, also known as Fujiwara-no-Kikino, was a powerful noble family of Japan. The family produced more than sixty members who held significant positions within Imperial court circles. Amongst their descendants are Emperor Kanmu (737–806), Emperor Saga (786–842), Prince Morihito (801–874) and Prince Toneri (804–870).
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