Organized Crime, Volume 1: The Yakuza

<p>For many of us, the word “Yakuza” conjures images of full-body tattoos and severed pinkies, but the actual legacy of organized crime in Japan is much more nuanced. Are members of the Yakuza modern-day Samurai, protectors of the common people, or just a bunch of stone-cold killers? Join Shane and Duncan for an exploration of Japan's most famous criminal organization. </p> <p> </p> <p>In this episode: </p> Yakuza: Good Samaritans? Nomenclature: Boryokudan vs Ninkyo Dantai Origins: Bakuto and Tekiya Hierarchy: Oyabun and Kobun Yubitsume (ritual amputation) Irezumi (ritual tattooing)  The largest Yakuza clan: the Yamaguchi Gumi The infamous "Concrete...