Yakuza (ヤクザ, [jaꜜkuza]), also known as gokudō (極道), are members of transnational organized crime syndicates originating in Japan. Founded in 17th century (presumed to have originated from the Kabuki-mono). The Japanese police, and media by request of the police, call them bōryokudan (暴力団, “violence group”), while the yakuza call themselves “ninkyō dantai” (任侠団体 or 仁侠団体, “chivalrous organizations”). The yakuza are notorious for their strict codes of conduct and very organized nature. They have a large presence in the Japanese media and operate internationally with an estimated 103,000 members. x
neal-sampat