TOKURYŪ - Japan's NEW CRIMINAL THREAT

Summary

The video script discusses the decline of Japan's Yakuza and the rise of 'toku' gangs, a new criminal phenomenon. It details the toku's use of technology and online recruitment for illegal activities, contrasting with the Yakuza's traditional hierarchical structure. The script also explores specific crimes, the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling these elusive groups, and speculates on the future of organized crime in Japan.

Takeaways

• 📉 The Yakuza, Japan's organized crime group, has been experiencing a continuous decline in membership for the 19th year, with numbers dropping from 26,000 in 2023 to 24,000 in 2024.
• 🔄 The Yakuza's aging population reflects a broader demographic trend in Japan, with younger generations showing little interest in joining, leading to a potential 'dying breed' scenario.
• 🆕 The rise of 'toku' gangs represents a new trend in Japanese criminal activity, characterized by younger, tech-savvy individuals who are more elusive than the traditional Yakuza.
• 👥 Toku gangs operate differently from the Yakuza, utilizing online platforms for recruitment and communication, and their members often have no personal connection to each other or the mastermind behind the operations.
• 📊 The term 'toku' is a recent coinage by Japanese police, highlighting the fluid and anonymous nature of these groups, which contrasts with the more structured Yakuza hierarchy.
• 📲 Recruitment for toku gangs often involves online advertisements for 'yumi bito' or shady part-time jobs, which lure desperate individuals into committing crimes for quick money.
• 🚓 The Japanese police have acknowledged the growing threat of toku gangs, with increased arrests and the establishment of dedicated investigation units focusing on social media and phone scams.
• 🌐 International collaboration is becoming crucial in addressing the toku issue, as their activities extend beyond Japan's borders, with some operations linked to syndicates in the Philippines.
• 💡 The case of 'Luffy' illustrates the adaptability and reach of toku gangs, showing how a single mastermind can orchestrate crimes from a distance, even from jail.
• 🤔 The script raises questions about the future of organized crime in Japan, speculating whether toku gangs could replace the Yakuza or if the two might merge, creating new challenges for law enforcement.
• 📈 The economic climate and increasing poverty in Japan may exacerbate the problem, as financially desperate individuals are more likely to turn to crime as a means of survival.

Q & A

What is the current trend in the Yakuza's membership numbers?

The Yakuza's membership numbers have been declining for the 19th year in a row, dropping from an estimated 26,000 members in 2023 to 24,000 members in 2024.

How is the age demographic of the Yakuza changing?

The Yakuza is experiencing an ever-increasing average age, similar to the general population of Japan, with little to no young blood ready to succeed the older members.

What is the term 'toku' and how is it related to the Yakuza?

Toku is a term coined by the Japanese police to describe a new type of criminal organization that operates differently from the Yakuza, utilizing modern technology and lacking a fixed organizational structure.

What is a 'yumi-bito' and how does it relate to the toku gangs?

A 'yumi-bito' is a shady part-time job that targets troubled young people, offering them simple, profitable, but illegal work. Toku gangs often recruit members through these yumi-bito, luring them in with the promise of quick money.

How do toku gangs recruit members?

Toku gangs recruit members primarily through the internet, using advertisements on social networking sites and encrypted messaging apps to communicate with and organize new recruits for various illegal jobs.

What is the case of the murdered Takarajima couple, and how is it connected to toku gangs?

The Takarajima couple, owners of popular restaurants in Tokyo, were murdered in a gruesome case involving six suspects who had no prior relation to each other. The mastermind behind the murder used the yumi-bito method to recruit the killers, which is characteristic of toku gang operations.

What is the significance of the 'Luffy' Syndicate in the context of toku gangs?

The 'Luffy' Syndicate, led by Watanabe Yuki, is a toku-style group operating from the Philippines, known for conducting large-scale scams and robberies in Japan. It represents the international aspect of toku gangs and their ability to operate from abroad.

How have the Japanese police responded to the rise of toku gangs?

The Japanese police have established an investigation unit focused on social media and phone scams, called for changes in anti-organized crime measures, and urged for organizational restructuring and increased cooperation between different departments.

What challenges do toku gangs pose to the traditional Yakuza structure?

Toku gangs pose a challenge to the traditional Yakuza structure by offering an alternative form of organized crime that requires less commitment, is more secretive, and utilizes modern technology and the internet for recruitment and operations.

What potential future developments are there for the relationship between toku gangs and the Yakuza?

There is potential for toku gangs to either completely replace the Yakuza as the dominant form of organized crime in Japan or for the two to merge, adopting strategies from each other and creating an even bigger challenge for law enforcement.

How does the script suggest the economic climate in Japan may impact the growth of toku gangs?

The script suggests that Japan's current economic climate and the rise in poverty may amplify the problem of toku gangs, as there will always be individuals desperate enough to commit crimes for quick cash.