Yakuza Summit: Secrets Revealed at Sumiyoshi-kai Funeral

The air in Tokyo Station on a weekday when businessmen were passing by was instantly tense.

Around 3:30 in the afternoon, in mid-January, a stern-looking man, accompanied by a group of similarly formidable men, appeared at the ticket gates of Tokyo Station. It was Wakagashira Kiyoshi Takayama of the 6th generation Yamaguchi-gumi. He wore a flowing black overcoat, and notably, white gloves. Though using a cane for support, his expression appeared lively.

While plainclothes police officers were on high alert, Wakagashira Takayama, along with welcoming members of the organization, headed towards the car drop-off area. Boarding a waiting vehicle, they proceeded towards the Chiba direction. The destination was a funeral hall located in Nagareyama City, Chiba Prefecture.

“On this day, a funeral for a senior member of the Sumiyoshi-kai was taking place. The 6th generation Yamaguchi-gumi and the Sumiyoshi-kai have deepened their friendship since around the time when Shinobu Tsukasawas released in 2011. According to the announcement by the National Police Agency, the number of Sumiyoshi-kai members was approximately 2,400 as of the end of 2022. This is the second-highest number among designated organized crime groups, following the 6th generation Yamaguchi-gumi. Given the desire to maintain a positive relationship, it seems that Wakagashira Takayama’s participation on this occasion is part of that ongoing effort.” (Information provided by a journalist knowledgeable about the Yakuza scene)

The parking lot in front of the venue was lined with luxury cars. About 30 strong men stood in front of the building, and more than 20 plainclothes police officers stood guard a short distance away. The security was extremely high, but inside the venue, something even more astonishing was happening. The leaders of the chivalrous world were holding a summit meeting.

At the desk with Wakatama Takayama were Shuji Ogawa, chairman of the Sumiyoshi-kai, and Kazuya Uchibori, chairman of the Inagawa-kai.

“I don’t know the specific details, but judging from the smiles on all three faces, it was undoubtedly a friendly gathering. Wakagashira Takayama engaged in lively gestures and actively exchanged information. Interestingly, this Yakuza Summit was also held last year. When it took place in April of the previous year, it lasted for over an hour at the Inagawa-kai headquarters. However, this time, it was quite short, lasting about 15 minutes. It’s purely speculative, but it seems to be more of a spontaneous event resulting from the unexpected encounter at the funeral venue.” (Source: Chiba Prefectural Police official)

After the meeting, the three men came out of the hall, greeted by a voice saying, “Thank you for your hard work”. Wakagashira Takayama went straight to the pickup truck and left Chairman Ogawa and Chairman Uchibori on their way home.

“This August marks the 10th year since the split and conflict between the 6th generation Yamaguchi-gumi and the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi. In January of this year, a violent incident occurred in Shikokuchuo City, Ehime Prefecture, where a man affiliated with an organized crime group was shot and killed. The shooter was identified as Yuichiro Yuichiro Maeya, a former Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi member and a senior member of the Ikeda-gumi. While this incident is said to be unrelated to the gang conflict and more of a personal vendetta, the situation remains unpredictable as we approach this milestone. In that sense, I believe this meeting had the intention of confirming the relationships between various factions, given the potential for anything to happen before this significant anniversary.” (Information provided by the aforementioned journalist knowledgeable about the Yakuza scene)

 

As we approach a pivotal year, tension is escalating in the Yamaguchi-gumi split conflict. There may be significant developments this year, adding to the intensity of the situation.