Exploring the Yamaguchi-gumi Split Conflict from Police and Yakuza Perspectives as it Enters Its 10th Year
The previously mentioned investigative official added, ‘The second reason for the split is the increased control since the sixth-generation system was established.’ Tsukasa Shinobu, from the influential organization Kōdō-kai, became the leader of the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi. He appointed Kiyoshi Takayama (76) from the same group as his number two, the young head. The leadership was monopolized by these two, leading to strong-arm management by Takayama. The official also stated, ‘It is clear that the transition to the sixth-generation system made things more oppressive for the veteran members from the relatively free fifth-generation era.’
After the split, things remained relatively calm for a while. However, starting in February 2016, there was a surge in incidents including shootings at offices and accidental brawls on both sides. The conflict spread nationwide, with several incidents occurring in a single day.
As tensions continued to rise, a decisive event occurred in May of the same year in Okayama City. Noboru Takagi, the young head of the Ikeda-gumi and a key figure in the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi, was shot and killed. The arrested suspect was a member of the Kōdō-kai, a group under the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi. The killing was carried out with meticulous planning and preparation, including surveillance of Takagi’s actions. This incident led to a series of murders of executives on both sides, escalating the conflict further.
Amidst these developments, an event marked the beginning of the contraction of the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi. Yoshinori Oda (57), a senior member of the Yamaguchi-gumi, criticized financial issues and led a faction to leave in April 2017. He formed a new group called the Ninkyō Dantai Yamaguchi-gumi (now Kizuna-kai). The irregular collection of funds in the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi, similar to that of the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi, led to growing dissatisfaction and eventually rebellion.
