Yamaguchi-gumi Split Conflict Marks 10 Years on August 27 with Countdown to End and Shocking Scenario

The bloodstained battle is finally approaching its final stage.

The “Yamaguchi-gumi Split Conflict” will enter its 10th year on August 27, 2024. The “war” between the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi, led by Chairman Shinobu Tsukasa (82), and the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi, led by Chairman Kunio Inoue (76), has become an unusually long-term struggle.

FRIDAY has been covering this conflict since its inception. As the milestone approaches, we want to look back on its trajectory with a wealth of exclusive photos.

 

Sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi Chairman Shinobu Tsukasa (now 82).

This magazine captures the first close-up shot of the top leader since the conflict began.

The Catalyst for the Split

The beginning of everything was August 27, 2015. Nonfiction writer Masahiro Ojima, who has written books such as “The Truth Behind the Yamaguchi-gumi Split,” reveals the inside story of that time.

“It is said that the split was triggered by the dissatisfaction among some direct members, led by Chairman Inoue, due to the collection of money ranging from 50 to 100 million yen, including donations and greetings during the New Year and Bon festivals, after the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi took over in 2005. A turning point in the conflict was the release of Deputy Boss Kiyoshi Takayama (76) in October 2019. Takayama was known for his charisma and ruthlessness in strictly controlling the members.

Perhaps influenced by this, two members of the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi’s affiliated organizations were shot just before Takayama’s release. Additionally, in November, a former member of the sixth-generation side brutally killed a Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi executive by indiscriminately firing an automatic rifle. Along with the intense offensive, the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi saw core organizations also defecting, leading to a reduction in their power. Initially, the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi had about 6,000 members, while the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi had about 2,800. By the end of 2023, the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi had about 3,500 members, and the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi had about 140, resulting in a significant disparity in the strength of the two factions.”

In the over 100-year history of the Yamaguchi-gumi, even the longest conflict, known as the “Yamaichi Conflict,” came to a temporary end after four years and eight months. The “Yamaguchi-gumi Split Conflict” has now lasted nearly twice as long, but the situation seems to be moving towards resolution. Journalist Atsushi Mizoguchi, who is well-versed in organized crime matters, offers this perspective on the situation:

“The fact that the conflict has lasted for 10 years highlights the ineffectiveness of those involved. It’s time to bring the conflict to an end for the sake of appearances. Additionally, there is concern about the health of Deputy Boss Takayama, a key figure on the sixth-generation side. If a resolution is to be made while he is still in good health, some movement should be expected soon.”

There are other factors pushing towards the end of the conflict:

“In early July this year, the Osaka Prefectural Police arrested both the Ikeda-gumi leader and the Kizuna-kai chairman. Both organizations, once part of the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi, are now prominent Yakuza groups clearly opposing the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi. Both individuals were released by the end of July, but there are rumors among police circles that the Hyogo Prefectural Police may aim to arrest the Kizuna-kai chairman on a separate charge and bring it to indictment in the fall. If the Kizuna-kai chairman is arrested, it would inevitably weaken the Kobe side as well” (national newspaper social department reporter).