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

“Not Over Until Lives Are Taken”

There are reports that peace negotiations have been progressing behind the scenes, but Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi’s Chairman Inoue remains steadfast, stating, “I will never surrender, even if I am the last one left.” In this context, what scenarios could lead to the end of the conflict? Mizoguchi suggests one possible outcome: the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi issuing a unilateral “end of conflict declaration.”

“They could hold a press conference without consulting the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi and declare, ‘The conflict is over.’ The Yamaguchi-gumi previously ended a conflict in a similar manner during the ‘Osaka War’ (July 1975 – November 1978). The opposing side, which was in a state of helplessness due to the Yamaguchi-gumi’s attacks, saw their organization collapse as a result of the declaration. It would not be surprising if they are aiming to replicate this scenario.”

In the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi camp, preparations for the end of the conflict are progressing steadily. In November of last year, the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi introduced an unprecedented “President System” for its two direct affiliate groups. The system involves the previous leader remaining as the president while the new leader oversees the organization. This is seen as a move to lay the groundwork for the introduction of the “President System” to the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi.

“The sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi seems to believe that the overall situation has already been decided. The focus now is on how to end the conflict without shedding more blood among members and on creating a new organizational structure post-conflict.
By implementing the President System, Chairman Tsukasa could remain with the organization while Deputy Boss Takayama could become the seventh-generation leader. If they can end the conflict and establish a new system, it would be a fitting conclusion to a decade-long struggle. The executives are fully in favor of Takayama’s appointment as the new leader, so there should be no internal issues” (journalist familiar with the Yamaguchi-gumi).

Mizoguchi also considers the introduction of the President System to be “quite possible.” The aim could be to force a bloodless surrender through a “conflict end declaration” and push forward with the new system. However, the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi is not remaining passive. In April of last year, an incident occurred where the Kizuna-kai Deputy Boss was shot and killed by a leader of a sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi-affiliated organization. If they still have the strength to retaliate, there is a possibility that significant bloodshed could occur in the end.

“Even if a ‘conflict end declaration’ is issued, it’s hard to believe Chairman Inoue would accept it. If pushed to the brink, there is a strong possibility he might muster his last remaining strength to counterattack. The sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi’s ultimate goal remains to either take Chairman Inoue’s life or force his retirement. The situation is tense and unpredictable, but the end is likely not far off” (previously mentioned journalist).

In this split conflict, over 100 incidents have occurred, resulting in more than 50 casualties. The conflict, which has claimed many lives, may be approaching its end.