(Page 3) Yamaguchi-gumi Split Conflict Marks 10 Years on August 27 with Countdown to End and Shocking Scenario | FRIDAY DIGITAL

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

How will Shinobu Tsukasa and Seiji Takayama move? Will there be a big outburst at the end? The bloody "Trajectory of Upheaval

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Yamaguchi-gumi Split Conflict History: Timeline of Turbulent Events

August 27, 2015
The “Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi” is established, led by Inoue Kunio and 13 direct members from the Yamaguchi-gumi. The number of members is approximately 6,000 for the “sixth-generation” and about 2,800 for the “Kobe” faction.

Chaos at the Yamaguchi-gumi Headquarters Following the Split Conflict

Direct members who left the “sixth-generation” Yamaguchi-gumi faced “excommunication” and “disbandment” penalties. The area in front of the headquarters was overcrowded daily with police and reporters.
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Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi Chairman Inoue Kunio (currently 76)

Inoue, who founded the “Kobe” faction, criticized the “sixth-generation” for its strict monetary demands and gained support by significantly reducing tribute payments.

May 31, 2016
An executive from the “Kobe” Ikeda-gumi is shot dead by members of the “sixth-generation” Hirodo-kai.

July 15, 2016
An executive from the “Kobe” Yamakengumi is shot dead by members of the “sixth-generation” Hirodo-kai.

August 19, 2016
A former member of a “sixth-generation” affiliated organization is stabbed to death by leaders of the “Kobe” Ikeda-gumi.

September 29, 2016
“Sixth-generation” Chairman Tsukasa Shinobu, Sumiyoshi-kai Chairman Isao Seki (at the time), and Inagawa-kai Chairman Kiyota Jiro (now President) hold a “Friendship and Social Gathering.” This meeting, where top figures in the yakuza world gathered, is referred to as a “Yakuza Summit.”

 

 

Unprecedented Yakuza Summit Emergency Meeting Held

The “Yakuza Summit,” an unprecedented meeting of yakuza leaders, was held in September 2016, about a year after the conflict began. The summit, attended by Sumiyoshi-kai Chairman Isao Seki (left), Inagawa-kai Chairman Kiyota Jiro, took place at a historic restaurant in Yokohama Chinatown. The meeting was reportedly held to demonstrate the unity of the three groups.

April 30, 2017
Young leader Oda Kizumasa and others leave the “Kobe” faction, leading to the establishment of the Yamaguchi-gumi (now known as Kizuna-kai) as a new yakuza organization.

 

 

Violent Faction Leader Oda Kizumasa Leaves the “Kobe” Faction

In April 2017, Oda Kizumasa left the “Kobe” faction. During a press conference announcing the formation of a new organization, an executive criticized Chairman Inoue as being “even more obsessed with money than the sixth-generation.”

October 10, 2019
Two members of the “Kobe” Yamakengumi are shot dead by executives from a “sixth-generation” Hirodo-kai affiliated organization, who claimed to be photographers for a true crime magazine.

 

Daylight Shooting by “Sixth-Generation” Hitman

A shooting incident occurred in broad daylight in front of the “Kobe” Yamakengumi office. The hitman, in full view of alert police officers, killed two individuals in the blink of an eye.

October 18, 2019
“Sixth-Generation” Wakagashira Kiyoshi Takayama is released from Fuchu Prison.

 

“Sixth-Generation” Yamaguchi-gumi Wakagashira Kiyoshi Takayama (76)
Officials Greet Key Figure Wakagashira Takayama’s Release

The release of key figure Takayama was marked by a significant event for the split conflict. On October 18, Takayama, who appeared at Shinagawa Station shortly after 6 a.m., was greeted by about 20 Yamaguchi-gumi affiliates, including Assistant Wakagashira Teruaki Takeuchi (far right). Following this, the “Sixth-Generation” offensive became notably pronounced.

November 27, 2019
A former member of a “Sixth-Generation” affiliated organization shoots and kills a leader of a “Kobe” affiliated organization. The leader was shot with 13 bullets from an automatic rifle, resulting in a body riddled with bullets, literally turning the victim into a “honeycomb.”

December 3, 2019
“Kobe” Yamakengumi leader Koji Nakata is arrested as the perpetrator of a shooting incident involving “Sixth-Generation” Hirodo-kai members (the incident occurred in August 2019).

 

“Kobe” Core Organization Leader Arrested for Attempted Murder

Nakata, the leader of the “Kobe” core organization, was arrested for attempting to murder members of a “Sixth Generation” affiliated organization. This attack is seen as retaliation for an incident earlier in the year involving the “Sixth Generation.”

July 2020
The “Kobe” core organization sees significant changes as the Fifth Generation Yamakita Group, led by Nakata, and the honorary chairman, Ikeda Takashi of the Ikeda Group, both depart. 

Yamakita Group, the Origin of Inoue’s Leadership, Separates from “Kobe”

In July 2020, an emergency meeting was held in Hyogo Prefecture by the Yamakita Group under “Kobe.” Following this meeting, more than half of the group’s direct members separated from “Kobe.”

September 8, 2022
Ikeda of the Ikeda Group visits Inoue’s headquarters at “Kobe.” A relationship of equality is established. The ties between the Ikeda Group and the Kizuna-kai, which has strong connections with Ikeda, deepen the conflict with the “Sixth Generation.”

 

Formation of an Equal Alliance Between “Kobe” and the Ikeda Group

The alliance between Inoue of “Kobe” (left) and Ikeda of the Ikeda Group is established. This partnership exacerbates the conflict, making it more prolonged.

October 26, 2022
Ikeda of the Ikeda Group is attacked by a member of the Yamakita Group who has joined the “Sixth Generation.”

 

Latest “Yakuza Summit” with Top Leaders

In April 2023, a meeting was held with Takayama, Inagawakai Chairman Kazuya Uchibori (far right), and Sumiyoshikai Chairman Shuji Ogawa. The gathering showcased their strong and positive relationships.

January 2024
By the end of 2023, over 100 conflict-related incidents had occurred. The most recent membership counts are approximately 3,500 for the “Sixth Generation” and about 140 for “Kobe.”

 

 

The Smile Shown by Chairman Tsukasa at the Birthday Party in January This Year

Chairman Tsukasa’s cheeks were flushed as he enjoyed the banquet. Perhaps due to his confidence in the end of the conflict, there was also a scene where he smiled broadly at the executives before heading home.

June 7, 2024
Kizuna-kai’s Wakagashira, Shigeki Kanazawa, is arrested as the perpetrator of the shooting incident involving the “sixth generation” Hirodōkai affiliated organization leader (incident occurred in April 2023)

 

From the September 6-13, 2024, combined issue of ‘FRIDAY’

  • PHOTO： Yutaka Asai, Kei Kato, Shin Sato, Shin Hamasaki

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