Unexpected Encounter: Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi Leaders Pay Surprise Visit to Inagawa Kaikan
“They have arrived!!”
In the biting cold winds of late February, a tense atmosphere enveloped the front of the designated crime syndicate Inagawa-kai’s headquarters in the outskirts of Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. Inside the premises, gang members stood in rigid formation, while about 20 investigators from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Kanagawa Prefectural Police, and Hyogo Prefectural Police remained on high alert in the surrounding area.
Amidst this heightened security, a guiding member’s voice rang out just as the clock approached 11:30 AM. The iron gates of the Inagawa Kaikan swung open, immediately intensifying the tension at the scene. Moments later, four luxury cars entered the premises. Stepping out of the vehicles were senior executives of the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi, including 65-year-old Takeyuchi Teruaki Wakagashira-hosa and Fujii Eiji Wakagashira-hosa.
As the voices of Inagawa-kai members called out, “Thank you for your efforts!” echoed through the air, their executives warmly welcomed the visiting officials.
What was the purpose behind the upper ranks of the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi visiting another organization?
“This was a ‘Three-Group Friendship Meeting,’” explained a journalist well-versed in yakuza affairs.
“The Inagawa-kai and Matsuba-kai, two organizations based in the Kanto region, along with the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi, hold these meetings regularly. The hosting location rotates, and this time, it was held at the Inagawa Kaikan.
From the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi, attendees included Takeyuchi Wakagashira-hosa, Fujii Wakagashira-hosa, as well as Honbucho Morio Utao and Tsuda Riki Wakagashira-hosa.
A total of four senior members from each of the three groups participated, engaging in a conversation that lasted approximately 50 minutes. The purpose of the gathering was to strengthen relations, so rather than each group sitting separately, members switched seats occasionally, fostering a relaxed and amicable discussion.”
Methods to end a split conflict
It is said that catered bento meals were also served at the meeting. The atmosphere in front of the hall became lively again around 12:20 PM. While there was no smile on Takemitsu Wakagashira-hosa’s face after the meeting, a sense of fulfillment seemed to linger, as if he had been able to have an open and candid discussion.
Shortly after, with the guiding member’s call of “They are leaving!”, the attendees were seen off as they departed from the Inagawa-kai Hall.
Although there were no urgent agenda items at the gathering, the ongoing split conflict between the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi and the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi is expected to reach a significant turning point this summer. As this moment approaches, the underworld is becoming increasingly restless.
“August is an important month for the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi. It marks the 20th anniversary of the Tsukasa Shinobu leadership (83) and also the 10th anniversary of the split conflict. As the milestone nears, the focus is shifting towards how to bring it to an end. One rumored method is for the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi to unilaterally declare an end to the conflict, effectively putting a stop to it. This approach was also used to conclude the ‘Osaka War’ that took place from 1975 to 1978.
The outcome is already determined, and the end of the conflict is just around the corner. With August approaching, various interests and strategies are undoubtedly in motion,” the source added.
Behind the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi’s proactive engagement with other organizations, there seems to be a hidden intent to strengthen relationships ahead of this pivotal moment.
