Yamaguchi-gumi Sixth Generation Takes Action: Will the Feud End and the Seventh Generation Begin?

The reason why the “Big Three” of the yakuza world gathered in one place.

Although he does not use a cane, his steps are strong and his eyes are sharp as he looks at the camera. It was April 7 when Seiji Takayama, 77, a key figure in the Yamaguchigumi split that will mark 10 years this August, visited the Inagawa-kai hall on the outskirts of Yokohama.​

Under a high alert situation with more than 20 investigators guarding the premises, Wakagashira Takayama, accompanied by Assistant Wakagashira Shomei Takeuchi, 65, and others, attended a meeting with Shuji Ogawa, chairman of the Sumiyoshikai, and Kazuya Uchibori, chairman of the Inagawa-kai. What was the purpose of the meeting of the “Big Three” of the yakuza world?​

“On this day, the final meeting was held with a view to ending the war with the Kobe Yamaguchigumi. Originally, Chairman Uchibori, after obtaining the informal consent of the Rokudai, went around the nation to the friendly organizations of the Rokudai and prepared a written request for the end of the war. The purpose of this was to reach a consensus among the friendly groups regarding the end of the war. On this day, the Sixth Generation side seemed to have agreed to the written request. In the form of gaining the approval of friendly groups, they took the helm toward the termination at once” (Journalist familiar with the Yamaguchigumi situation).​

Yamaguchigumi VI’s move to draw the curtain was swift, and on the same day, three members of the executive committee, including the general manager Utao Morio, submitted a written pledge to the Hyogo Prefectural Police to bring the conflict to an end. In addition to the written request, the written pledge was also unilaterally submitted, declaring the end of the struggle. Nonfiction writer Masahiro Ojima, author of “The True Story of the Yamaguchigumi Split” and other books, tells us.​

According to the latest data from the National Police Agency, Yamaguchigumi VI has about 3,300 members, while Kobe Yamaguchigumi has only about 120. There is an irreversible difference in power between the two groups. It seems that the Yamaguchigumi VI is aiming to lift the specified anti-tank war designation, which imposes severe restrictions on the activities of the gangs. However, as long as there is no declaration of termination from the Kobe Yamaguchigumi, the police will not immediately lift the designation of specific anti-tank wars. It is also uncertain whether this declaration alone will bring about a complete termination, but even so, it is a significant change.​

On the following day, the 8th, the VI Yamaguchigumi held a meeting at the headquarters of a secondary organization in Aichi Prefecture, inviting all direct advisors. It is said that there, Wakagashira Takayama gave encouragement to the gang members and announced the new personnel.​

He increased pressure on the rival Kobe Yamaguchigumi and turned his attention to the future of Yamaguchigumi. What kind of blueprint is being drawn before the turning point of the war by Wakagashira Takayama, who has been leading the war on the front line.

The written request we advanced with the Inagawa-kai, which was endorsed by other groups throughout the country, is meant to appeal that Yamaguchigumi is not acting alone. Having laid the groundwork for this, I think they would like to submit the pledge to the police as well and welcome August with new personnel.​

Various rumors are flying around, but it is a known fact that Wakagashira Takayama wants Assistant Wakagashira Takeuchi, who is the chairman of his home organization, Kodokai, to succeed him as the heir to the clan. To this end, it is believed that he himself will step down to a post such as Supreme Advisor and hand over the position of Wakagashira to Assistant Wakagashira Takeuchi, while maintaining his influence.​

It is also believed that Takeuchi will become the 7th head of the clan, although the timing is unknown. In that case, it is also conceivable that they will proceed with structural changes, such as creating the post of president for Shinobu Tsukasa, 83, above the head of the clan.​

In the final stages of the war, the tension in the world is higher than ever.

From the April 25 and May 2, 2025 combined issue of “FRIDAY”