Inside the Secret Summit Between Japan’s Two Yakuza Giants

Meeting Between the Sixth-Generation Yamaguchi-gumi and the Sumiyoshi-kai

In early July, a quiet residential area on the outskirts of Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, was enveloped in a tense atmosphere. At the headquarters of the Hirai Family, a secondary organization of the designated yakuza group, the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi, tough-looking men were coming and going busily from early morning, while numerous police officers, primarily from the Aichi Prefectural Police, stood on high alert around the area.

The tension peaked around 12:30 p.m., when the previously closed shutters of the headquarters opened, and Yamaguchi-gumi members began to appear one after another. Among them, a particularly noticeable presence emerged—Sumiyoshi-kai president Shuji Ogawa, a leader of another designated yakuza group, appeared, seemingly escorted by Yamaguchi-gumi boss Shinobu Tsukasa (83).

What was the purpose of this secret meeting between the two major figures representing the underworld?

“On that day, what took place at the Hirai Family headquarters was a seasonal greeting between the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi and the Sumiyoshi-kai. Two days prior, the Yamaguchi-gumi had held meetings inviting nine affiliated or friendly groups. Wakagashira Takeuchi Shomei (65) and Kazuya Uchibori, president of the Inagawa-kai and a brother-in-arms in equal standing, were the first to visit. Afterwards, prominent yakuza from across the country continued to arrive.

Although the Sumiyoshi-kai is not a related or friendly group, the two organizations have strengthened ties in recent years, so on the third day, only one group visited. The meeting lasted about 20 minutes, but it seemed productive, as both groups were smiling when leaving the Hirai Family headquarters,” said a journalist familiar with Yamaguchi-gumi affairs.

Indeed, both Tsukasa and Ogawa appeared calm. At the farewell, Tsukasa was seen leaning into the back seat of Ogawa’s car, exchanging cheerful words. After seeing off the Sumiyoshi-kai members, Tsukasa’s vehicle left the headquarters shortly after 1 p.m., marking the end of the meeting.

The paid edition of FRIDAY GOLD provides detailed coverage, including insider photos of the summit of the two major leaders between the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi and the Sumiyoshi-kai, as well as insights into the intentions of key figure advisor Seiji Takayama.

Several minutes after Chairman Ogawa set off, Tsukasa emerges from the headquarters again. After getting into the shuttle vehicle, he is seen off by Wakagashira Takeuchi and others, and then leaves the headquarters.