Toyohashi Scene Shaken by Appearance of Key Yamaguchi-gumi Figure Amid New Kodo-kai Leadership

A top personnel reshuffle has been announced in the core organization that produced kumicho Shinobu Tsukasa and advisor Seiji Takayama

“They have arrived!”

On September 25, a propitious day with clear autumn skies, a large number of high-ranking yakuza, dressed in formal kimono and hakama, gathered at the Hirai-ikka headquarters, a secondary group of the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture. Under strict security, with around 40 investigators on alert nearby, the event taking place was the “Succession Cup Ceremony” for the president of the Kodo-kai, the core organization of the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi.

Just before 10 a.m., a black luxury car, escorted by a convoy, entered the Hirai-ikka headquarters amid booming voices. Masahiro Nouchi, the former wakagashira (59), who had newly assumed the presidency, stood in a commanding stance to await them, as Teruaki Takeuchi, wakagashira (65) of the sixth-generation Yamaguchi-gumi and also the Kodo-kai president, emerged from the black car.

“The ceremony began shortly after 10 a.m., once Wakagashira Takeuchi had finished getting dressed inside the headquarters. Under the watchful eyes of Takeuchi and the other bosses of the same secondary organization, President Nouchi exchanged sake cups with 50 direct members of the Kodo-kai and conducted the ‘sakazuki naoshi’ ritual, formally renewing their relationships. The sake ceremony proceeded smoothly and concluded just before 11:30 a.m.,” said a journalist familiar with Yamaguchi-gumi affairs.

Afterwards, Wakagashira Takeuchi changed back into civilian clothes and left the headquarters, escorted by President Nouchi. Although Nouchi had appeared tense before the ceremony began, he was seen smiling while helping with the cleanup, reflecting his relief at the successful completion of the ritual.

The Kodo-kai is renowned as the prestigious organization that produced Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi’s Kumicho Shinobu Tsukasa (83) and Advisor Seiji Takayama (78). The current president, Masahiro Nouchi, is also known as a figure with many anecdotes. Freelance writer Shunichi Narita, an expert on Kodo-kai matters, explained:

“During the split conflict with the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi that began in 2015, he achieved numerous feats. Above all, he respects the code of honor and has led his members with strong leadership. A recent well-known anecdote occurred around February 2023, when Kodo-kai members caused trouble with members of an Inagawa-kai affiliated group. To prevent the problem from escalating with the friendly Inagawa-kai, Nouchi personally offered his own finger on behalf of the member who caused the incident. He can be described as a yakuza who embodies the traditional way of the honorable gangster.”

How President Masahiro Nouchi Will Influence the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi’s Structure

The Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi unilaterally declared the end of hostilities against the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi on April 7 this year, and has since been advancing the establishment of a new organizational structure. The rise of President Masahiro Nouchi is expected to influence the Yamaguchi-gumi’s structural formation.

“By preparing a presidential post for Kumicho Shinobu Tsukasa, the introduction of a presidential system that would allow Waka-gashira Shomei Takeuchi to ascend as the seventh head is becoming more realistic. The declaration of the end of hostilities was likely issued with this succession in mind.

If Takeuchi is promoted, they would likely want his successor as Waka-gashira to also come from the Kodokai. This recent Kodokai personnel move hints at the intention to eventually elevate President Nouchi to Waka-gashira. For the past three terms, the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi’s Waka-gashira has been from Kodokai, known as the Nagoya control due to Kodokai’s base, and the Sixth seems intent on continuing that tradition,” explained the journalist.

However, concentrated power carries risks.

“Traditionally, the Yamaguchi-gumi has appointed the Kumicho and Waka-gashira from different groups to prevent any single affiliate from becoming too powerful. The split with the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi was reportedly triggered by resistance to increased tribute payments under the strengthened Nagoya control.

If Nagoya control continues, it is not impossible for discontented factions to emerge again. In fact, when Takeuchi became Waka-gashira in April, information circulated that Ando Miki, Waka-gashira assistant of the Takenaka-gumi—which produced the fourth Yamaguchi-gumi Kumicho—was set for promotion. This is said to have been false information spread by factions opposed to Kodokai to disrupt Waka-gashira succession. Such sparks could potentially ignite large-scale conflicts,” the journalist added.

If these simmering tensions escalate, it is crucial to prevent the fallout from affecting ordinary citizens.

From “FRIDAY” October 17, 2025 issue