Why Yamaguchi-gumi’s Wakagashira Took a Hidden Trip to Meet the Inagawa-kai Chairman

A series of unusual circumstances surrounding an emergency trip to Tokyo

“Today, Wakagashira Teruaki Takeuchi (65) is coming to Tokyo. He is supposed to meet Chairman Kazuya Uchibori at the Inagawa-kai headquarters in the afternoon, but the purpose is still unknown.”

FRIDAY learned early on the morning of October 30 that Takeuchi, the No. 2 figure in the Sixth-Generation Yamaguchi-gumi, was suddenly making a trip to Tokyo. It has been a little over six months since the Takeuchi leadership structure was established within the Yamaguchi-gumi this April. During this period, he has carried out a personnel reshuffle to rejuvenate the executive ranks and actively held meetings with allied and friendly groups.

Normally, information about meetings with other organizations leaks out about a week in advance. However, for this meeting, nothing became known until the very day. Furthermore, while meetings with other groups are usually held in the morning, this one being scheduled for the afternoon was itself unusual. It would not be an exaggeration to call it a top-secret trip to Tokyo.

What exactly was the purpose of Takeuchi’s meeting?
At around 1 p.m. on October 30, unmarked police cars from the Metropolitan Police Department and Azabu Police Station were already stationed outside the Inagawa-kai headquarters building in Roppongi for security purposes. A line of vehicles belonging to Inagawa-kai executives had also formed, and although it was an ordinary business district with office workers passing by, only that area was filled with tense atmosphere.

About 30 minutes later, a Century carrying Chairman Uchibori arrived. Greeted by executives saying “Thank you for your hard work,” Uchibori stepped out of the car with a relaxed expression and even a hint of a smile. When he noticed the reporter on his way into the building, he briefly showed a surprised expression but proceeded inside.

A few minutes later, more than a dozen Inagawa-kai executive members lined up in front of the building. The sense of tension at the scene reached its peak. Traffic control members could be heard saying, “He’ll be here soon,” “There are two cars.” Moments later, a Century carrying Wakagashira Takeuchi arrived with one escort vehicle behind it. As voices called out “Thank you for your hard work!” Takeuchi entered the headquarters building with a stern, unchanging expression.

A formal visit as the Sixth-Generation Yamaguchi-gumi Wakagashira

While the meeting was underway, Inagawa-kai members stood guard outside the headquarters building. Even FRIDAY’s camera crew was approached and questioned to confirm whether we were there for reporting.

The meeting began around 1:45 p.m., and Takeuchi Wakagashira exited the building shortly after 2:30 p.m. Since the executives accompanying him came outside before he did, it is believed that the final 15 minutes or so were a private discussion between Takeuchi and Chairman Uchibori.

When the two men emerged from the building after the meeting, both wore relaxed expressions. Even after Takeuchi entered his car, Uchibori raised his right hand lightly and said, “Alright, I’ll be in touch,” creating a friendly moment. A journalist familiar with the yakuza world explains:

“Takeuchi Wakagashira and Chairman Uchibori have exchanged gobu no kyōdai sakazuki (a sake cup ritual signifying a half-brothers’ bond). Naturally, they are close, and if they wanted to meet, they could do so anywhere at any time. But this time, Takeuchi met him at the Inagawa-kai headquarters. Meeting at the headquarters means it was a formal visit in his capacity as the Sixth-Generation Yamaguchi-gumi Wakagashira. While the specific details are unknown, I heard the meeting ended in a friendly atmosphere, so it wouldn’t be surprising if there is some movement in the near future.”

In the middle of next month, Chairman Uchibori will celebrate his birthday, and Takeuchi Wakagashira has visited the Inagawa-kai headquarters every year to offer his congratulations. Meanwhile, starting next month, the Sixth-Generation Yamaguchi-gumi will enter a busy season with their annual “Year-Beginning Ceremony” and the traditional “Mochi-Pounding Festival.”
This meeting, held during such a hectic time, once again highlighted the strong ties between the two organizations.