Gang Member Boasts of Yakuza Pride After Menacing with Food Truck and Fire Extinguisher

“If you do business here again tomorrow, I’ll smash up your store.”

The first trial for Joji Abe (42 at the time of arrest), who was charged with obstruction of business through intimidation for spraying a fire extinguisher at a man selling baby castella from a food truck in a parking lot near Nishiarai Daishi in Adachi Ward, Tokyo, was held on November 25 at the Tokyo District Court.

Abe was also arrested on suspicion of violating the Act on Punishment of Acts of Violence (collective intimidation). At the time of his arrest, he denied the charges, claiming he was just giving a warning.

According to the indictment, on January 2, 2025, in a parking lot near Nishiarai Daishi, Abe allegedly threatened the man selling baby castella from his food truck with statements such as:

“Who gave you permission to set up your shop?”

“We only allow one baby castella store in Nishiarai.”

“If you do business here tomorrow, we’ll destroy your shop.”

The following day, when the man continued to operate at the same location, Abe allegedly sprayed a fire extinguisher inside the food truck, making it impossible for the man to continue his business.

Abe, slim but muscular, appeared in court wearing a sax-blue tracksuit. His short, gold-mesh hair and sharp gaze gave off an intimidating presence. Regarding the charges, Abe admitted:

“I did what I am accused of.”

The prosecution’s opening statement revealed that Abe had worked in construction after graduating middle school but had been a member of a yakuza group since the age of 28. He also had four prior convictions.

The victim’s testimony clarified the events. On January 2, Abe and several others threatened him, saying:

“Who gave you permission to set up your shop? Are you mocking us?”

Since the man had obtained proper business permits, he continued operating at the same spot on January 3. That day, Abe arrived and, saying:

“I thought the boss would be upset if he saw this,”

sprayed the fire extinguisher in the man’s face and threw it inside the food truck. The man suffered pain in his eyes and difficulty breathing. The fire-extinguishing agent scattered throughout the truck prevented him from operating for four to six days while it was cleaned. The cleaning and maintenance costs totaled 460,000 yen.

“I don’t know what’s so serious.”

During questioning, Abe spoke about his motives in terms of the pride and territoriality of a yakuza whose territory had been violated. When his defense attorney asked about the motive for the crime, he explained:

“I couldn’t calm my feelings because he continued operating despite my warning.”

He then apologized:

“I truly feel sorry. I am remorseful.”

Regarding compensation to the victim, he added:

“Money can’t solve everything, but I want to make it right.”

With a serious expression, Abe continued expressing remorse and hinted at leaving the yakuza:

“I have been thinking a lot and am taking steps to withdraw from the group.”

He also vowed to reform:

“I don’t know what it truly means to be serious. I will live without causing trouble to others.”

When the prosecution asked, “Is it easy to leave the yakuza?” he responded:

“I’ve never been a boss, so I don’t know. But I have to settle things,”

showing determination. He also said:

“I don’t know if it’s right or wrong, but I did it fully. Saying I feel deeply fulfilled for being a yakuza may sound strange, but that’s how I feel.”

When the judge asked why he sprayed the fire extinguisher, Abe reflected:

“I had a fixed idea of how a yakuza should act,”

acknowledging that he had clung to the yakuza’s code of conduct.

Although Abe has four prior convictions, it remains uncertain whether his current remorse is genuine.