Yamaguchi-gumi Boss Shigeru Tsukasa Celebrates Birthday with Karaoke and Nationwide Gathering of Lieutenants

Listening with satisfaction to the karaoke performed by his subordinates

“They’ve arrived!”

Just after 4 p.m. on January 25, the front of the 10th Seto-kai headquarters—a direct affiliate of the 6th Yamaguchi-gumi in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture—was wrapped in an unusual atmosphere. Executive members, including Wakagashira Terumitsu Takeuchi (65), stood in formation wearing black suits with white ties. Surrounding them, local Aichi Prefectural Police investigators maintained strict surveillance and security.

After a loud announcement signaling the arrival of senior members, a black Mercedes-Benz, escorted by two security vehicles in front and back, entered the headquarters grounds. Slowly stepping out from the back seat was Boss Shinobu Tsukasa.

“This day marked Tsukasa’s 84th birthday. Last April, the 6th Yamaguchi-gumi submitted a unilateral pledge to the Hyogo Prefectural Police to end the conflict, putting a close to a decade-long feud. This was his first birthday celebration since the ceasefire. Advisor Kiyoshi Takayama (78) was also present.

Outside the headquarters, the sound of singing could be heard, indicating that a celebratory party with karaoke likely took place. The atmosphere suggested that the violent past was firmly behind them,” said a journalist familiar with the Yakuza world.

Boss Tsukasa wore a black hat, sunglasses, and a scarf around his neck, adopting a casual and relaxed appearance. As the direct subordinates greeted him with tense expressions, he offered words of encouragement with a smile before entering the main hall.

“The karaoke included songs such as Eigo Kawashima’s Sake to Namida to Otoko to Onna and Saburo Kitajima’s Kita no Ryoba. There was even a woman singing Seiko Matsuda songs. Companions were apparently brought in as well. After a van carrying them entered the grounds, the shutters were closed. Extreme care was taken so that no one could see who was inside,” said a photographer on site.

According to the previously mentioned journalist, “At last month’s New Year’s kickoff, Boss Tsukasa had showcased his proud singing voice, but this time he seemed content just listening to everyone perform.”

Just before 7 p.m., with karaoke still audible, Tsukasa left the hall accompanied by his executives. Without sunglasses, his slightly flushed face bore a smile. As his subordinates saw him off, he departed for home, followed by Advisor Takayama and Wakagashira Takeuchi. The birthday celebration concluded smoothly just after 7 p.m.

Appointment of Promising Young Clan Leaders

This year, voices from the underworld suggest that for the 6th Yamaguchi-gumi, this year might bring even more change than last year.

“Last April, the 6th Yamaguchi-gumi unilaterally submitted a pledge to end hostilities to the authorities. Immediately afterward, then-Wakagashira (second-in-command) Adviser Kiyoshi Takayama appointed Takeuchi, who had been Wakagashira-hosa (assistant to the second-in-command), as his successor. Under Adviser Takayama’s influence, the foundation of the Takeuchi Wakagashira system has been steadily taking shape.

On January 25, the same day as Kumicho Tsukasa’s birthday, personnel notices for the Keicho (Celebration/Funeral) Committee and the Organization Committee were communicated to affiliates. The Keicho Committee handles not only internal ceremonial matters but also diplomatic roles with other groups. Meanwhile, the Organization Committee is responsible for operational aspects in dealings with law enforcement, including confrontations with authorities, making both positions highly important.

Among the new appointments, one was named to the Organization Committee and four to the Keicho Committee. All five are promising young clan leaders who were promoted to the rank of ‘jikisan’ (direct subordinate of the kumicho) just last year during a leadership succession. Moreover, four of the five were part of the succession under the ‘President System’ introduced the year before last. This personnel move strongly signals that the process of generational change will continue” (Journalist cited above).

Conflicts with rival groups such as the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi remain a reality. Police authorities have extended the designation of the 6th Yamaguchi-gumi and the three rival groups as designated boryokudan (organized crime groups under special supervision). None of the three rival groups have submitted dissolution notifications, and some have issued organizational policies for this year.

Amid this eerie silence, the foundation of the Takeuchi Wakagashira system continues to steadily advance.