A Rare Alliance in the Shadows? Inside Shinobu Tsukasa’s Latest Underworld Moves

“The moment the main gate’s shutter opened, Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi leader Shinobu Tsukasa (84) came into view. He was dressed entirely in white, while senior members in dark navy suits and ties stood motionless watching over him. With his overwhelming presence, he appeared so energetic in his interactions that it was hard to believe this was the final day of a three-day gathering.”

The designated organized crime group Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi holds a three-day seasonal greeting gathering every year in early July, inviting affiliated and friendly organizations from across Japan. This year, on the first day, four organizations from eastern Japan, including the Inagawa-kai, visited the venue of a secondary organization in Shizuoka Prefecture. On the second day, five organizations from western Japan, including the eighth-generation Aizu Kotetsu-kai, visited the venue of a secondary organization in Aichi Prefecture to offer their greetings. On the third day, the Sumiyoshi-kai visited the venue of another secondary organization in Aichi Prefecture to do the same.

Although the Sumiyoshi-kai is not an affiliated or friendly organization, exchanges between the two groups have continued due to the connection between former representative Isao Seki and leader Shinobu Tsukasa, and the Sumiyoshi-kai has continued to attend the annual seasonal greeting gathering.

The opening comment came from a photographer who covered the secondary organization hosting the gathering. He continued describing the scene:

“The local Aichi Prefectural Police, as well as investigators from the Metropolitan Police Department, Hyogo Prefectural Police, Kyoto Prefectural Police, and other agencies were on alert. The shutters remained closed except when vehicles were entering and leaving, so we could not see inside. Tsukasa’s motorcade arrived shortly before noon. Before 12:30 p.m., the shutters opened, and Tsukasa was seen seeing off the departing Sumiyoshi-kai executives.

He was speaking while placing his hand on the rear door of the car carrying one of the executives. Near Tsukasa, we could also see Wakagashira (First Lieutenant) Shomei Takeuchi (66) and senior executive Masahiro Nouchi. After seeing them off, Tsukasa entered the building while chatting and laughing with senior members. It was a calm and friendly atmosphere.”

Leader Tsukasa’s intentions behind his diplomatic efforts

A journalist familiar with the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi spoke about the three-day seasonal greeting gathering.

“Each organization visited with its leader and top executives present. The first and second days involved affiliated and friendly organizations, so they appear to have concluded smoothly as usual. However, on the third day, attention focused on the Sumiyoshi-kai because Chairman Shuji Ogawa was under arrest and in custody, raising questions about who would attend.

A total of five senior executives, including Chairman’s Adviser Hideki Kojima, made the trip. The meeting also appears to have concluded smoothly, so exchanges between the two organizations are expected to continue.”

This was the first time this site had captured an image of Tsukasa in about six months, since his own birthday celebration held in January. Although he is already in his mid-80s, his influence remains strong.

“Since unilaterally bringing the split conflict with the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi to an end in April last year, the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi has carried out personnel changes aimed at rejuvenating the organization under Wakagashira Shomei Takeuchi. In particular, the introduction of a ‘sōsai system’ among five subordinate organizations was a major change and is viewed as a step toward eventually introducing the same system within the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi itself.

There has been speculation that Tsukasa may move into the sōsai position while he is still healthy, leading to the emergence of a ‘Seventh Generation’ with Wakagashira Takeuchi as the boss. That said, Tsukasa remains a lifelong leader, an untouchable figure above the clouds. His active participation in his own celebrations and diplomatic engagements also suggests a desire to demonstrate that he remains in good health and continues to hold influence.” (ibid.)

As the split conflict remains at a stalemate, the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi continues steadily working to build relationships with other organizations.

Wakagashira Takeuchi glancing at the press.