In an effort to recruit new members and regain some mystique, the Yamaguchi- gumi has launched a website that shows just how neighbourly it is?and there’s a catchy tune to be enjoyed as well.
The biggest organized crime syndicate in Japan has launched its own website and theme song, says yakuza expert Jake Adelstein in a VICE News report.
The group, the Yamaguchi-gumi, is seeking to rebrand the yakuza syndicates, which are famed and feared for their involvement in activities ranging from sex trafficking and murder to white-collar crime.
for photo: http://listverse.com/2013/10/23/10-odd-facts-about-the-yakuza/
I ? Word Understanding
mystique ? a quality that makes a thing interesting
catchy ? appealing and easy to remember
syndicate ? a group of people or organization that work together
II ? Have Your Say
1. Fact or Myth?
? Sokaiya ? bribery practiced by Yakuza to extract money
? Relief efforts ? after the 2011 tsunami, they were one of the first to deliver aid
? Yubitsume ? chopping off a part of ones finger, for members who do something they shouldn’t
? Full-body tattoo ? seen as a mark of bravery
? Politics ? Yakuza members work as campaign workers and bodyguards during elections
? Motto ? Help the weak and fight the strong
2. Do you know other words used for organized groups? Let’s look at some:
? Triad
? Mafia
? Mob
