How influential are the Yakuza in Japanese politics?

Not much. There used to be close ties between the yakuza and politicians. This was perhaps most obvious in 1960, when the mob was asked to provide security for a planned visit from US president David Eisenhower. read more

These days no politician would be willing to stand up and defend yakuza ties, not least because they would likely be illegal. Consequently there is no visible lobbying for the yakuza agenda. And most of the mobs are more focused on adapting to the new rules than they are on trying to change them. read more

The Yakuza is a large criminal organization that is well known for its links to both Japanese and international business, as well as to influential politicians within the domestic sphere. Yakuza are known for their ties to many other organizations throughout the world – both legal and illegal in nature. read more