Is it taboo to talk about the Yakuza in Japan?

No, it is not taboo to talk about the Yakuza. That said, you just don't start talking about Yakuza to someone you don't know, you never know, they may be one themselves. read more

In my experience, trying to talk to people about the emperor and his family in a frank or gossipy way was like trying to ask someone to vividly describe the death of a loved one. Tradition and propriety dictates that it's just not done. 2) The Yakuza. Japanese people fear organized crime but are also deeply ashamed of it. read more

When many foreigners talk about their lives in Japan to their families and friends back home the reaction often begins with awe. This can swiftly change to surprise as certain misconceptions are debunked and our own cultural norms are turned on their heads. read more

The Yamaguchi-gumi is the biggest yakuza family, accounting for 50% of all yakuza in Japan, with more than 55,000 members divided into 850 clans. Despite more than one decade of police repression, the Yamaguchi-gumi has continued to grow. From its headquarters in Kobe, it directs criminal activities throughout Japan. read more