NCJ Number
184676
Date Published
2000
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the problem of organized crime groups in Japan.
Abstract
The paper devotes special attention to the close relationships among politicians, financiers and members of organized crime groups (known as Yakuza or Bryokudan). It describes the structural corruption of politicians, providing several case studies, and the Japanese system of government. The Japanese Parliament is discussing reform of the political funds control law, because political contributions from companies is a major source of structural corruption. The paper describes in detail the "sokaiyas" and their influence on Japanese businesses. Sokaiyas are individuals or groups (often called professional stockholders) who sell "protection" services to companies, ostensibly to prevent disruption at annual shareholders' meetings. They generally own a small quantity of the company's stock and can threaten disruption themselves if their monetary requests are not met. Recent changes in Japan's Commercial Code, which were intended to bring the sokaiyas under control, seem to have had little effect. The groups continue to operate and are a source of embarrassment and a problem for Japan in this era of supposedly rational, global capital markets. The paper suggests measures for the eradication of organized crime groups. Notes