The Most Famous Yakuza, Ranked

Choose the Yakuza you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 1, 2024 07:16
The world of crime has always held a certain fascination, and among its many faces, the Yakuza of Japan stand out for their unique culture and structure. By ranking these notorious figures, we gain not only insights into the hierarchy of power within their secretive world, but also a broader understanding of their impact on society and media. This list enables users to contribute their views by voting for those they believe are the most significant figures within the Yakuza community. Each vote helps to shape a clearer picture of who is viewed as the most influential or notorious, providing a dynamic reflection of public perception and interest.

Who Is the Most Famous Yakuza?

  1. 1
    47
    votes
    Kazuo Taoka
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
    He was the chairman of the largest Yakuza syndicate, the Yamaguchi-gumi, and is considered one of the most influential Yakuza leaders in history.
  2. 2
    18
    votes
    He was a high-ranking member of the Yamaguchi-gumi and known for his involvement in the yubitsume ritual.
    Goro Shimura in other rankings
  3. 3
    12
    votes
    He was the former leader of the Goto-gumi, a Yakuza syndicate, and was known for his connections to the CIA.
  4. 4
    16
    votes
    He was a member of the Yamaguchi-gumi and is known for his role in the Kobe child murders.
  5. 5
    26
    votes
    He is the current leader of the Yamaguchi-gumi and considered one of the most powerful Yakuza bosses in Japan.
  6. 6
    10
    votes
    He was a member of the Yamaguchi-gumi and known for his involvement in the 1984 Sarin gas attack in Matsumoto.
  7. 7
    13
    votes
    He was a high-ranking member of the Inagawa-kai and known for his involvement in the Japanese political scandals of the 1990s.
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    He is the current leader of the Yamaguchi-gumi and known for his connections to Japanese politics.
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    He was a member of the Yamaguchi-gumi and known for his involvement in the 1995 Sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system.
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    He is the current leader of the Inagawa-kai and known for his role in the Yakuza's involvement in the construction industry.

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Ranking factors for famous Yakuza

  1. Historical Significance
    Assessing the impact and influence of a Yakuza figure in the history of organized crime in Japan.
  2. Notoriety
    Considering the level of notoriety or infamy associated with a particular Yakuza, such as their involvement in high-profile criminal activities or the extent of their criminal empire.
  3. Popularity
    Evaluating the public recognition and widespread awareness of a Yakuza figure, both in Japan and internationally.
  4. Leadership Role
    Examining the individual's role within a Yakuza organization, such as being a respected boss or high-ranking member.
  5. Media Attention
    Taking into account the amount of media coverage and portrayal in popular culture, including movies, documentaries, and literature.
  6. Legacy
    Considering the lasting impact of a Yakuza figure, including any influence they had on subsequent generations of Yakuza or their overall contributions to the criminal underworld.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Yakuza. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Yakuza is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 6910 views
  • 151 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Yakuza once every 24 hours. The rank of each Yakuza is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most famous yakuza

The Yakuza, also known as the Japanese mafia, is a notorious organized crime syndicate that has been operating in Japan for centuries. Known for their strict codes of conduct, intricate hierarchies, and involvement in illegal activities such as gambling, prostitution, and drug trafficking, the Yakuza have become a cultural icon in Japan and around the world. When it comes to the most famous Yakuza members, there are several names that come to mind. One of the most well-known figures in Yakuza history is Kazuo Taoka, who served as the third chairman of the Yamaguchi-gumi, the largest Yakuza clan in Japan. Another notable figure is Goro Adachi, who was the leader of the Inagawa-kai, another powerful Yakuza organization. However, perhaps the most famous Yakuza member of all time is Tadamasa Goto, who rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s as the leader of the Goto-gumi, a powerful faction of the Yamaguchi-gumi. Goto was known for his extravagant lifestyle and his close ties to the political and business elite in Japan, which made him a controversial figure both inside and outside the Yakuza. Overall, the world of the Yakuza is shrouded in secrecy and mystique, making it a fascinating topic for polls and rankings on StrawPoll. Whether you're interested in the history of the Yakuza or their modern-day activities, there's no shortage of intriguing stories to explore

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