Yakuza

A Japanese organized crime syndicate, similar to the Mafia, or the Triads. They have some control of the Japanese social system, seeing as they own major things like casinos and the like. They have a strict code of loyalty and honor, which is a tradition long held by the Japanese. Yakuza are usually known to have large tattoos covering their backs, chests, and arms. They are also made famous by pop culture, an example being gangster flicks done by the famous Japanese director, Takeshi Kitano. Also, the whole cutting off of a fingertip is done by those who have angered the Yakuza as a plea for forgivness. THe name Yakuza translates roughly to 8-9-3, one of the worst hands you can get in Japanese Blackjack, where the goal is 19 instead of 21.