Sumo wrestlers take part in anti-yakuza parade

Meanwhile, the whole thing was probably set up by the yakuza as a front. How is this going to 'stamp out' anything the yakuza does?

I'm going to say this is commendable assuming it's on the level. Hope not to read about them getting attacked though, yakuza are cowards be definition.

took part in a police-organized parade

A police-organized parade? I don't get it! If the cops have time to organize and participate in a parade they have time to round up these thugs and stand-over lords and lock them all up. It is not as if they don't know who they are and where they are.

If the police will let me fight back (with or without weapons and with exemption from prosecution) I will be happy to publicly protest against the yakuza. Until that moment, the cops should get off their collect butts and do their job.

Right......

Excellent initiative from the sumo crowd. Sure to see the yaks on the run.

These 2 Ozeki were there on orders from their stables, no doubt. And this whole charade organized partly with Yakuza blessings, as well. What other conclusions can you make when the police let Yakuza operate openly?

samwatters.

Go ahead. I would give you 10 seconds(max) before you lie bleeding on the pavement from one or more switchblade stabbing from the local Chimpira.

It"s ME, are you crazy?! Don't taunt him! He wants to take on the Yakuza, he must be a tough guy!

its not going to help at all

Disillusioned

I do get what you mean, but what would they be booking them on? Most civilized nations have already seen what happens when the police gets free reins to act (kempeitai?), and people would not be happy if officers were arresting yakuza randomly, only to have to free them a couple days later.

@It's me. You're absolutely wrong about me; I wouldn't last 5 seconds! I was speaking metaphorically about how it is irresponsible for the police to ask the public to curb crime without the necessary weapons/tactics to do so and how when citizens in Japan do take matters into their own hands they are often prosecuted by the police for doing so.

mastertigurius - Just in case you didn't know, gang related activities are illegal in Japan. However, it is quite easy to understand why nobody knows cos the j-flops do bugger all about it!

since the yakuza are always trying to portray themselves as somewhat associated with tradition and culture, this is very significant on the symbolic level.

by symbolic i don't just mean an empty sign, of course, i mean that the sumo wrestlers, as bearers of culture in carrying on the tradition of their sport are at the forefront for representing tradition's rejection of the sociopaths in organized crime groups trying to misappropriate tradition and associate it with their antisocial agenda.

I will NOT buy tickets to the Ryogoku basho as long as the Powers That Be basically, if indirectly, accuse me of being a "yakusa" by not allowing me onto the main floor before the big time 4pm hour, on the grounds that I might be yakusa. Stupidest, more anti-fan rationale ever.

samwatters.

There is a sort of agreement between gangsters and crims worldwide.

One of my Canadian RCMP friends posted online that he let a guy he arrested punch him hard in order to preserve the guys street-cred. He has many acknowledged articles online and trains officers worldwide.

But 100% agree with you the 1st time you know the guy has a knife is when it sticks in you and that is the truth. Coming from a Vet and a trained MA/Street-Fighter.

People just don't know how things really go down and how the laws views things.

Said that public like dogs, etc are your early warning systems so not a wasted drive, IMHO.

Great! Now it's a time for Japanese politicians and police to finally have some anti-yakuza initiative...

"One of my Canadian RCMP friends posted online that he let a guy he arrested punch him hard in order to preserve the guys street-cred." @It'S ME. I've heard the same kind of things in my native Detroit (Michigan, USA). Fortunately I've never had to experience them on a first-hand basis.

Back on topic please.

KUDOS!!!!

we need to support out local organized crime industry. if we don't the chinese will come in and put all these family businesses out of work.

What the campaign really needs is a poster with some young look idol (probably Shelly as she seems to be the current spokesperson for everything else) with a fisting pose and ダメ written in large characters at the top. Surely with that and sumo parades the Yaks won't stand a chance.

I will NOT buy tickets to the Ryogoku basho as long as the Powers That Be basically, if indirectly, accuse me of being a "yakusa" by not allowing me onto the main floor before the big time 4pm hour, on the grounds that I might be yakusa. Stupidest, more anti-fan rationale ever.

Ranger_Miffy2 - Don't worry, my friend. Unless you are Japanese and actually look like a Yakuza, you are fine. You are not Japanese, are you?

Ranger_Miffy2APR. 16, 2012 - 08:25PM JST I will NOT buy tickets to the Ryogoku basho as long as the Powers That Be basically, if indirectly, accuse me of being a "yakusa" by not allowing me onto the main floor before the big time 4pm hour, on the grounds that I might be yakusa. Stupidest, more anti-fan rationale ever.

Another person who wants to sit for free in the premium seating that others have paid for. Do you try and sit in empty first class seats when you fly even though you only paid for economy?

Makes no difference if the seats are empty for the early matches. Somebody has paid (lots of money) for them and will be sitting in them later. Why should they have to sit in your sloppy seconds?

Want premium sitting or access to ring side then pay for the privilege. Has nothing to do with you being mistaken for a gang banger. Has everything to do with you being too cheap to pay for better seats.