Yakuza

[Gihad]

I'm interested in finding out more about Japan's Yakuza fashion, ranging from classic slick back hair, suits and sunglasses to more modern style. Most of what I've learned I've gotten from different websites and Japanese cinema from the likes of Takashi Miike.

 

[changy]

 

[twistoffat]

Its not a fashion as much of a culture thing. Read Tokyo Underworld for a start. Cinema will tell you very little. You need to read books

 

[Gihad]

Originally Posted by twistoffat

You need to read books

Yes, although all the books I've gathered have been more on history and influence on culture/politics. I would really like some good reads on it.

 

[AE7]

two things: takeshi kitano films and a medical mask

 

[badsha]

Take a look at this thread, might have some info for you. http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=68796

 

[Steve Thomas]

Watch the movies Yakuza Papers. It follows the rise of the Yakuza immediately following the bombing in Hiroshima through the 80s. It's a great series of films that is often compared to the Godfather movies. The biggest difference is the Yakuza Papers follows several gangs through a longer span of Yakuza history. From what I've read it is a very realistic portrayal. You definitely see the changes in style. Will definitely give you some historical context...plus its a damned entertaining bunch of films.

 

[rach2jlc]

I know several Yakuza, and drink regularly with a few others, and mostly the movie **** is all just movie ****. The vast majority dress terribly, with awful ill-fitting suits, sport jerseys, and sweatsuits... Yeah, they often wear sunglasses, but they don't match what else they're wearing.

They are also, except for a few "upper" level guys, incredibly annoying twerps who are less "mob guys" than just petty racketeers. The ones I know are mostly retired and so kinda fun, but the young ones are sort of assholes with no class.

 

[Kuro]

..

 

[acidboy]

Originally Posted by rach2jlc

They are also, except for a few "upper" level guys, incredibly annoying twerps who are less "mob guys" than just petty racketeers. The ones I know are mostly retired and so kinda fun, but the young ones are sort of assholes with no class.

damn noobs.

 

[ataru]

When my brother came to visit while I was studying in Kyoto, we went out for dinner at a neighborhood okonomiyaki place that was a hangout for some local yakuza. These guys actually treated my brother and I to the meal and beers, and one of them took off his shirt so my brother could take a picture of his tattoos. The funniest thing was how they kept telling me to tell my brother (who doesn't speak Japanese) not to be afraid (he wasn't), because they were good guys, and then at the end this guy told me I could contact him through the local butcher if I got in trouble and needed "assistance".

Style-wise the ones I met weren't too impressive- long sleeve t-shirts, sunglasses and what appeared to be women's sandals.

 

[blahman]

Originally Posted by ataru

When my brother came to visit while I was studying in Kyoto, we went out for dinner at a neighborhood okonomiyaki place that was a hangout for some local yakuza. These guys actually treated my brother and I to the meal and beers, and one of them took off his shirt so my brother could take a picture of his tattoos. The funniest thing was how they kept telling me to tell my brother (who doesn't speak Japanese) not to be afraid (he wasn't), because they were good guys, and then at the end this guy told me I could contact him through the local butcher if I got in trouble and needed "assistance".

Style-wise the ones I met weren't too impressive- long sleeve t-shirts, sunglasses and what appeared to be women's sandals.
Attachment 60496

 

[rach2jlc]

Originally Posted by ataru

When my brother came to visit while I was studying in Kyoto, we went out for dinner at a neighborhood okonomiyaki place that was a hangout for some local yakuza. These guys actually treated my brother and I to the meal and beers, and one of them took off his shirt so my brother could take a picture of his tattoos. The funniest thing was how they kept telling me to tell my brother (who doesn't speak Japanese) not to be afraid (he wasn't), because they were good guys, and then at the end this guy told me I could contact him through the local butcher if I got in trouble and needed "assistance".

Style-wise the ones I met weren't too impressive- long sleeve t-shirts, sunglasses and what appeared to be women's sandals.

Same EXACT thing here with me. I then met Mr. Koike (who kept saying "SMALL LAKE" ((that's what KOike means in japanese))) after that for beers from time to time.

Plastic/rubber Hello Kitty sandals, to be exact.

 

[Makoto Chan]

FWIW, where I live they are easily identified by their super tacky, super ugly clothing. Think shiny silver suits that fit too big. I would love to learn more about yakuza style, too, but not as something to emulate.

 

[rach2jlc]

Interestingly, many of the actors in Japanese gay Appreciation are low-level yakuza punks. Not because they're gay, but just because (1) they've got no scruples when money is involved (2) don't make much as yakuza punks pulling petty street crime and operating vendor booths at festivals and (3) probably **** and get fucked by their "sempai" fairly regularly, so why not get paid for it?

Again, these guys are also often married with numerous girlfriends, so they'd probably stab you in the face if you told them sucking another dude off was kinda ****. Just an interesting cultural tidbit for you fellas this morning.