Yakuza is a traditional form of organized crime in Japan, whose groups occupy a leading position in the criminal world of the country. Yakuza members are also known as gokudo (Japanese"gokudo" "extreme path"). In literature and the press, the Yakuza or its individual groups are often referred to as the "Japanese mafia" or "Borekudan"

Yakuza is woven into the economic and political life of Japan and has a number of distinctive, unique features. Unlike other criminal formations of the world, the Yakuza does not have clearly defined territorial zones of influence, it does not rely on family ties as the structural basis of its organization and does not seek to keep its internal hierarchy, number or composition of leadership secret (most Yakuza groups have their official emblems, do not hide the location of headquarters and names bosses, in addition, many of the groups are registered under the guise of various patriotic or ultra-right associations and associations).