Between 2014 and 2023, approximately 400 yakuza crime syndicate offices were closed across Japan, according to the National Police Agency. The arrest of Kudo-kai chief Satoru Nomura in September 2011 marked a turning point in efforts to eliminate organized crime syndicates. As part of the “summit operation,” which targeted yakuza leadership, Fumio Tanoue, the group’s second-in-command, was also arrested. Kudo-kai is based in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Since the launch of the summit operation, momentum has been building for the eradication of yakuza criminal organizations. Public organizations have played an active role in closing down more syndicate offices. Tomoshi Okuda, chairman of nonprofit organization Hoboku, expressed satisfaction with the progress made: ”The neighborhood has become a safe place where children can go around without worry.”
Kudo Kaikan, formerly known as the headquarters of Kudo-kai and located in a residential area near JR Kokura Station, was feared as a symbol of the crime syndicate. However, after restrictions were placed on its use following the summit operation’s launch and it was sold to a private company in 2019. All profits from this sale were given to civilian victims affected by attacks involving Kudo-kai.
In April 2020, Hoboku purchased Kudo Kaikan with plans to construct a three-story facility that will house a relief center for welfare recipients and a community hall. Kazuhide Umemoto led negotiations for about nine months as then deputy mayor of Kitakyushu and emphasized how government involvement helped build public trust and find buyers for these properties.
The closure of crime syndicate offices has been widespread throughout Japan since 2014. Tokyo saw closures at 68 locations followed by Fukuoka at 63 locations—home to five designated crime syndicates including Kudo-kai—Hyogo at 35 locations and Osaka at 29 locations.
Efforts have also been made by public organizations through lawsuits filed on behalf of local residents demanding that criminal organizations cease using their offices due to concerns over retaliation. In some cases like Namikawa-kai’s headquarters office or an affiliate office belonging to Yamaguchi-gumi based in Higashiosaka city both faced demolition after proxy lawsuits were filed.
Overall progress has been made thanks to joint efforts between law enforcement agencies such as prefectural police departments along with bar associations and centers dedicated specifically towards removing criminal organizations’ influence from communities across Japan.
