Shadows of the Dragon

A Yakuza Lore Compendium

Designed in a gold‑and‑black aesthetic for an elegant, timeless feel.

1. Introduction – The Underworld

Beneath neon‑lit streets and the hum of modern commerce lies a network bound by honor, secrecy, and a code older than the samurai. This compendium gathers the myths, structures, and personalities that shape the contemporary Yakuza.

Core Tenets: Ninkyo (chivalry), Giri (duty), Bushido (the way of the warrior).

2. Key Words & Concepts

Oyabun – The “father” or boss of a clan.
Kobun – Subordinate members who pledge loyalty.
Kumi – A crew or sub‑division within a larger family.
Yubitsume – Ritual finger‑cutting for atonement.
Mikoshi – Money‑laundering operations.
Seppuku – Ritual suicide to preserve honor.
Gokudo – The criminal underworld as a whole.
Bakuto – Gambling specialists.

3. Major Families & Territories & Notable Characters

Major Families & Territories

Notable Characters

The city is divided into districts, each controlled by a distinct family. Borders shift with alliances and betrayals, but the map below captures the current balance of power.

Legend (Gold outlines):

Red Dragon Clan – Shinjuku
White Lotus Syndicate – Ginza
Black Tiger Brotherhood – Akihabara
Silver Crane Alliance – Roppongi

Kaito “Black Lotus” Takahashi

Rank: Oyabun – Red Dragon Clan

Territory: Shinjuku’s East Gate

Signature Weapon: Custom katana with a gold‑etched dragon motif.

「闇は光の影だ」 “Darkness is the shadow of light.”

Born into a modest family, Kaito rose through ruthless strategy and a reputation for keeping his word. He is known for his calm demeanor and meticulous planning.

Ayame “Silk Blade” Mori

Rank: Saiko – White Lotus Syndicate

Territory: Ginza’s Luxury Quarter

Signature Weapon: Twin wakizashi wrapped in silk.

「美しさは力になる」 “Beauty becomes power.”

A former geisha turned enforcer, Ayame blends charm with lethal precision. She oversees the syndicate’s high‑end nightclubs and protection rackets.

4. Rituals, Legends & Folklore

Initiation begins with a solemn oath beneath a cherry‑blossom tree, followed by the ceremonial yubitsume. Legends speak of a phantom dragon that watches over those who keep the code.

Annual Festival – “Moon of the Koi” Every autumn the families gather at the riverbank for a night of storytelling, sake, and a secret tournament where the winner earns the right to wear the golden koi‑scale armor.

5. Economy & Operations

While the underworld thrives on gambling, extortion, and illicit trade, each clan also maintains a network of legitimate fronts:

Restaurants & izakayas – money‑laundering hubs.
Construction firms – control over urban development contracts.
Nightclubs – venues for intelligence gathering.

Revenue streams are carefully balanced; profit is reinvested into community projects to preserve the “ninkyo” image.