yakuza

Organized crime, mafia bosses, traditional ceremonies, tattooed skin, fingers cut-off as an oath of allegiance: I befriended the Yakuza, Japan's mafia, and as an outsider got access with my Leica to the inner structure of the syndicate, thus breaking a taboo. I was able to witnesses million-dollar deals, gang wars, and the private lives of members replete with their hidden codes. The images show illegal dog fights, Yakuza life in a maximum security prison in Tokyo and parades of nationalists in fantasy uniforms on a public holiday. I was allowed to participate in the highly secretive ceremonies of the top management. A door opened, and I was privy to a world never shown before to any outsiders.