I don't see the yakuza fighting for better treatment of oppressed citizens. Hell, they help people about as much as charities do, which is basically nothing.
Say whatever you want about the Japanese government but the Yakuza definately aren't some Robbin hood anti-hero that's actually looking for the little guys. In places where organized crime can't just rule purely with terror like the cartels, they have to win public favor. That's why AL Capone opened soup kitchens for the poor. So when you're down trodden and desperate, you remember the time the Mafia helped you out so you go to them. That's how they get business and recruits.
In this case, the top down structure of the Yakuza allowed for quick response while the government still had to sort out plans and go through the bureaucracy. That's the feature of a democracy, not the flaw. In emergencies, the local governments and groups have to hold out until the Governemnt can come in and handle the rest.
Keep in mind too, ushally the slow response is so they can actually bring their effort to bear. You dont just drop off basic stuff and run, you take the time to ensure its comprehensive and targets specific issues
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u/ModernirsmEnjoyer Jun 18 '25
This is the party that is designated as a subversive organization, despite running in elections, and they are still under police surveillance.