kobun

Japanese organized crime

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July 20, 2026

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The term kobun refers to the followers or apprentices within Japanese organized crime groups, known as bōryokudan or more commonly, yakuza. These groups are similar to the Mafia and engage in various criminal activities such as extortion, smuggling, and drug trafficking. The yakuza hierarchy is structured like a family, with the leader being the oyabun (parent) and the followers being the kobun (child). Kobun traditionally take a blood oath of allegiance to their oyabun. While known for criminal acts, some yakuza groups have also performed charitable actions.12

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yakuza
…the followers are known as kobun (“protégés,” or “apprentices”; literally “child status”). The rigid hierarchy and discipline are usually matched by a right-wing ultranationalistic ideology. Kobun traditionally take a blood oath of allegiance, and a member who breaks the yakuza code must show penance—historically through a ritual in which the…
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…the followers are known as kobun (“protégés,” or “apprentices”; literally “child status”). The rigid hierarchy and discipline are usually matched by a right-wing ultranationalistic ideology. Kobun traditionally take a blood oath of allegiance, and a member who breaks the yakuza code must show penance—historically through a ritual in which the…
Read More