The Culture of Policing in Japan The difference between honor-based - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
The Culture of Policing in Japan The difference between honor-based and contract- based systems of policing Honor-based systems allow for the weighing of mitigating and contributing factors The act of contrition Japan embarrassing
The difference between honor-based and contract-
Honor-based systems allow for the weighing of mitigating and contributing factors The act of contrition
Japan – embarrassing – hierarchical difference accepted as
part of the social system
United States – demeaning – acceptance of a hierarchical
difference is an insult to individualism
Culture and Contrition Folktales and personal responsibility – moral different in Japan
Goldilocks asks forgiveness for her transgressions The wolf in Little Red Riding Hood is contrite
Clearance rates for serious crimes (1988):
Japan
Homicide 98% Rape 87% Robbery 78% Assault 93% Larceny 60%
United States 20.9%
Admission of guilt – prosecuted suspects (1989):
Japan 95% United State 50%
Admission of guilt all known crimes – overall (1989)
Japan 37% United States 5.3%
Incarceration rates (1987):
Japan 44.2 per 100,000 United States 228 per 100,000
Recidivism rates (1987):
Japan 47% within 3 years United State 41% within 3 years
The United States appears to incarcerate many who do need to be separated from society In Japan, incarceration is a last resort
Rate significantly lower, recidivism slightly higher
Justice system
Adversarial (US) vs. Inquisitorial (Japan—even though the system of justice is based on the US system)
In the United States the police officer enforces the law In Japan the police officer is a criminal catcher, teacher,
Yakuza (Boryokudan) roots
Bakuto – gamblers Tekiya – itinerant peddlers
Etymology
ya ku sa – eight, nine, three; a reference to a losing hand in the Japanese card game Oicho-Kabu
Why do Yakuza exist? They are functional to society Emile Durkheim – noted the functions of deviance Creates social borders Defines morality Clarifies cultural values Creates in and out groups Fosters social cohesion Brings about social innovation
The relationship between government and Yakuza
Yakuza thrive during times of social upheaval Gurentai service the underground economy – Black market hoodlums Tehaishi are Yakuza related labor-brokers
The main business of Yakuza – Protection
Protection from the harassment of others Protection from those who protect
Predatory Sokaiya - corporate blackmailers who disrupt shareholder meetings Protective Sokaiya those who stop others from disrupting shareholder meetings
Insurance scams and out of court settlements Debt collection Financial and corporate racketeering Crisis management
“Assisting” with lease terminations and property sales
Other sources of income
Tekiya – outdoor stalls Clubs, bars and massage houses – protection and occasionally
Illegal disposing of industrial waste Bankruptcy management Real estate Money-lending Amphetamine dealing [frowned upon] Crisis management Internet scams
Relationships
Oyabun-Kobun (father-son) Kyodaibun (brother [older/younger])
Symbols of Yakusa
Yubitsume [enkozume] - finger amputation Irezumi - body tattoos
Commonality of Yakuza/other mafia enterprises All are honor-based enterprises Many of the same business enterprises
Protection; Violence (or the threat of); Gambling;
Prostitution; Distribution and Sale of Drugs; Bars; Money lending—especially to sub-prime candidates; Real estate “services;” Money Laundering; Scams; Socio-political Intermediaries, etc.
Operating outside the recognized and accepted juridical
apparatuses