Part 3/10:
Pinpointing the origins of the Yakuza is challenging, with historians proposing various theories. Some suggest they descend from the Kabukimano, aggressive ruffians with ties to fallen samurai in feudal Japan; others see them as stemming from Bakuto—traveling gamblers involved in illicit gaming— or Tekia, who organized scams against unsuspecting travelers.
The word "Yakuza" itself is said to derive from a losing hand in a traditional Japanese card game, symbolizing outcasts and misfits. Through the centuries, many Yakuza have inherited the unique Oyabun-Koban relationship—a complex hierarchy rooted in loyalty and obligation that amplifies their bonds and shapes their organizational structure.