Japan’s largest Yakuza organization, the Yamaguchi-gumi, handed out Halloween treats to kids from their official headquarters in Kobe City. They said they are doing this because “the children enjoy the holiday.”
The event stirred up plenty of controversy as about 100 residents gathered to protest. The protestors held banners saying violent gang should be expelled, and chanted things like, “Stop holding Halloween events,” and “Stop inviting children!” They also complained that the kids don’t understand what these gangs really do, and that the money to buy these snacks came from illegal activities. But the police said they couldn’t do anything because there are no laws against handing out treats on Halloween.
.
They’ve been doing this for a number of years now. Despite the protests, hundreds of residents still bring their kids. Some speculate that the real reason for the event is try to win better favor with the local residents. I’m not sure about that, but I’d love to listen in on one of those meetings when they’re deciding who is going to do what for the big Halloween event.
If I lived in Kobe, I’d be tempted to go. After all, Halloween is supposed to be scary.
2AM Tokyo 