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I Went Bar Hopping With The Yakuza In Okinawa (#139)
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I Went Bar Hopping With The Yakuza In Okinawa (#139)



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The Yakuza. A criminal organization that has taken on an almost mythical reputation after being portrayed in movies, video games and books. But at the end of the day, they’re people – perhaps with a few more problems than you or I, but people.

During my visit to Okinawa, I had the chance to meetup again with my now friend Yuyama-san. He lives there now, and wanted to introduce me to his other ex-Yakuza friend. Many former criminals struggle to adapt back to normal life, and in Japan this is especially difficult. I was curious to see how these guys were doing.

Little did I know I’d have to drink chinko-enhancing snake venom before the night was done..

——-
My Instagram: tommyelforastero
My Patreon: www.patreon.com/sabbaticaltommy?fan_landing=true

Yuyama’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/shinyayuyama/?igshid=Nzg3NjI1NGI%3D

Yuyama’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV51yAsBRde3r6FZnmpOOTg

#sabbatical #yakuza #japan

41 Comments

  4. ShapeyFiend

    I work as an engineering consultant doing public design work and I can confirm it has the ability to make even a street hardened Yakuza lose his mind.

  5. Floydus

    Really informative video. Wow.

    Just read this back and it sounded sarcastic. I assure you it wasn't.

  6. marty3076

    Great video, loving the Japan series and Okinawa. Looking forward to Tokyo adventures. You make it so interesting!

  7. Michael Margiotta

    Awesome content! The Youtube mainpage recommended this channel to me specifically the hood in Japan video. I dream of doing what your doing some day.

  8. Watcher

    12:13 Gets a bit weird here.
    A former Yakuza and a former prison intern in the same place.
    Plus the dude still acts like a criminal and ive been friends with plenty and i know one thing thats common between all of them.
    No matter what, they'll eventually go back to crime… and they'll always try to force you to buy something from them.
    Always say no.

  9. Linna4PF

    This gentleman that u’ve had in the videos, is such an interesting person‼️ I thoroughly enjoyed the Japan content so far.

  15. Alexander Breems

    There’s a row of houses in my neighborhood (US) built by ex-Yakuza members. Their style is distinctly Japanese and stands out quite a bit.

  16. Richard LG

    Yeah, I can definitely feel that bit about people being tough to deal with. I can't imagine being in a group for so long and not getting support from them when you want to do something different. But, I guess that's life.

  20. Trenzo

    What a trip that you came across that old dude from WA. Was not expecting him to speak perfect English and sound like that lol. How cool!

  21. Gonzo M. Fahri

    shame yuyama couldn't get a better translator… i would have jumped the job so quick just to travel with tom!

  22. Nik.B

    Lol he spoke in Latin in Japan hahahaha when the snake drink came out 🤣🤣🤣

  24. Daigo Saito

    Holy Bruno Sacco!
    @8:42 That. My friend, is a Lorinser W140 S-class. A 600SEL to be exact.
    The W140 'Kathedral' was the last time the SEL type was made. SEL stands for 'Sonderklasse Einspritzung Lang' meaning Unequalled(Special)class Injection Long. On generations of the S-class after the W140, the type badge would just say 500L or 600L.
    This is the 600, and Yakuza driving a top range S class with the v12, as indicated on the rear window sills, would mean there is no boss above him regionally. And that is both very impressive and also intimidating.
    The car is most likely an original, seen as it is imported with LHD steering setup and leather. However, the wheels are not (time)'correct' and im guessing its part of a custom job, like the full black wrapped roof, doorhandles and mirrorcovers.
    Not going into the 7.0 and bigger v12s that seem to pop up online. I think theyre too obscure to have any reliable info on.

  26. M1k3

    i love Japan. I have never been but I already feel like I have been through your vids. Keep doing Japan videos! haha but I guess it Okinawa, right?!

  27. blususpect

    Hey Sabbatical, I just wanted to say every time I see your vlogs, I genuinely smile. Thank you for everything that you do & I hope you have an amazing 2023!

  30. christopher leonce

    Japan is a dream destination. Your videos are fun to watch and make the dream, a possible reality. To go as one and meet friends along the way like you do. A true adventure. Thank you for your content 🙏🏼

  41. MattVeers

    Hell yea man I'm excited to see where you're going in Tokyo! Unlike many other YouTubers – not to diss or underestimate any of them, they're valid in their own rights – I expect the unexpected from your channel and that's the coolest thing about it. Whereas many people would think Sky Tree, Asakusa, Cat Cafes, Maid Cafes, Harajuku fashion, Shibuya Crossing or Kabukicho, I expect you to go seeing other obscure and less known spots around the city.

    Although if you wanna keep going on this streak of Yakuza-hunting, I'd expect you to stumble upon Kabukicho (the Red Light District) or somewhere like Roppongi, but in a interesting way since you always go roaming around the country "randomly" seeing the lesser known parts of every country you visit and talking to the locals. That's what makes this channel so human and organic, instead of a scripted tourist cliché itinerary, you just freely walk around explaining historical/cultural trivia of everywhere you're walking by while talking to people.

    Keep up the good work! Looking forward to seeing your next video.

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