The Most Respected Yakuza Boss in Japan

SHIMIZU no Jirochou

Until a few decades ago, if Chicago was mentioned, it would remind many people of the infamous gangland boss, Al Capone. Similarly in Japan, there were Japanese who were reminded of SHIMIZU no Jirochou (1820 - 1893) whenever they heard the name of Shimizu city in Shizuoka prefecture mentioned. In fact, although Jirochou was a yakuza boss at the end of the Edo period, his name is still familiar to citizens of Shimizu city even now. In Shimizu, a road -"Jirochou street" - has been named after him and a bronze statue has been built. The house he was born in has now become a tourist attraction and visitors can purchase products related to the former yakuza kingpin.

When Jirochou was 20 years old, a traveling monk foretold his future and said his life would end at the age of 25, so he cursed his destiny. He left home and began to live in the yakuza world. Jirochou spent those days fighting and gambling. While he was brave and strong, he had a keen sense of duty and took good care of people. Gradually he distinguished himself from other members and became a big boss. He led subordinates who had unique characters including Oomasa, Komasa and Mori no Ishimatsu.

Since his death, many tales about his brave exploits have been passed down from generation to generation in the form of dramas, movies and books. Among them, a Naniwabushistyle recitation called "A story of Shimizu no Jirochou" by a famous star called HIROSAWA Torazou has become renowned among Japanese. When Jirochou was alive, Japan was in the middle of a historical period of change called the "Meiji Restoration." This was a time when the Emperor's faction and the Shogun's faction were fighting. When he was nearly 50, Jirochou changed himself a great deal to live "for the society and for the people."

Jirochou's Other Life as a Humanitarian
One day, the Shogun's warship was attacked and sunk by the Emperor's faction in Shimizu harbor. Thousands of corpses and injured soldiers from the Shogun's faction were floating and needing rescue but barely anyone helped them for fear that Emperor's faction would keep them under surveillance. Jirochou let the soldiers of the Shogun’s faction escape secretly, collected the corpses, held a memorial service, and buried them.

This was noticed by the Emperor's faction and Jirochou was subsequently questioned about his actions. He answered by saying, "People will die and all will become like Buddha. There will be no Emperor's faction or Shougun's faction in the afterlife. If it is wrong to bury Buddha, I am willing to be punished." This kind of remark could only be made by someone like Jirochou who had lived in the yakuza world where members live on the edge between life and death. Jirochou was subsequently not punished. YAMAOKA Tesshu, one of the heroes of the Meiji Restoration, was very moved by Jirochou's actions and became friendly with him.

Jirochou, who reciprocated the friendship with YAMAOKA Tesshu, did various kinds of voluntary work including cultivating wasteland at the foot of Mt. Fuji with his subordinates. Green tea produced in Shizuoka is well known all over Japan and Jirochou played a part in converting these cultivated fields into green tea plantations. On the other hand, as he had the wisdom and power to see the future, he set up an English language class and a shipping agent for steam ships. It is said that he spent his days when he was older giving sweets to children, and giving money to those who were in financial difficulties. He died at the age of 74. His real name was YAMAMOTO Chougorou.

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