Now accepting application, the Japanese Mafia

[moe.ron]

Want to join the mafia? Check the classifieds

OSAKA - Japan's largest yakuza, or mafia, gang is placing advertisements for bodyguards in the newspapers in a desperate move to recruit new members.

The ads, which appeared in the classifieds section of sports newspapers in Kansai, promised a remuneration of 150,000 yen (S$2,385) a month, lodgings and three meals a day.

Although the ads were not placed under the name of Yamaguchi-gumi, Japan's largest yakuza gang, the contact numbers listed could be traced to the gang's office, the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper reported yesterday.

The ads first appeared in at least two daily sports newspapers in mid-October and continued until earlier this week, the report said.

Japan's economic recession has hit even the yakuza, who are finding it difficult to make money and find fresh blood.

Free-spirited Japanese youngsters are unwilling to join the mafia, knowing that they will be expected to be totally obedient to their superiors under the gang's strict code of ethics.

Police feared the recruitment ads are a sign of the mafia's desperation and warned people not to get involved.

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