Japanese gangsters go good samaritan

The World

Japanese gangsters known as "yakuza" have been taking on an unfamiliar role – a humanitarian one. They have been handing out blankets, water, toiletries and food to disaster victims. Anchor Marco Werman talks to Tokyo-based author and journalist Jake Adelstein to find out more. 

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.