Yubitsume (指詰め, "finger shortening") or otoshimae is a Japanese ritual to atone for offenses to another, a way to be punished or to show sincere apology and remorse to another, by means of amputating portions of one's own little finger.
In Japan, a stunted pinkie signifies membership in the yakuza, or Japanese mafia. In a ritual known as "yubitsume," yakuza members are required to chop off their own digits to atone for serious offenses. The left pinkie is usually the first to go, though repeated offenses call for further severing.
History of Yubitsume
A member of the Yakuza displays his hands, which are missing most of the pinkies. Fingers are cut off by yubitsume as a sign of loyalty. Yubitsume, also called “yubi o tobasu” or “finger flying,” is a self-harming ritual that has been used as a promise sign since ancient times.
The word yubitsume, which literally translates to “finger-shortening,” functions as a means for a Yakuza member to show remorse for an offense committed. For starters, the ritual involves cutting the topmost portion of the left pinkie with a very sharp knife or tantō.
The raised pinky comes from the Japanese folk belief in "en" (縁), which usually gets translated as "fate" or "karma." But en is a little more complicated than that. It's something like pre-destination, but only applying to the people that you meet in life.
In Yakuza culture, cutting off a pinky finger is a form of punishment known as "yubitsume." It is traditionally done as. Continue reading. Brendan Enos. Light Novel author 4y. Yubitsume ((指詰め) or 'finger shortening', specifically the tip of your pinky in the Yakuza signifies atoning for one's mistake or actions.
In China, if one holds up a little finger at another, it is usually considered vulgar, just as holding up a middle finger in the United States and other countries is generally regarded as offensive.
Unfortunately, no such pathways to reintegration currently exist. Social acceptance is unattainable for most who renounce their membership in organized crime groups. As a result, they have no option but to resort to illegal activity to survive. I witnessed this myself during my study of ex-yakuza.
The yakuza mainly make their living through unlawful b usinesses, such as gambling, drugs, prostitution and loan-sharking. Most of the money comes from gambling, most often from dice games. Each group has its own gambling room, which is usually behind a bar or restaurant.
🐉 Is it OK to have a Yakuza tattoo? Yes, you can get a traditional yakuza tattoo. Yakuza doesn't use tattoos to identify their members, so you won't run into trouble. These tattoos are personal and based on Japanese legends, symbolism, and art.
The Yakuza is populated almost entirely by men and the very few women who are acknowledged are the wives of bosses, who are referred to by the title ane-san (姐さん, older sister).
In Yakuza: Like a Dragon, there are six female NPCs that Ichiban can romance by chatting outside of their normal occupation. You can improve your relationship with these NPCs by giving them gifts.
Their influence and activities remain local. Contrarily, the yakuza are a confederation of criminal syndicates active throughout Japan. According to Japanese law, their status is not illegal: they have offices and a yakuza presence is still noticeable in many cities.
Yes, you can join the Yakuza as an American. That's because the Yakuza have the traditional Japanese warrior spirit that sees the foreigner as a threat. However, if you succeed, you'll have to carry out criminal activities since it's a criminal group.
And that's why I've always found the Japanese Yakuza's take on tattoos so fascinating. They believe that tattoos are private, and so they'll commit to full body-suits that can't be seen above any collars or cuffs.
Wearers of traditional tattoos frequently keep their art secret, as tattoos are still seen as a sign of criminality in Japan, particularly by older people and in the work place. Many yakuza and other criminals themselves now avoid tattoos for this very reason.
Over time the yakuza have shifted toward white-collar crime, relying more and more on bribery in lieu of violence, and indeed in the early 21st century they were one of the least murderous criminal groups in the world.
The men of yakuza follow a strict code of conduct and hierarchy. They sport irezumi (a distinctive style of Japanese tattooing), slick back-combed hair, tailored suits, and are most avidly known for following unconventional rituals like yubitsume, the amputation of the left little finger.
Members of the Yakuza are strictly prohibited from hurting civilians. It's part of their core rules.
The banking industry has a rule prohibiting former yakuza from opening bank accounts until five years after they leave a gang. This forces former gang members to explain to employers why they cannot open bank accounts, and makes job hunting harder.
Although yakuza membership has declined following an anti-gang law aimed specifically at yakuza and passed by the Japanese government in 1992, there are thought to be about 25,900 active yakuza members in Japan today. The Yamaguchi-gumi is the largest yakuza family, with about 8,200 members.
Do yakuza have wives? Contrary to the Western mafia wives, Yakuza wives have remained outside the sphere of criminal activity in this organized crime structure, limited to the emotionally receptive and financially supportive role.
This promise is said to have originated in Japan and in some areas people also kiss the palm to seal the deal. This swear is considered to be the highest regard of all the promises. One possible origin of this traditional promise is Japan, where it is known as 'yubikiri', meaning “finger cut-off”.
Consider the pinky promise. This seemingly innocuous children's pact has a dark past: It's said to have been used by the Japanese mafia, who would cut off the pinky finger of the person who broke their word.
Thumbs Up
It is considered as a means of expressing your liking towards something. However, if you give thumbs up in Iran means indecent and offensive insult which means “sit on it”. This is similar to raise your middle finger up. So keep this in mind while giving a thumbs up in Iran, it may be land you in trouble.