03/05/2025
By Karen Mullins

The School of Criminology and Justice Studies is proud to announce a Dissertation Defense by Michael Furnari.

Dissertation Title: The Evolution of Organized Crime in Japan: Emergence and Structure of New Criminal Networks

Friday, April 4, 12-1:30 p.m.
Health and Social Sciences Building, Room 431

Committee:
Professor James Forest (Chair)
Professor Sheldon Zhang
Professor Amber Horning-Ruf
Professor Angelica Duran-Martinez

Abstract
Organized crime in Japan has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly following the implementation of the Yakuza Exclusion Ordinances (YEOs) in 2011. This dissertation examines the emergence and structure of new criminal groups known as hangure, jun-boryokudan, and tokuryu in the years following the passing of the YEOs. Through a qualitative exploratory case study that uses 17 semi-structured interviews with former organized crime members, community stakeholders, and government participants, as well as document analysis of police reports and news articles, this research investigates the evolving landscape of Japanese organized crime.

Key findings reveal a shift from hierarchical to decentralized organizational structures, driven in part by the YEOs. New groups demonstrate reduced community engagement and a focus on profit over social legitimacy. The study also identifies a change in recruitment patterns, with a decrease in traditional demographics like Zainichi Koreans and Burakumin, alongside an increase in ordinary citizens, often unwittingly or coercively recruited.

This research contributes to criminological theory by developing a two party model of deterrence, which explains how third party policing creates dual decision making processes between organized crime groups and potential associates. It also expands on labeling theory, demonstrating how criminal organizations can weaponize potential labels of criminality without direct involvement of the criminal justice system.

The dissertation concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for law enforcement strategies and social policy, emphasizing the need for adaptive approaches to combat modern organized crime both in Japan and potentially in other contexts globally.