Masahisa Takenaka

Masahisa Takenaka
Born
Himeji, Japan
Died
Osaka, Japan

Masahisa Takenaka (竹中 正久, Takenaka Masahisa, d. 1985) was the fourth-generation boss of Yamaguchi-gumi, Japan's largest yakuza gang.[1][2] The New York Times called him "Japan's Godfather".[2]

Takenaka took the role of kumichō in 1984, in a televised investiture ceremony in which Fumiko, the widow of former Yamaguchi-gumi leader Kazuo Taoka, handed him a dagger.[2] However, Takenaka was assassinated at a girlfriend's home in Osaka early the following year by a rival group, the Ichiwa-kai, led by Hiroshi Yamamoto, who had seceded from the clan.[1]

Takenaka's Buddhist funeral service was televised, with more than 1,000 gangsters attending in person to mourn the death of their leader.[2] The killing sparked the Yama–Ichi War.

References

  1. ^ a b "「組長、若頭3人暗殺事件から約40年逃亡の末に」 4代目山口組・竹中組長射殺犯はいかにして逃げ続けられたのか" ["After nearly 40 years on the run since the assassination of the boss and three underbosses" How did the assassin of Yamaguchi-gumi boss Takenaka manage to stay on the run?]. Daily Shincho (in Japanese). September 19, 2024. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d Haberman, Clyde (February 1, 1985). "TV FUNERAL FOR JAPAN'S SLAIN GODFATHER". The New York Times. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
Preceded by Kumicho of Yamaguchi-gumi
1984–1985 		Succeeded by


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