Glossary of Terms

Understand yakuza lingo in Yakuza 6: The Song of Life. Learn terms like 'Aniki', 'Bento', 'Chairman', and 'Gokudo'.

Aniki - Literally translates to "big brother." Younger brothers use this term for older brothers in Japanese. Within the yakuza world, someone referred to as "aniki" is your direct superior on the streets and someone to aspire to be like. For example, Shinji Tanaka refers to Kiryu as his "aniki" in the first game, both during the prologue and later when Shinji has advanced in his own right after Kiryu's expulsion.

Bento - A boxed lunch. Bento are typically prepared in rectangular containers, usually with a base of rice or noodles, and then meat, vegetables, and other ingredients are added. You can buy bento from a convenience store, or parents might prepare them for school children.

Captain - In Japanese, this is the "wakagashira," the second in command of any yakuza family. Being the captain is being one step away from running the family. The captaincy of the Dojima Family was a significant plot point in Yakuza 0. It is possible to be the patriarch of your own family and still serve as the captain of another, more esteemed family.

Chairman - The highest leader of a yakuza association, akin to a "godfather." The Chairman arbitrates for the families within the association, making ultimate decisions for the group's best interests. This position holds considerable power and responsibility. Chairmen are typically referred to by their number in succession. Kazuma Kiryu may be addressed as "yon-daime," meaning "the fourth," as he was the Fourth Chairman of the Tojo Clan, despite stepping down after only a day.

Expulsion vs. Exile/Banishment - In the first Yakuza game, Kiryu receives a notice of "expulsion" (hamonjo) from the Tojo Clan. This means the recipient is no longer officially tied to the organization and is considered a civilian. Hamonjo is reversible. Kiryu expected complete banishment, known as "zetsuenjo," an irreversible expulsion where even associating with yakuza members would lead to severe hostilities. Kiryu also received hamonjo in Yakuza 0, which allowed his return in that game's events.

Family - In the context of the yakuza, a family ("-kai" or "-gumi") is an organization led by a patriarch. A family might focus on a specific business or control entire neighborhoods through their rackets. Families can range from small and low-influence to ancient and powerful. In earlier games, prominent families like the Kazama Family, Dojima Family, or Shimano Family had seats at Tojo HQ to convene with the chairman on policy and tactics. Smaller families operate with less notice as long as they maintain their position and avoid trouble. In Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, what appears to be Kiryu starting his own family is actually just the name of a street gang that coincidentally sounds like a yakuza family.

"Gokudo" - Literally meaning "the ultimate path," this term is commonly used to mean "gangsters." Yakuza members typically refer to themselves as "gokudo." When subtitles say "yakuza," you will often hear "gokudo" in the dialogue. Characters using this word generally view their organization favorably or honorably.

Honorifics - Honorifics in Japanese society are more hierarchical than Western titles like "Mister" or "Mrs." Almost everyone is addressed with an honorific attached to their name. In this game series, men are often referred to by their family name (e.g., Kiryu, Majima, Kazama), while women are usually referred to by their given name (e.g., Yumi, Reina, Haruka). Referring to a character without an honorific implies either extreme closeness or intentional rudeness. Common honorifics include:

• -chan - Typically used as a diminutive, often by adults addressing children, implying "my dear" or "little." While boys are usually addressed as "-kun" as they age, girls may retain "-chan" into adulthood. Kiryu addresses Haruka as "Haruka-chan" even as an adult because she is his adopted daughter. Majima's use of "Kiryu-chan" is intended to be rude and belittling. Few would use "-chan" for Kiryu without consequence.
• -han - Used infrequently, "-han" is the Kansai regional dialect equivalent of "-san," indicating the speaker is from the Kansai region.
• -kun - Also typically used as a diminutive or for those familiar with each other. Senior members may use it when addressing younger members, and it's used among boys referring to each other.
• -niisan - An honorific meaning "older brother," typically used within families. Kiryu refers to Majima as "Majima-niisan" or "Majima-no-niisan" because, despite Majima's behavior, Kiryu follows protocol and addresses him as his senior.