Society

Yakuza Boss Arrested for Forcing Restaurant to Buy Lucky Charm

TOKYO, Mar 07 (News On Japan) - An 83-year-old yakuza boss has been arrested on suspicion of collecting protection money by forcing a restaurant owner to purchase a decorative rake known as a kumade.

Tetsuhiro Konno, an alleged organized crime boss, was arrested on suspicion of violating the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's anti-organized crime ordinance, police said.

Investigators suspect that in November 2025 Konno forced a restaurant in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, to purchase a kumade in exchange for providing protection services, receiving 30,000 yen in cash as payment.

The kumade carried a tag bearing the gang's nickname and was displayed inside the restaurant.

Konno has reportedly denied the allegations. The restaurant owner who allegedly handed over the cash has also been arrested.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department believes similar transactions may have occurred at other establishments and is continuing its investigation into possible additional offenses.

Source: FNN

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