Kudo Kai is one of the more famous Yakuza syndicates of Northern Kyushu. Or infamous we could say. It is part of the anti Yamaguchi-gumi. A group of associated Yakuza syndicates against the powerful influence of the biggest Yakuza in Japan. And one of the five designated Yakuza groups of the Southern main island of Japan. The Kudo Kai extended its influence as far as Tokyo. And was a pivotal actor in the Ura Harajuku fashion boom that started in the 90’s. A territory the Kudo Kai claims as a Yakuza.
The Dojin Kai War Against Sumiyoshi Rengo
Fukuoka and Kita Kyushu were always a valuable source of Yakuza. It’s home to the largest number of designated syndicates in Japan. Designated Yakuza are groups particularly violent, with a high number of members holding criminal records and usually a strong leadership. The Kudo Kai is one of them. As well the vicious Dojin Kai.
The Dojin Kai is a Yakuza openly known as a drug cartel. From the beginning Yakuza families hide any deal with drugs. Long time ago this was a shame for them. A way to destroy Japanese society. But the money that usually comes from drug dealing was too much to avoid at a point when traditional business started to fall. Most of the Drug dealing Yakuza in Japan deal fire weaponry into the Country together with drugs. Making them more of the most feared syndicates even among long standing families.
In 1983 a Yakuza war started between the Dojin Kai and the Sumiyoshi Rengo. Sumiyoshi is a federation of small Yakuza groups mostly in Kanto territory. And mostly the profitable wards of Ginza, Kabukichou and up-scale Shibuya. This includes Omotesando, a world recognized fashion street. According to Police records, members of the Dojin Kai moved to Tokyo. Staying inactive and in silence, they planned to murder all Bosses of the Sumiyoshi’s 76 Yakuza groups. Sumiyoshi Rengo offered a peaceful resolution.
Kudo Kai and the Godfather of Ura-Harajuku Fashion
After the war between the Dojin Kai and Sumiyoshi Rengo, the former seized control of Harajuku. Mostly the region adjacent to Omotesando. Known as Ura Harajuku (Back Harajuku). The Dojin Kai gave the new territory to the Kudo Kai. Still today is not clear why they offer the new territories. Some account for an offer to the Kudo Kai, at the time a traditional and the biggest group of Kyushu. Being the Dojin Kai, a younger family in business since 1971.
In the late 80’s, Fujiwara Hiroshi launched his first brand of streetwear in Harajuku, Good Enough. After a trip to New York and influenced by Hip Hop fashion. The brand exposed mass media to the street fashion in Ura Harajuku. As a counter wave to the European fashion brands over Omotesando. Today’s popular Cat Street was the main entrance to this alternative fashion scene. Streetwear, heavily influenced by Hip Hop culture.
Good Enough was a success. And Fujiwara Hiroshi is seens today as a guru in the street fashion scene. The connections with the Kudo Kai aren’t evident of course. Starting as protection racketeers, one of the traditional businesses for Yakuza. The dealing of drugs in the area grew extensively after the Kudo Kai took control. And even when Good Enough is associated with the Harajuku street fashion, his first flag shop opened its door in Kitakyushu. Homeplace of the Kudo Kai. Actually, co-founder of Good Enough Iwai Toru, born in Kitakyushu. In the 90’s, leading figures of the Ura Harajuku fashion scene frequently visited Kitakyushu. And Fujiwara Hiroshi became the Godfather of Japan street fashion.