- 21 May 2003
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A Yakusa that frequented the bar where I worked told me this story about his missing fingers. He had joined in the 1950's era. He said when you joined you removed the tip of your little finger as part of the membership ritual. He explained as you moved up in rank you could (by choice) remove more fingers to show your strength, bravery, and high standing. He said in the early days some of the top leaders had a hand removed to show, they were so powerful, with so many men working under them, the didn't need their hand.
Now, over & over in books & movies, I see digits were removed for major screw-ups. You cut off the finger in front of your boss that you offended or failed, and offered it to him as attonement for your failure.
Maybe it was one way in the good-ol-days and different now? Maybe the Yakusa I was talking with didn't want to admit his missing fingers were due to his mistakes? He seemed quite proud and I felt he was telling the truth, but now I'm not sure. It seems it would take an insider to tell the real facts, not just rumors people have heard? Anyone know the real skinny?
Frank
:?
Now, over & over in books & movies, I see digits were removed for major screw-ups. You cut off the finger in front of your boss that you offended or failed, and offered it to him as attonement for your failure.
Maybe it was one way in the good-ol-days and different now? Maybe the Yakusa I was talking with didn't want to admit his missing fingers were due to his mistakes? He seemed quite proud and I felt he was telling the truth, but now I'm not sure. It seems it would take an insider to tell the real facts, not just rumors people have heard? Anyone know the real skinny?
Frank
:?