When I first came to Japan, I thought the same...
But now that I have lived in Japan for a while and got to know the town and people, you start to think very differently.
I have met the local gangs in my town. I didn't know they were part of a gang at first. I didn't find out the next day when people told me that I shouldn't hang around with that guy.
I didn't find him that bad of a guy, but I have no choice but to believe them if people say he is.
I have also met gang members girlfriends.. as soon as I found out that their bf was a gang member, I had to stop all contact.
I have seen what happens. But because I am a foreigner, things are a bit less strict, if you know what I mean. Japanese don't treat you like other Japanese. They have a soft spot, I suppose. If that's what you call it.
From the surface, things look ok. But once you get a deeper understanding of things, you see things differently...
it's hard to explain to those that don't know.
I wonder if anyone actually understands me.