Shotozumi-rengo

Shotozumi-rengo (operations)

The Shotozumi-rengo is a Yakuza syndicate based in Seattle, UCAS.

Factions - 8 (used to be 10)

Overview

The Shotozumi-rengo was formed out of the betrayal of the Watada-rengo by Oyabun Hanzo Shotozumi in the 2060s, in an event known as the Shotozumi Uprising. He broke away from Watada-rengo because of the way Oyabun Akira Watada had been treating its members.

Shotozumi-sama has proven to be a very persuasive leader whom displays extensive shows of support for other members, and encourages them to follow his example. Which has led to a web of obligation and a spirit of cooperation among the members of the rengo. Three of its members - Shotozumi-gumi, Kenran-kai, Shigeda-gumi - are based in Seattle.

Also referred to as the Shotozumi-gumi, they are of the "old school" and are very conservative.​

Criminal Network

Nation-states with syndicate members of the Shotozumi-rengo:

North America

• United Canadian and American States
• Confederation of American States
• California Free State

Member Syndicates

Individual boryokudan in the Shotozumi-rengo:

• Fujiwara-gumi
• Hidenaga-gumi
• Karatsa-gumi
• Kenran-kai
• Honjowara-gumi
• Naito-gumi (defunct)
• Shigeda-gumi
• Shotozumi-gumi
• Toki-gumi
• Yamato-gumi (defunct)

From Previous Editions

Prior to the release of the o05084094Underworld Sourcebook in 1997, Hanzo Shotozumi is listed as the Oyabun of the Dungeness Crabs in the o88144837Seattle Sourcebook and in o06807513Elven Fire. The Dungeness Crabs are listed in the o88144837Seattle Sourcebook as the sprawl's leading Yakuza clan.

Dungeness Crabs

The Dungeness Crabs receive mention in the adventure o16965029Mob War!, "Timeline of Events", entry 2010:

"The Yakuza of Seattle is given official recognition as the Dungeness Crabs of the 87th Prefecture by the oyabun of the Watada-rengo in Chiba, Japan. This approval of and support for their activities allows the Seattle Yakuza to grow rapidly and expand its operations."

After the o05084094Underworld Sourcebook, there are no more mentions of the Dungeness Crabs. Hanzo Shotozumi instead is listed as the oyabun of the Shotozumi-gumi. There are no further mentions of the "Dungeness Crabs".

87th Prefecture

Fifth World Japan only has 47 prefectures and, in 2010 (prior to the Sixth World), had not yet invaded the Philippines (although Japanese military aid was provided to corporate interests in the Philippines, it was not yet declared a Japanese prefecture until 2022).

o16965029Mob War!, "Timeline of Events", entry 2044:

"Hanzo Shotozumi is appointed the oyabun of the 87th Prefecture in Seattle. He re-institutes and enforces traditional Yakuza ways and values, and begins an aggressive campaign to expand Yakuza operations in the Pacific Northwest."

Watada-rengo

From 2010 to 2044, the Yakuza in Seattle were loyal to the Watada-rengo. At some point "in the early 2060s", Hanzo Shotozumi breaks away from the Watada to form the Shotozumi-rengo.

Sendosha

The Japanese word sendosha means "agitator" or "instigator".

The novel ?Into the Shadows mentions:

"One of the Sendosha subclans, the Mizu-Kagayaite. First surfaced in Tokyo about twenty-eight years ago [2022] as one of the New Century Yakuza clans. Allegedly, the Sendosha have a lot of pull over the local Dungeness Crab chapter."

In Japan, the year 2022 saw the creation of Yomi Island, and the Donan War. In context, "Sendosha" and "New Century Yakuza" refer to a set of upstart or young Yakuza alliances, having a "lot of pull" over the Seattle Yakuza.

Mizu-Kagayaite

The Japanese word mizu is part of the Yakuza slang term Mizu Shobai, literally meaning "the Water Trade" and referring to Japan's night-time entertainment business, which is provided by hostess or snack bars, bars, and cabarets.

The Japanese word kagayaite means "sparkling".

Index

• o33031982Vice p. 47, 52 - 54
• o07914318Corporate Enclaves p. 79
• o39478620Runner Havens p. 82 - 84