Unfortunately I’m not in a position to say for definite, as I can’t get a concrete reading for the kanji, but considering the age of the man in question, and the kind of tattoos he’s semi covering, it’s more than likely that he is, or at least was, a member of the yakuza.
Although in regards any possible particulars, such as past positions or prominence, I thought it prudent not to ask.
sixmats says
Gutsy shot.
Lee says
Thanks! I’d spotted his tattoos as he was coming towards me, but because of the number of people milling about, I missed out on a shot, so I was really happy when those same crowds briefly held him up, allowing me to at least photograph his hands.
AdelaideBen says
According to my wife, the left hand (literally) kanji is most likely Yoshie… a woman’s name. The right hand is kanji is a little harder to translate, without context (for example the kanji is “east” and “straight”… but the combination could be several things. Not sure if that helps.
Lee says
Cheers Ben.
That pretty much confirms my research, apart from the possibility of the left one also being ‘branch’. With tattoos like that, and considering he was in his 60s or so, I’d be surprised if he didn’t have Yakuza connections, but obviously up to now that’s not completely confirmed.
grant says
if he was yakuza, i believe he not from high places.
ushio says
According my wife, it is possible that the man is ‘katagi’, former member of yakuza (althought he hasn’t any fingers cut).
But that assumption is only based on the skin of the hands which seems to belong to someone who is on his fifties.
Maria says
why?yakouza members cut fingers???