In a breakthrough, Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested seven men, including a young executive from Japan’s largest yakuza syndicate, the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi, for one of the biggest street cash heists in recent memory.

The arrests were announced on March 14, 2026, just weeks after the January 29 incident in Higashi-Ueno, Taito Ward.

The suspects allegedly sprayed a tear-gas-like substance on a 43-year-old Chinese man transporting three suitcases containing ¥423 million (approximately US$2.8 million) in cash, which was reportedly destined for gold purchases in Hong Kong.

The alleged ringleader is 21-year-old Jinryu Kano (狩野仁琉), a high-ranking executive of the powerful Hirodo-kai (弘道会) faction under the Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi.

He is suspected of orchestrating the robbery after obtaining advance intelligence about the cash movement.

The group fled the scene in a light vehicle before switching to a second car.

Notably, the arrested men include members from three rival yakuza organizations:

Yamaguchi-gumi (Hirodo-kai)
Sumiyoshi-kai
Kyokuto-kai

Police sources say the unusual cross-gang collaboration allowed the perpetrators to keep more of the profits by bypassing traditional “ueno” tribute payments to their respective bosses, a sign of the changing face of Japanese organized crime amid declining membership and stricter laws.

After the heist, Kano reportedly used part of the proceeds to buy a luxury foreign watch worth about ¥2 million and a minivan worth about ¥10 million. Other suspects purchased high-end cars and repaid debts.

Investigators recovered only ¥27.5 million during raids but seized additional evidence, including vehicles.

The case may also be linked to a separate attempted ¥190 million robbery at Haneda Airport the same night.

The Yamaguchi-gumi, led by 83-year-old boss Kenichi Shinoda (alias Shinobu Tsukasa), remains Japan’s dominant yakuza group with roughly 3,300 full members.

Despite its size, the syndicate has faced relentless police scrutiny.

In April 2025, senior leaders visited Hyogo Prefectural Police headquarters.

They delivered a rare written pledge to “end all internal fighting” and “never cause any trouble”, a move widely seen as an attempt to lift restrictions after the decade-long war with the breakaway Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi.

Yet enforcement continues:

In February and March 2026, prefectural public safety commissions extended “specific conflict designated violent gang” status for the Yamaguchi-gumi (and rival factions) in areas including Okayama, Shiga, and Osaka. These designations impose strict limits on gatherings, office use, and movements.

The Ueno robbery arrests come as overall yakuza numbers hit record lows (under 19,000 nationwide), with traditional groups shrinking due to anti-gang legislation, aging bosses, and competition from looser criminal networks.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and more arrests or connections could emerge.

This high-profile case underscores how Japan’s once-rigid mafia landscape is evolving; even the biggest player, the Yamaguchi-gumi, is adapting in surprising ways.