Beyond the Sake Cup: Kiyoshi Tominaga and the Light and Shadow of the Okinawa Yakuza (1946-2019)

Beyond the Sake Cup: Kiyoshi Tominaga and the Light and Shadow of the Okinawa Yakuza (1946-2019)

1. 1970: On the Eve of the Formation of the Kyokuryukai - Meeting between the Naha and Koza Faction

If things continue as they are, the Yama's will take over the whole of Okinawa. If we don't get our act together, they will eventually take our whole territory."
"I know, but it's a little bit hard to stomach the idea of joining forces with the Koza brothers."
We both know that we have always been dogs and monkeys, but now we have an enemy in front of us. But if we don't keep our eyes on the enemy, we're going to fall apart.
This is our island. We've got to do something before the outsiders get to us.

2. 1990, just before the split of Kyokuryukai - Kiyoshi Tominaga and the executives

"Oyabun, are you really going to leave?"
Tominaga Kiyoshi: "Oh, I've already decided what I'm going to do. You talk about how you're doing it for the sake of the union, but all we've got is infighting that we can't even make a living at.
But if we split up, we'll get hit on the spot.
"We're already dead. As long as they don't change, we'll have no choice but to move on.
You mean you're going to put up a new sign?
Yes. The Okinawan people will protect the Okinawan territory. That's all.

3. 2011 Kyokuryukai Unification Negotiating Site

"The stiffs are getting tired of it...after 20 years of bloodshed, what's left?"
But I don't think the thugs on the mainland will back off even if we unify our signs, do you?
"That's why we have no choice but to become a single entity. If we don't take care of Okinawa's business, we will be swallowed up by the mainland.
"...... Well, if we stay apart, we'll be right where they want us to be.
"The new Kyoryukai will not shed blood in vain. That's my last good deed."

4. 2019 Kiyoshi Tominaga's last words (imagined)

...... now you've got the right idea.
"Oyabun, Okinawa is changing.
"Wasn't my life a waste, ......?"
Of course, of course. Without you, the Okinawan yakuza would have been turned into a mainland front long ago.
Well, ......, that's a good story. ......