Buddha of the Poles, Light in the Nighttime Entertainment District: The Life of Takahiko Inoue (1947-2013)

Buddha of the Poles, Light in the Nighttime Entertainment District: The Life of Takahiko Inoue (1947-2013)

Takahiko Inoue (1947-2013), a young leader of the Yokosuka clan of the Inagawa-kai, and the leader of the Inoue clan, was a rare person who combined two different paths, gangsterism and Buddhism. Born in Kumamoto, he entered the world of yakuza at a young age and was feared as "Oni no Inoue" (the devil) because of his violent temperament. After his release from prison, while still living as a yakuza, he taught his teachings as a monk to the young people and became known as the "Buddha of the extreme.

He set up his office in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo. In this area, where gangs thrived, Inoue did not tolerate any drugs and valued order over violence. His creed was "Be a yakuza who can pay taxes. Believing that he was being watched over by the eyes of Buddha, he continued to discipline himself.

In 1996, he wrote an autobiography, "Shura's Autobiography," in which he shared his beliefs and struggles with the world. His death was ruled an accident, but his way of life is still quietly passed on. His life, a cross between chivalry and Buddhism, was like a lotus blooming between light and darkness.