Young Yakuza (2007)

Chiyozo Ishii: Self - Yakuza

Quotes 

• [Walking in a mall with several of his men, he speaks to one of the young yakuzas] 

  Chiyozo Ishii - Yakuza : This is the first time we have taken the time to talk. Recently, the law has become stricter with us. You've heard? There's a new law. When the police see more than three yakuzas together, first, they are asked to split up. If they don't obey, they're arrested. And then we are banned from public places like hotels. In other words, the state is becoming more and more strict with regard to our milieu. You should be OK. Me too, of course. What do you think?

  A Young Yakuza : People don't know what yakuzas are like. I'm much more serious since I've been a yakuza. I don't understand why we are discriminated against. We are human beings.

  Chiyozo Ishii - Yakuza : Of course, we're not choir boys. We do sometimes resort to violence. Our species is shrinking and the rope is tightening around our necks. When I was your age, about twenty, things were different. At night, we used to replace the police. Shopkeepers and businesses relied on us. They were the good old days. If there's one thing I regret, it's that you never experienced that. It's a pity. But even if times are hard today, we have to get by. The laws change and are becoming stricter, we need to find solutions. How do you think we will make it?

• [Talking to film-maker about Naoki leaving without a word] 

  Chiyozo Ishii - Yakuza : He is part of this new generation. They are another species. Young people today have no reason to be attracted to our milieu. Here, they have no freedom. Financially, it's not worth it as they don't get paid. And the hierarchy is very strict. So, we have to reflect on how we can provide hope and dreams for the youth of today. It's a real problem for us.