© Emiko Jozuka
While a new finger might not keep everyone out of a life of crime, it surely gives a chance at new beginnings.
11 Februari 2016 11:00
Brilio.net/en - Everyone deserves a second chance. But what if your potential at a new life was marred by a physical deformity that social and cultural stigmas would not let you life down your past? Its an unfortunate reality for many former Yakuza members.
The Japanese crime organization practices Yubitsume an ancient form of self-amputation that originally started in the 1700s, when gamblers would settle their debts by offering their debtors their pinkie finger if they were unable to pay their debts. The Yakuza adopted the practice sometime in the 20th century, and it has become a widespread practice now. Estimates report that nearly 45% of Yakuza members are missing a finger, and 15% have two or more fingers missing. Lower ranking members donate their fingers in repentance to higher ranking members when breaking an honour code and present it to the boss, also known as oyabu, wrapped in cloth.
In recent years, the Yakuza have seen a decrease in their influence over the Japanese black market, including sex and drug trafficking. But for former members who have committed Yubitsume, their gang history never fully leaves them, haunting their attempts at reintegration into society.
In comes Yukako Fukishima. A self taught prosthetics makers from Osaka, once a city run by the Yakuza, found her passion and talent for prosthetics early in her twenties when she helped a man who was severely burned by the Yakuza. She created prosthetic ears for him as well as a face mask. Word of her talent spread, and now in her 30s, the cheery woman creates thousands of prosthetic pinkies. She even offers discounts for former Yakuza members in poor economic situations.
In 2014, Fukushima was bestowed a Womens Challenge Award from the Japanese governments gender equality bureau for her entrepreneurial drive and her sustained efforts to help ex-yakuza members rehabilitate and reintegrate back into society.
Although her efforts are recognized now, it was not always easy for the bright woman. Starting off, she was one of the only women in her field, leading to a lot of mistrust and abuse in her early days, especially of men not paying and bribery attempts, despite her strong no bribes policy. Her family and even a former boyfriend disapproved of her profession.
While a new finger might not keep everyone out of a life of crime, it surely gives a chance at new beginnings.
