Bosozoku - Japanese Subculture - Essay Example

BOSOZOKU - A JAPANESE SUBCULTURE By Devangini Mahapatra Chauhan Our world today is in the midst of a series of transitions when it comes to social, economic and political issues. In keeping with the emerging trends of the new global village theories that seek to take charge of the variety of cultures that thrive on our planet today, new subcultures have been born and accepted as an all important part of the new generation. Although subcultures only constitute a small part of society today, more and more people are being exposed to this new phenomenon. Features of these subcultures have been found to be purporting changes in the way one thinks and behaves during the various stages of life. Despite the size and purpose of any subculture, one needs to be aware of the fact that it could leave a significant impact on the society and furthermore could present the possibility of proving to be life altering in the long run. This paper seeks to conduct a research into the origin of Bosozoku and how influential this subculture is in today's society - not only in Japan but also, the rest of the world. To begin with, it focuses on the starting place of the Japanese subculture called Bosozoku, when it started and by whom it was started. This has been critically analyzed to study the main purpose of their subculture and how is has changed over time. Secondly, this paper concentrates on how influential Bosozoku is within Japan and what lies behind the influence and the growth. Thirdly, it focuses on the impact it has on the rest of the world, especially the USA. Before introducing this subculture, it would be imperative to talk about the emerging trends. The rising volume of teenagers showing interest and rendering involvement to modified cars and motorbikes, boy racers and midnight rides are no longer an issue in today's society. But the question that needs to be answered pertains to where it all started and by whom. (Greenfield, 1995) In tandem with this perspective is a corresponding and rather common view is that a causal relationship exists between the policing system and low crime rates in Japan. According to these views, subcultures need to be reduced to a state where they hold minimal significance in Japan. However, numerous, visible, and significant subcultural formations continue to peacefully and unobtrusively exist in these parts. These include groupings of street youths, Bosozoku (hot-rodder) groups, and Yakuza, which may be further described as networks of male adult criminal organizations. (Sato, 1991) Bosozoku, a Japanese subculture has immensely grown to influence the Japanese society in the last 10 to 15 years (Jachim, 1993); from adults to even teenagers. Having originated as a bunch of bored bikers who went by the name of Kaminari - zoku, the Bosozokus have branched out as a group that believes in adorning themselves in traditional Japanese garb and boasting of a contrasting cosmopolitan perspective as well. The cities generally find them cruising around in sophisticated, and more often than not, bikes that are illegally modified, with an intention that seemingly revolves around teasing the local police in the peaceful suburbs. So why aren't they being taken to task The answer to that might have something to do with the implication that they might share connections with the Japanese underworld, otherwise known as Yakuza, as well as the Uyoku. That explains why most people are scared of them and regard them as dangerous. (Jachim, 1993; p. 277) Most of the assumptions that exist in the Western world regarding Japanese crime control seem to be based on notions of a specific Japanese "shame culture," in which social pressures force all individuals to conform to these laws and norms revolving around, or dictated by these subcultures. The subculture popularly referred to as "The Bosozoku - speed tribes" - basically consists of Japan's discontented youth. The Bosozoku have been around since Japan's rebirth as an industrial power after World War II; starting on September the 6th, 1959, when fifty-five "juvenile delinquents" on motorcycles gathered at Tokyo's Meiji Shrine" (Greenfield, 1995). The appearance of Bosozoku's antics in society was similar to the appearance of the "American Hell's Angels" (Morris, 2006). But what distinguished them from the ordinary was the fact that by the "60s and 70s they reached into the past to reclaim traditions such as the Samurai martial arts and gung-ho attitudes" (Morris, 2006). During the postwar period in Japan, there was low unemployment rate and an even lower rate of equal income distribution. People had more disposable income and began to improve their material life. This began a trend which even the recession in 1973 did not hinder to a great extent. Rather than facing starvation and poverty, Japan was concerned with obesity and excessiveness. However, the affluence of the culture resulted in the youth having more opportunity and motivation to engage in various experiments. Thus, they took to a form of social experimentation in the form of delinquency by joining these gangs. (Greenfield, 1995) It has been just over 40 years since Bosozoku came into existence and it is apparent that they have influenced the Japanese society as well as many other countries including the United States of America. According to the interview with Hide, the existence of Bosozoku in Japanese culture is quite normal and many teenagers and school drop-outs; especially males, are involved in these tribes. The race to attain "sassy looks", (Jachim, 1993) a negative attitude towards the education system, and family expectations are forcing them to go against the society which is both directly and indirectly causing them to walk in the wrong path of life. So what goes on behind the scenes here According to the Bosozoku website, this group is run by one leader of the gang and there are many rules to follow in order to be part of the gang. These include wearing the clothes that symbolize the gang in some ways which is usually set by the head of the gang. It is imperative that one must obey the leader's commands, must practice to ride and drive well and must be at designated places where the gang meets for any reasons. Despite the complexity of the gang and dedication required, more youth tend to sacrifice their own independence over what they can enjoy and get financial aid from. The main purpose of Bosozoku has been to enjoy teenage life and cruise along with the traditions of one's culture. By the 80s, more teenagers were aware of this subculture and it began to grow with greater interest and enhanced inputs. The teenagers here also try to have an aura about themselves to project an image of brutality and danger. The behavior of the Bosozoku is characterized by the extreme expressiveness and playfulness in their activities. The gang members enjoy showing off their bizarre and flashy costumes as well as attracting attention with their risky activities. The frequently refer to "play," "thrills," and "kicks" in gang activities. It is clear that these gang members engage in these activities for the pursuit of excitement and thrills rather than from considerations of personal gain or profit. The initial position and the rules that drive the dynamics have shaped adaptive behavior into one or another emergent pattern. The highly complex interdependencies of individuals and simple rules have generated self-organized patterns that gang members recognize as adaptive and that civil society fears. Other times it is the case of the "youth from broken homes" where they have to make a living running errands to feed their family. Sometimes this is vital for providing for unemployed parents. So it can be generalised that the transforming society has mostly influenced the students and the adults to find a place in the society they could fit into. Therefore, Bosozoku has become one of their best shelters. People finding ways to finance their living by running errands and have fun while doing so, have mostly attracted youngsters to join Bosozoku. As depicted in "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift," it is evident that students try to take the easy road in the education system by attending a school that puts less pressure on achieving excellence in academics, thus giving rise to illegal black markets and malpractices. Such influence within the school itself is something that must not be neglected. This is further exhibited in 'Bosozoku' by Masayuki Yoshinaga where the individuals in the photo look extremely brutal and aggressive with weapons such as Japanese swords and baseball bats with them. The members are usually made up of high-school students on what they call a "study-run" of getting out of class secretly to have fun. This is again an indication of a change in the purpose and role of those involved in Bosozoku; from a bored group of people to a group of disobedient group of students. (Narr, 2002) In the beginning of the film "The Fast and the Furious" Tokyo Drift" the influence of Bosozoku on the teenagers in American high schools is illustrated. The mentality of war and subsequent pride alongwith the result it brings is not pleasant but rather disastrous. Like the computer game "Need for Speed" that is being exposed to the society, is getting younger teenagers to develop an interest in owning a car or a motorbike and pursue a job at a garage or as anything that has to do with cars, motorbikes and gangs. The image of a Bosozoku is that of a true thrill seeker through the use of speed and stunts. The impact of the arising subculture has had an influence internationally a fact that is undoubtedly true and evident through today's society. Many teenagers even in America are getting interested in modifying cars and motorbikes and getting into a gang to enjoy life without getting too serious about their future. From Japan's point of view, this may be an ideal perspective as they seem to be promoting their sub culture. However it is a question of whether other cultures are in favour of accepting their influence. Nowadays, more and more teenagers are becoming part of Bosozoku for reasons other than those which the Japanese would call a "teenage hood interest" (Whiting, 1999). As shown in the "Black Rain," the mockery of the two American policemen by the Bosozoku exemplifies the binaries of racial identities as well as their gung-ho attitude of 'what is got to be done, has got to be done' by maliciously murdering one of the policemen according to the chores passed on to them by the Yakuza. The vicious actions of the Bosozoku in "Black Rain" have proven that their initial interests have varied over a period of time. Many teenagers know that there is a lot of competition in getting into top universities in Japan. Many also know that if you do not graduate from one of those top universities, you are unlikely to get a good job when you graduate. (Jachim, 1993) So some of the youth's attitude towards the society's education system revolves around giving up early and work to gain enough money for a small living or get into Bosozoku and further into Yakuza which they consider a better bet for survival. The attention that the Bosozoku enjoys from the media has made it as one of the largest tribes in Japan. The emergence of Bosozoku related comics, games and dramas have dramatically increased the interest in Bosozoku in Japan as well as around the world. Examples include "Initial D," "Great Teacher Onizuka," and "Need for Speed 4." As more and more people are taking interest and getting involved in Bosozoku, new subcultures will merge into new locations such as boy racers and low rides in United States. Even though the gang members define their activities as play, the public in general does not. As a result of media reports, the public's mind has been filled with images of glue sniffing, battery, rape, murder, and theft. In addition, the Bosozoku are said to be the first reserve in the ranks of the yakuza. However, these reports have used the Bosozoku as a general term and more often than not, been proven to be unfounded. No distinction has been made between true Bosozoku and standard motorcycle gangs. Better understanding is achieved through the understanding of the economic and social backgrounds of the gang members. The social issue revolves around the class of working youths who detest the style and tastes of college students and graduates. They sneer at their "effeminate" poses and American sports cars. They are then detested in return and this further widens the social gap between the youth social classes. As a result, a class of youths is formed that have grown to resent the affluence on their society and then seek to challenge its norms in an attempt to rebel and show their resentment. These youths are then bored with their life style and the gangs give them the excitement and rebelliousness they desire. In their eyes, this is how they can enjoy life and have their fun. Until measures for social control exist, a considerable number of Japanese youths will follow this road and join the gangs to seek their thrills and own brand of fun. The Bosozoku have branched out since the 90's, embracing fringe groups and minorities such as women and perceived traditional enemies of the country (Koreans, Chinese and others). There is also further proof of growing links to organized crime, with this kind of diversification serving the purpose of making the gangs more interesting and appealing to outsiders. Yoshikawa Hidemistu also known as, Hide, a member of the Bosozoku, whom we interviewed says that "the Yakuza has greater power than you think. It is sometimes said that they are behind the politics and nevertheless, when they are murdering someone, they do it so no one can actually find any traces. You would never want to get involved with anything with the Yakuza." Further, talking about the connection of the Bosozoku members with the Tokyo underworld, he says they run errands for the Yakuza, sometimes delivering weapons, drugs and fair amount of cash. "Sometimes I hear that they get rewarded more if you take on more risky jobs such as fighting against other Yakuza or even murdering someone on behalf," he says. (Personal Interview, Hidemistu; 28th Oct, 2006) Talking about rising influence of the subculture, Hide says, "To what I am seeing through people of my age, I think this subculture is arising very rapidly. For example, the movie The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift who would have thought that Japan would be the centre of a worldwide movie" Further he feels that people really need to know where this subculture has risen from with what purposes before they get interested only in what they observe. It must be noted that Bosozoku is more than a pure interest in cars and motorbikes. The interests that shape the Bosozoku include drugs, opposite sex, disloyalty and rebellion towards the society. There is now mass awareness regarding the fact that the increasing presence of Bosozoku will be fed to the media at large as a case of drawing more teenagers into this subculture, which could at a later stage prompt this subculture to convert itself into a full blown culture of brutality and bikes. References Cited: 1. Black Rain. Dir. Ridley Scott. Perf. Michael Douglas, Andy Garcia, Kate Capshaw, and John Spencer. Paramount, 1989 2. Google Inc. URL: www.google.com (Accessed on: 10th Nov, 2006) 3. Greenfield, Karl T. Speed Tribes: Days and Night's with Japan's Next Generation. New York: Harper Perennial, 1995. 4. Kersten, Jachim. Street Youths, Bosozoku, and Yakuza: Subculture Formation, and Societal reactions in Japan. Crime & Delinquency, July 1993 5. Ikuya Sato. Kamikaze Biker: A Parody and Anomy in Affluent Japan. University Of Chicago Press; July 9, 1991. 6. Morris, Jamie. "Re: Bosozoku." Email to the director. 29 Oct. 2006. URL: http://www.figure8productions.com/e_film.htm 7. Robert Whiting. Tokyo Underworld: The Fast Times and Hard Life of an American Gangster in Japan. Vintage; September 26, 2000 8. Speed Tribe. Narr. Frank Biela, John Nielson, and David Abraham. DVD International, 2002. 9. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. Dir. Justin Lin. Perf. Lucas Black, Nathalie Kelley, Bow Wow, and Leonardo Nam. Universal Studios, 2006. 10. Yoshinaga, Masayuki. Bosozoku. New York: Trolley, 2002 11. Yoshikawa, Hidemitsu. Personal Interview. 28 Oct. 2006 Read More