Bosozoku bike the infamous japanese bike gang, Who would have guessed that the most notoriously dangerous biker gang in Japan was founded by retired Kamikaze pilots? These are the same guys who were previously conditioned to fly their planes into enemy ships as weapons.
The returning soldiers were looking for a rush of adrenaline, and the dissatisfied young bikers created what became known as ‘Kaminari-Zoku’ or ‘Thunder-Tribe,’ which was originally called ‘Bosozoku.’ In the 1970s, when riots erupted and motorcycle culture grew more criminal in nature, the term ” Bosozoku ” was born. Working-class youth comprised the majority of the gang.
The Bosozuko became infamous for violence, reckless driving and ridiculously loud modified exhaust systems. They drove while wielding wooden swords, baseball bats, steel pipes and the occasional molotov cocktail which was used against the civilians as well as the police.
The ‘Tokko-Fuku’ was the gang’s distinctive appearance apparel, which roughly translates to ‘Special Attack Clothes.’ It’s a jumpsuit with Kamikaze Pilots markings embroidered on the back and customized mottos, Japanese characters, and sewn-on imperial symbols like the Rising Sun flag for added sakkaku. They had ridiculous haircuts and preferred military boots for an added kick.
Bosozoku bike the infamous japanese bike gang
Their motorcycles featured tall seats, raised handlebars, custom frames, and colourful paint jobs. Most importantly, they had Shugo (a multiple-tube header and a single collector pipe connected with a muffler) that emitted loud and forceful sounds. Their cars were customised to have the appearance of low riders that were exaggeratedly showy. They featured comical tail-fins, skirts , airfoils ,and flashing lights .
The lunatic ‘Takeyari’ exhaust pipes, which stretch out for 10 feet and are behemoth in size, made a statement of standing out that no one can ignore. The group’s flamboyant customizations, to their disadvantage, do not make their cars go any faster – they only give the appearance of speed. In Japan as well as throughout the world, the group’s distinctive sound and distinct visual style are recognized.
Out of all the delinquent gangs in Japan, they were surprisingly moral and held onto traditional Japanese values.
The Bushido or ‘Way of the Samurai,’ which was followed by warriors during feudal times in Japan, inspired these ideals. The code included eight fundamental moral qualities: uprightness, bravery, benevolence, courtesy, honesty, integrity, honour, and loyalty. These virtues of honour and loyalty had a strong influence on the culture’s thinking because members were extremely dedicated to their gangs and were ready to do whatever it took to preserve their reputation.
They purposely clogged up streets on their motorcycles and got into disagreements with other groups, carrying weapons. They wereMob after they caused riots in neighbourhoods and ended up being part of the Yakuza.
Rivalries were often bloody, and if members weren’t careful enough they would be kidnapped or attacked by rivals. Members also got involved in organized crime, running drugs and other illegal goods for the Yakuza. These businesses led to a whole different level of danger if members didn’t strictly stick to business dealings.
The sub-culture, on the other hand, was clearly not limited to violence; they were frequently found skipping school, playing cards, smoking or drinking, and hanging out in parking lots or restaurants during non-violent periods. They’d often discuss their bikes or cars while hanging out together. To pass the time during workshops, they would work on their bicycles or automobiles outside.
At their peak in 1982, 42,510 known members belonged to Bosozuko motorcycle and car gangs across Japan. In recent years however, police crackdowns have drastically reduced their numbers. Nevertheless, the gangs’ signature outrageous modifications have lived on as a form of street art.
With the stakes higher, several members concluded that it is no longer worth the risk and departed the gang. AAthe Bosozuko are now an endangered species of automobile fanatics, existing only in people’s memories rather than in reality. Memories could be all that survives of the Bosozuko gang soon.