I mean.. the Yakuza are some of the most dangerous gangsters in the world. That means they would like to keep their operations as low profile and hush hush as possible. They are an extremely powerful and influential group that can dictate many of Japan's societal forces, but always as the man backstage. Any reputable business establishment suspected of Yakuza involvement is in danger of getting closed (like Pride FC).

So why do they allow Sega to keep making Yakuza games? Don't these games rouse the public to the activities of the Yakuza, and thereby endangering their position? Or are they actually funding Sega to make the games to give them a positive image, since Kazuma is depicted as an honorable (...slightly...) hero? Is the creator of the series (the tan man) actually a member of the Yakuza?

Or am I missing something here...

edit: for those who keep saying mafia, the american mafia has virtually no power anymore. they were very powerful in the 50s, but not anymore. stop saying mafia. they're not the same as they were before.

Sega is a member of Yakuza konfirmed!

For recruiting purposes.

SEGA pays them

It's not the first time that something like this is mentioned. Sammy is rumored to have ties with the Yakuza.

its called ryu ga gotoku in japan which means "Like a Dragon!"

plus why is there a game called "Mafia" ?

For advertising... :P

"JOIN US! KICK 10 PEOPLE AROUND AT A TIME! YOU'RE GUARANTEED TO BE KAZUMA-STRONG!"

Free publicity is a good thing, no ?

... Why would they not? I'm sure lots of Yakuza even enjoy playing the games.

For the same reason Russia does not invade America when they cast Russians as villians in movies