YAKUSUN

☆

YAKUSUN ☆

FUMIKO TAOKA

Portrait of an Asian woman with dark hair, red lipstick, large patterned hoop earrings, wearing a red choker with the word "YAKUSUN" in blue, holding a cigarette in her mouth. Background shows illuminated neon signs in Asian script.

Nickname: ‘The Viper of Pleasure’

Personality:
Reserved, sharp-minded, and fiercely loyal, Fumiko Taoka moved in the shadows—but never without purpose. She was elegant yet unyielding, a woman who understood power not through displays of dominance, but through quiet control and unwavering presence. Beneath her composed exterior lay the resolve of a true matriarch.

Famous For:
After the death of her husband, Kazuo Taoka, in 1981, Fumiko stepped into an almost unthinkable role—she became the acting head of the Yamaguchi-gumi during a time of succession crisis. In a world ruled by men, she stabilized Japan’s most powerful Yakuza empire with strategic grace, preventing violent power struggles and ensuring a smooth transition of leadership. A woman who led without ever needing to raise her voice.

A woman with tattoos, wearing a black outfit, red earrings, and a choker with 'YAKUSUN' written on it. She is holding a glass of whiskey and has a cigar in her mouth, sitting in a dimly lit, vintage-style room with Japanese decor, including vases, la

‘The Viper of Pleasure’

快楽の毒蛇

Fumiko Taoka (田岡 文子, 1915–2002) was the formidable wife of Kazuo Taoka, the legendary boss of the Yamaguchi-gumi. After her husband's death in 1981, during a critical period of internal power struggles, Fumiko stepped into a leadership role behind the scenes—unofficially steering the organization while a successor was chosen.

In a world almost exclusively ruled by men, she became known as the "Yakuza no Okami" (The Yakuza Matriarch), earning deep respect for her intelligence, calm authority, and political savvy. Though she never held an official rank, her influence helped stabilise the syndicate during turbulent times.

Fumiko was known for her grace, discretion, and strong presence—traits that allowed her to command loyalty in a violent, male-dominated underworld. Her quiet but powerful legacy remains one of the rare instances of a woman shaping the course of Yakuza history.

A woman in a white chef's uniform and hat is cutting a passion fruit on a wooden surface with two apples and a dried leaf nearby.

FIND your FAVOURITE SIP

Japanese PASSION FRUIT

A bottle of Yakusun Whisky Spirit Drink with a label featuring a black and white photo of a woman with crossed arms, displaying a confident smile, and text indicating flavor as passion fruit, Japanese heritage, and a prominent red and black logo.

YAKUSUN Passion Fruit is a unique Japanese-inspired recipe created by blending selected spirits with AGED JAPANESE WHISKY and natural Japanese Passion Fruit flavour.

ヤクスン・パッションフルーツは、 厳選されたスピリッツと熟成された日本ウイスキー、そこに日本産パッションフルーツの風味を加えた、日本に着想を得たユニークなレシピです。

EASY SERVES

A woman in a traditional yellow kimono sitting behind a wooden bar with a yellow cocktail garnished with a slice of passion fruit in the foreground.

Passion Fruit Martini

Passion Fruit Martini: The Iconic Party-Starter
This is the cocktail that needs no introduction. Juicy YAKUSUN Japanese Passionfruit and a hint of lime for perfect sweet-tart balance. Served with a side of prosecco, it’s vibrant, bold, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

Why it works:

  • Double hit of YAKUSUN passion fruit = maximum flavour

  • Lime juice cuts through with freshness

  • Prosecco on the side = instant celebration

PREPARATION

  • 50ml YAKUSUM passion fruit

  • 25ml lemon juice

  • 2 tsp elderflower cordial

  • 150ml sparkling water

  • 1 tsp passion fruit seeds

    or a lime leaf (optional), to serve

A man in a purple kimono sitting at a wooden table, looking at a tropical cocktail garnished with a halved passion fruit and a green leaf.

Passion Fruit Spritz

Passion Fruit Spritz: Effortless Elegance, Any Time
Tropical passion fruit meets the floral lift of elderflower in this bright, refreshing spritz. Served long and light with sparkling water for a refined mocktail—or upgraded with prosecco for a festive twist.

Why it works:

  • YAKUSUN Passion fruit = bold and juicy

  • Elderflower = soft, fragrant contrast

  • Sparkling finish = clean, celebratory
    Low effort, high reward

PREPARATION

  • 50ml YAKUSUN passion fruit

  • 25ml lemon juice

  • 2 tsp elderflower cordial

  • 150ml sparkling water

  • 1 tsp passion fruit seeds

    or a lime leaf (optional), to serve

A woman with dark hair and a tattoo on her neck wears a purple kimono and looks at a tall glass of lemonade garnished with a passion fruit half and basil leaves, placed on a wooden table in a bar or restaurant setting.

Elderflower Spritz

Passion Fruit & Elderflower Spritz: Light, Floral, Effortlessly Versatile
Tropical passion fruit and fragrant elderflower create a bright, balanced spritz that’s long, refreshing, and ready for any mood. Served alcohol-free with sparkling water or elevated with prosecco—your choice.

Why it works:

  • YAKUSUN Passion fruit delivers juicy intensity

  • Elderflower adds elegant aromatics

  • Sparkling finish keeps it crisp
    Mocktail sophistication or cocktail celebration in one easy pour.

    PREPARATION

  • 50ml YAKUSUN passion fruit

  • 25ml lemon juice

  • 2 tsp elderflower cordial

  • 150ml sparkling water

  • 1 tsp passion fruit seeds

    or a lime leaf (optional), to serve