YAKUSUN
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YAKUSUN ☆
Yoshinori Watanabe
Nickname: ‘The Tiger’s Claw’
Personality:
Disciplined and fiercely pragmatic, Yoshinori Watanabe was a moderniser cloaked in tradition. He spoke little, calculated always, and believed in the art of control—not chaos. A master of silence and structure, he ran his empire like a corporation, with military precision and unwavering authority.
Famous For:
As the fifth-generation boss of the Yamaguchi-gumi, Watanabe led the syndicate from 1989 to 2005, overseeing its peak expansion both within Japan and internationally. He turned the group into a vast, structured enterprise—with influence extending into real estate, finance, and politics. During Japan’s economic turmoil in the 1990s, he kept the organisation stable and effective, earning a reputation as a master strategist.
Watanabe wasn’t a street brawler—he was a tactician.
‘The Tiger’s Claw‘
虎の爪
Yoshinori Watanabe (渡辺 芳則, 1941–2012) was the fifth kumicho (supreme boss) of the Yamaguchi-gumi, Japan’s largest and most feared Yakuza syndicate. Rising to power in 1989 during a volatile era, Watanabe was known for his calm, corporate-like approach to leadership, transforming the Yamaguchi-gumi into a highly structured, financially sophisticated organisation.
Under his command, the group expanded aggressively across Japan, reaching unprecedented national dominance with over 40,000 members at its peak. He preferred boardrooms to back alleys and was often described as a “shadow CEO,” managing the underworld like a business empire. Despite his low public profile, Watanabe was feared and respected, rarely photographed and notoriously media-shy.
A little-known fact: he avoided flashy displays of power, often dressing conservatively and living modestly, projecting the image of a quiet strategist rather than a typical gang boss. His reign marked the Yakuza’s evolution from street gangs into organized criminal corporations.
FIND your FAVOURITE SIP
Japanese YUZU
YAKUSUN Yuzu is a unique Japanese-inspired recipe created by blending selected finest spirits with AGED JAPANESE WHISKY and natural Yuzu fruit flavour.
ヤクスン・ゆずは、厳選されたスピリッツと熟成された日本産ウイスキーに柚子の風味を加えた、日本に着想を得たユニークなレシピです。
How to use YAKUSUN yuzu in cocktails
Yuzu transforms cocktails with its sharp citrus bite and floral depth. Fresh juice is a sensory upgrade—bright and aromatic—but hard to source. Bottled versions, usually from Japan, offer a reliable alternative with signature tartness intact.
Want versatility? Yuzu liqueurs and syrups deliver sweet complexity that blends easily. Pro tip: pair yuzu’s acidity with honey, agave, or simple syrup for a cocktail that hits balance, not just boldness.
EASY YUZU SERVES
YUZU GIN&TONIC
Crisp. Citrusy. Effortless. This minimalist riff on a summer staple layers 45 ml gin and 15 ml YAKUSUN YUZU over ice in a Collins glass. Stir once, top slowly with tonic to preserve bubbles, stir again. That’s it. Best served with salty sides—think edamame or shichimi-spiced nuts—for a sharp contrast that keeps the palate refreshed.
YUZU MARTINI
Silk in a glass. This elegant rework blends 75 ml YAKUSUN YUZU, 20 ml Cinzano Bianco, a few precise dashes of yuzu juice, and a touch of orange bitters. Stir over ice until perfectly chilled. Strain into a coupe and finish with a whisper of lemon oil. Refined yet approachable, it’s made to complement delicate plates—like tuna tartare or a single, flawless yakitori skewer.
YUZU HIGHTBALL
In Japan, the apple-yuzu combo is so beloved it’s sold in cans—but the real magic happens fresh. Elevate your home bar with this crisp, balanced cocktail: In a highball glass filled with ice, pour 60 ml YAKUSUN YUZU, 80 ml apple juice (fresh-pressed if possible), 15 ml honey syrup, and 15 ml yuzu juice. Stir well. Top with 80 ml chilled soda water and garnish with apple slices. Serve with miso-glazed salmon or a sharp apple-daikon salad for the full flavor experience.