Who are Japan's Yakuza? In 60 seconds

Japan's Yakuza crime syndicates have been a thorn in the side of Japanese authorities for years.

But what role do they play in the country? And how big a presence are they?

The Japanese police force is bracing itself for an onslaught of violence following the break-up of one of the country’s most infamous gangs.

The Yamaguchi-gumi, which previously had over 23,000 members and 72 affiliated gangs, confirmed in a meeting that five of its subsidiaries had been expelled from the group, while eight more had been suspended, according to the Telegraph.

The 13 subsidiaries were exiled from the main group after voicing concern over gang-boss Shinobu Tsukasa’s management, when he failed to focus the organisation's operations on the more lucrative Tokyo market.

At present the gang operates predominantly in western Japan.

Tsukasa, aged 73, became leader of the Yamaguchi-gami 10 years ago.