To promote forthcoming anti-gang legislation, the superintendent general of Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Tateshi Higuchi, threw out the first pitch before the Yakult Swallows faced the Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome last night, reports the Sankei Shimbun (Sept. 21).
Beginning on October 1, business transactions between citizens and members of organized crime, such as the paying mikajimeryo (protection money), will be prohibited. The law will be enforced nationwide.
“This is to strengthen organized crime counter measures,” read a statement from the department’s anti-organized crime division. “The idea that ordinary citizens and gang members should not be associating is what we wish to fortify.”
A video displaying the chief’s form can be seen above.
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