Sokaiya
Sokaiya
Tyler Hansbrough
Category="Japanese terms"The sokaiya (総会屋) are a form of specialized racketeer unique to Japan, and often associated with the Yakuza. They typically prey on shareholders' meetings, disrupting them (and causing the company a great loss of face) until their demands are met.
Modern sokaiya have developed other, similar methods to accomplish their goals. One example is the banzai sokaiya, who disrupt business places with their cries of "Banzai!" and praise of the emperor until they are quietly paid to leave.