The ultranationalist and Yakuza organizations formed the nucleus for Japan's 20th century clandestine and espionage services, providing trained operatives and organizational support to Japan's army, diplomats and industrialists. The Yakuza Japan's Yakuza organized crime families retain their own brand of samurai and bushido traditions and have been traditionally aligned with secret societies since the 17th century. Since the Meiji era, the Yakuza and secret societies have adopted clear ultranationalist political positions and have strongly influenced Japan's domestic and foreign policies.
Secret societies are another Japanese tradition, as in other parts of Asia.
The Yakuza are secret societies involved in criminal enterprises.