Members of Yakuza, as depicted in GTA III
The Liberty City Yakuza is a Japanese criminal organization operating in Liberty City, assumed to have been around since the 1970s, headed by siblings Asuka Kasen and Kenji Kasen. Initially, Claude was invited by the Yakuza to work for them. However, while working for Donald Love, Claude frames the Colombian Cartel for the assassination of Kenji, resulting in a war between the Yakuza and the Cartel. Angered by the death of her brother, Asuka vowed to "hunt down" the Colombian Cartel with the help of Claude, while capturing and torturing Cartel member Miguel for information. In the process, the Yakuza also took Fort Staunton, a Cartel turf. Later, Asuka is killed by Cartel members, although Fort Staunton remains in the control of the Yakuza. The successor to the Yakuza's leadership remains in doubt. The Yakuza is the only significant gang that aids Claude throughout its appearance in Grand Theft Auto III.
In Liberty City Stories, the Yakuza are led by Kazuki Kasen, Kenji's older brother. While not a major power in Liberty City yet, they are stocking up on weapons (including a tank) and are prepared to claim a large portion of the city as their turf. Their efforts are thwarted by Leone Caporegime Toni Cipriani with the help of Kazuki's angry wife, Toshiko, however they are sucessful in taking the Torrington district, including the Sindacco owned Big Shot Casino, which they then change to Kenji's Casino by GTA III.
Yakuza members wear colorful suits and jewelry. In GTA:LCS, Yakuza members sport tattoos.