Yamamoto Chogoro (1820-1893), popularly known as Shimizu Jirocho, is commonly regarded as a Robin Hood figure who helped the weak by crushing the strong as a yakuza chieftain in the twilight years of the Edo Period (1603-1867).
His successors, however, tarnished that image and now locals are distancing themselves from the group.
Jirocho lived in what is now the city of Shizuoka, where he was known as the biggest boss in the Tokaido, or Eastern Sea Circuit. He toured the region as a gambler but devoted his energies to the creation of Shimizu port and English education in the closing days of his life.