If anybody can teach youngsters about the dangers of joining gangs and getting into crime and drugs, it is Ryo Kudo, 28, a former "bosozoku" biker gang member who is now busy organizing awareness sessions for youth.

The first session organized recently by Kudo, from the city of Tagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, was a one-night, two-day learning stay at a social education facility on Mount Hiko in the town of Soeda.

Six boys aged 10 to 16 who came from various parts of Kyushu and faced social adaptation problems attended the session arranged by the Fureai Gijuku group.