Much like organized crime in the Untied States, Japan suffers from the Yakuza, an original Japanese organized crime unit. Having influence from the codes of the samurai, the Yakuza had existed before the 1800s and operated with little to no attention. Often practicing old Japanese traditions, the Yakuza claim to uphold virtues in a postwar society. Even as small gangs broke out in Japan, they were slowly integrated with the Yakuza in urban populations. Similar to corruption in Mexico, members of the Yakuza often received protection from government officials, offering insight on the security and integrity of Japanese officials.