thumb|upright=1.3|A group of in 2013
is a Japanese youth subculture associated with customized motorcycles. The first appearance of these types of biker gangs was in the 1950s. Popularity peaked at an estimated 42,510 members in 1982. Their numbers dropped dramatically in the 2000s, with fewer than 7,297 members in 2012. Later, in 2020, a rally that used to attract thousands of members only had 53 members, with police stating that it was a long time since they had to round up that many people.
style traditionally involves boilersuits similar to those of manual laborers or leather military jackets with baggy pants, and tall boots. This uniform became known as the and is often adorned with kanji slogans. Typical accessories to this uniform are , surgical masks, and patches displaying the Rising Sun Flag. members are known for taking Japanese road bikes and adding modifications such as over-sized fairings, lifted handle bars shifted inwards, large seat backs, extravagant paint jobs, and modified mufflers. styles take inspiration from choppers, greasers, and Teddy boys.
History
thumb|right|The bōsōzoku were preceded by the kaminarizoku, as young veterans adjusted to life in post-WWII Japan.
first started as groups of returning World War II veterans. The disobedient subculture originated in the 1950s when the young pilots came back from World War II. Many veterans faced difficulty readjusting to society after the war, and some turned to custom car making and gang-like activities on city streets to gain an adrenaline fix. These early took inspiration from American greaser culture and imported Western films; became known for its many similarities to old American biker culture. Many younger individuals began to see this style of life as very appealing, especially marginalized individuals looking for change. Eventually, these youngsters took over the identity, becoming the foundation for the modern .
The 1970s were when the term of first truly began to emerge. This was a period of time characterized by actual riots between police and many of these youth groups. The term was not actually created by these biker groups, but was eventually widely adopted and used by these various groups. In 2004, the Japanese government passed a revised road traffic law which gave the police more power to arrest bikers riding recklessly in groups. With increased arrests and prosecutions, participation rapidly went into decline. As of 2010, police reported that the new trend among was to ride together in much smaller groups and to ride scooters instead of heavily modified motorcycles. Aichi prefecture was reported to have the highest number of riders, followed by Tokyo, Osaka, Ibaraki and Fukuoka. By 2015, there were only a reported 6,771 active throughout Japan.
Traits
thumb|right|Bōsōzoku on a night ride
are usually between the ages of 16 and 20 years old. were often embroidered with various slogans and large, intricate designs. They were seen as a status symbol to many, symbolizing both their pride in themselves and their strength. They were often worn open in the front, with bandage wrappings around their waist. They would also often be accompanied by rounded sunglasses and tasuki.
A typical customized bike starts off by taking an average 250-400cc Japanese road bike, adding a exhaust system (multiple tube header), squeezing the handlebars inwards (known as , from the verb , "to squeeze"), and adding a three- or four-trumpet horn - or , respectively.
In America, the term "Bosozoku" is also applied to cars that have undergone extreme modification. The term generally only applies to Japanese manufactured vehicles, and is somewhat interchangeable with the term "Kaido Racer". Broadly, "Bosozoku" refers to the concept of Japanese vehicle modification, whereas "Kaido Racer" refers specifically to car modification.
Ties to organized crime
In general, the Japanese government sees as highly organized groups, affiliated under several national federations. They generally have clear cut rules, uniforms, symbols, and other marks of organization. Some groups have membership fees and set punishments.