“Yubitsume” - a tradition where gang members have to physically slice off their own little finger. Excel within the ranks of the Yakuza (Japan’s oldest major criminal network and akin to the Mafia) your every need, desire and want can be catered for. But if you fail and bring disgrace to the family, you will be subjected to the rather painful practice known as “Yubitsume”. It’s a tradition where gang members have to physically slice off their own little finger. Why the finger? There’s actually a twisted logic to the practice, the remove of the little finger actually makes it impossible to hold a strong grip on a samurai sword. As a result of this defect, you’re weakened in battle thereby forcing you to rely on protection from your boss / leader. It’s the ultimately tribute and punishment to authority.