# Criminal Minds Photography Anton Kusters Photographs Members of Japanese Gang Yakuza By Souzan Michael | Published 2011-07-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anton-kusters References: [lifelounge.au](http://www.lifelounge.com.au/photography/news/anton-kusters-photographs-the-yakuza.aspx) & [antonkusters](http://www.antonkusters.com/category/893/) Belgium-based photographer Anton Kusters did the unthinkable and spent a few months in Japan following around certified members of the [Yakuza](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yakuza-sega), an organized crime alliance, and [documenting their meetings and daily lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hong-kongmorning). Some of the images are grouped together and published in [his book](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-ohio) 'Odo Yakuza Tokyo.' The fact that the Yakuza allowed Anton Kusters to photograph their illegal activities is hard to comprehend, but it's all due to a man named Taka-san, the owner of a small bar, with whom Kusters developed a friendship. Anton Kusters explains, "The Yakuza project actually quickly turned into something different than I expected, I started to feel that [the Yakuza] is a way of life more than anything else… that the Yakuza is many shades of grey, and not simple black vs white. The subtle shades are the key." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.3/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Documentary Photography of Criminal Organizations:** The trend of photographers gaining unprecedented access to criminal organizations opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in storytelling and visual journalism. - **Exploring the Complexities of Organized Crime:** The trend of documenting the nuanced aspects of criminal organizations presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in societal understanding and cultural exploration. - **Unconventional Photojournalism:** The trend of photographers pushing the boundaries of traditional photojournalism by immersing themselves in dangerous and unconventional environments offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in storytelling and visual narratives. ### Who This Affects Most - **Publishing:** The publishing industry can leverage the trend of documentary photography of criminal organizations to create compelling books and immersive storytelling experiences. - **Media and Entertainment:** The media and entertainment industry can capitalize on the trend of exploring the complexities of organized crime by creating captivating documentaries and films that delve into the psychology and motivations of criminal organizations. - **News and Journalism:** The news and journalism industry can embrace the trend of unconventional photojournalism to offer unique perspectives and immersive storytelling that captivates audiences and sheds light on untold stories. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Collaborative Monochromatic Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collaborative-monochromatic-art-exhibition.md) - [Hipster Era Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cobrasnake-y2ks-archive.md) - [British Youth-Culture Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-and-away.md) - [Skateboard-Themed Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rabbit-hole-1.md) - [Japanese TV Adaptation Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yakuza-sega.md) - [Café Jazz Heritage Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jazz-kissa.md) - [Miniaturized Product Art Photographs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/small-muji.md) - [Travel Photography Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/all-within-the-detour.md) - [Photography Project Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1.md)