Grant Newsham, a Foundation Advisor, gave an engaging presentation to the Japan-America Society of Hawaii that covered the Yakuza's overseas activities and also explained how rather than being a curious, but ultimately harmless aspect of Japanese life, the Yakuza are a major hindrance on Japan's economic and political - and even social development. Mr. Newsham underscored that despite Japanese government claims to the contrary, the Yakuza are not on the ropes and are as strong and omnipresent as ever.