1.
motorcycle gang; street racing gang
Groups of young people who ride motorcycles or cars in a reckless and noisy manner, often violating traffic laws. They are known for modified vehicles, loud exhaust pipes, and group rides through city streets, especially at night.
Composed of 暴走 (reckless driving) and 族 (tribe, group). Refers to youth subculture groups that emerged in Japan in the 1950s and peaked in the 1970s-80s. Members are typically young men who modify motorcycles and cars for loud exhaust and flashy appearance, riding in large groups.
Common collocations
- 暴走族の取り締まり: crackdown on motorcycle gangs
- 暴走族に入る: to join a motorcycle gang
- 元暴走族: former motorcycle gang member
Cultural note
Their numbers have greatly declined since the 1980s peak. The 道路交通法 (Road Traffic Act) has been amended multiple times to crack down on group reckless driving. Some former members go on to become legitimate businesspeople, a path sometimes romanticized in manga and film. The related term 旧車會 refers to older enthusiasts who maintain the style but tend to be less confrontational.