The Five of Japan

The Five of Japan are a secret society of vampires based in Japan in the Bloodbound series. They are first referenced in Bloodbound, Book 2, in Scholar Jameson's notes in Chapter 2 (premium choice). They make their first appearance in Dark Solstice, Chapter 4.

History
According to Kamilah Sayeed, the Five were all Turned by Gaius Augustine. They established rule in Japan while the Order controlled Europe and Gaius created his Shadow Kingdom in America. They began to gather power in the late 1800s and now they handle everything from top secret government decisions down to which potholes need to be filled. Japan is their haven, secure, strong, and impregnable.

They do not believe in Turning, and have taken a vow never to Turn. They also do not invite those who might cause trouble. Breaking this vow results in punishment.

Takeshi Watanabe's Departure and Return
Takeshi Watanabe originally told Jax Matsuo that "he hated the Five and was an exile from the Five." That wasn't the complete truth. Centuries after he had been Turned, in the 1950s, Takeshi felt burnt out, purposeless, and lost. He decided to go to America and he spent half a century there. In 1974, he met Jax, who was left for dead after an attack by a vampire from Clan Lacroix. Takeshi broke his vow and Turned him. During the following years, Takeshi took Jax under his wing and trained him, teaching him how to fight and gave the younger man purpose. He told the latter about the Five and about Kano, allegedly the greatest psychic vampire alive.

Eventually, the Five tracked Takeshi down. They gave him a choice, to come with them peacefully back to Japan or die. Takeshi knew if he did not return with them, they would find out about Jax and kill the latter. So, Takeshi surrendered peacefully and faked his death to Jax. Before faking his death, he made Jax promise to never come to Japan as a vampire and never mention Kano to anyone.

Takeshi Watanabe's Death
When Gaius tracks your group to Japan, he finds you have taken refuge at Takeshi's home and that Takeshi has placed you under his protection. Gaius tells Takeshi to stand aside as the matter does not concern him, but the latter does not budge. They engage in swordplay, both countering each other's moves, but strength and experience are on Gaius' side and Takeshi sacrifices his life to give your group time to escape.

Your group returns to the Five's nightclub and immediately tells them what transpired. They continue to refuse to help in your battle against Gaius (and Rheya) because it goes against their rules and laws as well as personal beliefs. They invite you to stay for Takeshi's wake where you can help Jax gain closure.

Members

 * Aiko Nakumara
 * Takeshi Watanabe †
 * Akeyo Kwangi
 * Henry Zhang
 * The Evolved

Trivia

 * There are inconsistencies on who was Turned by whom. First, it is stated Gaius Turned all of them. Later, it is assumed that Kamilah Turned Aiko; and in a premium scene, Henry states he was Turned by Aiko.