This was such an interesting deep dive into the crime aspect of the Japan. I have had interest in this topic since watching more modern animes and hearing tattoos were frowned upon, so getting a chance to review this book was perfect. I enjoyed the story telling narrative the author choose, it made it feel more like listening to a fiction book than going through a boring non fiction story.

I listened to an audio advance review copy of this novel which was narrated by the author and Shoko Plambeck. The narration was excellent and Shoko, in particular, brought a playful quality to the recording. Sometimes authors don't do their own work justice but
Mr Adelstein isn't one of them. He has a good clear voice and a calm delivery.

This book is billed as a follow up to Tokyo Vice but the yakuza part of the book is not the whole story. Adelstein follows up on the first book with what happened next to the Yamaguchi Gumi including the outcome of death threats and what happened to his nemesis, Tadsmasa Goto.

There are also the stories that follow this time when Adelstein uses his talents to check out yakuza-related companies amd corruption in the Tokyo Olympic Committee amongst others.

There is also a very moving description of Adelstein's relationship with long time friend, Mimi plus his own struggles with health and abusing his ageing body.

Jake Adelstein has led a fascinating life so far, not least in more recent years as he renews his interest in Zen Buddhism. He's certainly put his life and health on the line more than your average person.

This book is really interesting and pulls no punches about corruption within Japan. I'd definitely recommend it for fans of Adelstein's work or if you just want to read a really interesting book about Japan.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio advance review copy.

I noticed Jake Adelstein has another title, Tokyo Vice, that I probably should have read first, but I felt that I didn't miss any key details. Whether it was my prior knowledge of Japan or the book's clarity, I was able to follow along easily. The narrator(s) did an amazing job, and I got completely absorbed in the darker side of Japan. I can’t wait to explore more of Adelstein’s work!

From an investigative journalist about Japans underbelly and crime world.

I found this a little boring a repetitive. I did learn things about Korean and Japanese history and turmoil between the two countries so that was valuable. I probably would have enjoyed it better with another edit.

Thanks to netgalley and Dreamscape media for an alc

Really interesting addition to Adelstein's previous book, delving into the underworld of Japan and the darker side of Japanese culture. Great writing and a great narrator.

Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC. This is my honest review.
I listen to this book within 2 days. Adelstein`s writing is captivating and suck me in. The author reads the novel and he does a great job telling the stories the female narrator made it more interesting.

I definitely felt the emotions of the authors` stories - get your tissues ready.

I devoured this book in a couple of days, Adelstein`s writing is enthralling and sucks you into the darker-side of Japan as well as aspects of his personal life.
Though the story doesn’t always follow a linear fashion is it well written and eventually everything comes together as a whole. I listened to the audiobook where the author reads the novel and he does a great job telling the stories — and the female narrator made for an interesting change

I definitely felt the emotions of the authors` stories - get yourself a box of tissues. There are definitely twists and turns and shows us that life is full of surprises as we work our way through it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC. This is my honest review.