Tokyo Vice is a non-fiction book written by Jake Adelstein, an American journalist who spent 12 years working as a police reporter in Japan. The author offers readers an inside look at the seedy and often dangerous world of Tokyo’s Yakuza gangs, while also detailing his own struggles with alcohol addiction and depression.
For who is this book for ?
Tokyo Vice is for readers who are interested in learning about the dark side of Japan, as well as those who appreciate honest and first-hand accounts of what it’s like to live with addiction and depression.
Pros :
- The author offers readers an insightful look into the seedy and dangerous world of Tokyo’s Yakuza gangs.
- The book is a fascinating read for anyone interested in travel & tourism, as well as law enforcement.
- Adelstein’s own personal struggles make for compelling reading.
Cons :
- The author’s writing style can be dry and hard to follow at times.
- The book is often graphic and disturbing, which may not be appropriate for all readers.
- Adelstein’s personal story dominates the narrative, making it difficult to learn about Japanese crime syndicates in depth.
Learn more about the author
Jake Adelstein was born and raised in the Midwest United States, where he worked as a crime reporter for 12 years. He relocated to Japan in 2005, and began writing Tokyo Vice – an inside look at the seedy underbelly of Japanese organized crime.
Reader Reviews
” Compelling and deeply disturbing, Tokyo Vice is the story of an American journalist’s descent into the dark heart of Japan’s criminal underworld. “
“A great, gritty read. . . Much of the book is graphic and disturbing, but it’s also a fascinating look at an aspect of Japan that few outsiders ever see.”
“Tokyo Vice is a riveting,corruption busting read. I couldn’t put it down.”
“Tokyo Vice is a fantastic, gripping read and Adelstein has done an amazing job of exposing the seedy underbelly of Japanese society. This book should be mandatory reading for anyone who plans to visit or live in Japan.”
