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Jake shares his background as an author of three books, including 'Tokyo Vice', which was adapted into a TV series. He discusses his mini book tour and a lecture at the Japan Society about the evolution of organized crime in Japan over the last two decades. His expertise primarily lies in organized crime and Japanese politics, realms often overlooked or misunderstood. Jake's venture into journalism began as he aimed to cover the intricate world of the Yakuza and the influences shaping modern Japan.
The assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is examined, highlighting its implications on Japanese society and politics. Jake recounts a dramatic moment when he urged his daughter to cover the scene immediately after the event, emphasizing the urgency and gravity of the situation. The podcast sheds light on the motives behind Abe's assassination, connected to his political ties with the Unification Church, stirring public sentiment against him. This incident also underscores the complexities of organized crime and its intersection with political power in Japan.
Jake emphasizes the Yakuza's historical presence in Japanese society, tracing their roots and evolution over the past century. He notes how the Yakuza have organized themselves into various factions, often claiming to operate as humanitarian groups while engaging in criminal activities. The cultural context surrounding the Yakuza's operations is explored, revealing their dual image as both feared criminals and community figures. This complicated relationship illustrates Japan's struggle with organized crime's legitimacy versus its societal impact.
The podcast explores the relationship between the Yakuza and Japanese law enforcement, noting that the police often have a peculiar camaraderie with organized crime. Jake reveals that the police utilize various investigative tactics and strategies to interact with the Yakuza while maintaining an uneasy balance. Interestingly, the Yakuza are not seen as outright enemies by the police, as both organizations operate within a shared understanding. This dynamic complicates the public's perception of crime and authority in Japan.
Jake shares personal anecdotes about encountering violent situations while covering crime stories, including an intense brawl with a source under the influence of meth. This experience highlights the unpredictable nature of reporting on organized crime and the inherent dangers involved. Despite moments of peril, he expresses a resilience in navigating these encounters, showcasing the risks journalists often face in their pursuit of truth. These stories illustrate not only the challenges of crime reporting but also Jake's commitment to shedding light on the darker aspects of society.
A deeper discussion reflects on the cultural norms deeply embedded in Japanese society, including expectations of hierarchy and behavior. Jake recounts the amusing moment he declined a Yakuza boss's offer of companionship, instead requesting genuine information about rival gangs. This exchange underlines his firm stance on maintaining journalistic integrity, while also showcasing the code of respect inherent in Japanese culture. The discussion reveals how cultural nuances play a significant role in interpersonal interactions, especially within the Yakuza.
Jake reflects on his involvement in addressing human trafficking in Japan when working with the State Department, revealing the complexities surrounding the issue. He outlines how organized crime groups exploit vulnerabilities of women, often leading to alarming situations stemming from a mix of economic hardship and lack of support. His investigative efforts shed light on systemic issues and the way society can overlook the plight of those trapped in the cycle of exploitation. This work emphasizes the need for greater awareness and action toward addressing human trafficking.
In discussing the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, Jake highlights the corporate negligence that led to such a catastrophic event. He unravels connections between TEPCO and organized crime, revealing how corporations often shield their scandals by manipulating the system. This reflection on corporate corruption ties into a larger narrative about accountability and the impact of power on the environment and society. Jake's critique serves as a cautionary tale on the intersection of industry, politics, and public safety.
Jake describes the journey of adapting 'Tokyo Vice' into a television series, including the challenges of maintaining authenticity amidst creative liberties. His involvement throughout the scripting process ensured that core elements of the story and cultural nuances remained intact while navigating Hollywood's demands. The collaboration with talented producers and actors aimed to respectfully portray the complexities of Japanese society and criminal culture. His reflections underscore how storytelling can bridge cultural divides, bringing global attention to local issues.
Finally, Jake notes the declining influence of the Yakuza, with their membership shrinking significantly over the years. He examines how changing societal attitudes and stricter enforcement have led to shifts within organized crime structures. Jake's perspective invites discussion on the future of the Yakuza, drawing parallels with conventional criminal organizations facing similar pressures. This exploration of crime's evolution in Japan prompts larger questions about the societal response to organized crime and the implications for law and order.
SPONSOR
- ACORNS: https://www.acorns.com/julian
(***TIMESTAMPS in description below) ~ Jake Adelstein is an American journalist, crime writer, and blogger who has spent most of his career in Japan. He is the author of “Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan,” which inspired the 2022 Max original streaming television series Tokyo Vice, starring Ansel Elgort as Adelstein.
PATREON
https://www.patreon.com/JulianDorey
FOLLOW JULIAN DOREY
INSTAGRAM (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/juliandoreypodcast/
INSTAGRAM (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey/
X: https://twitter.com/julianddorey
GUEST LINKS
BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Tokyo-Noir-Out-Japans-Underworld/dp/1957363916
LISTEN to Julian Dorey Podcast
Spotify ▶ https://open.spotify.com/show/5skaSpDzq94Kh16so3c0uz
Apple ▶ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trendifier-with-julian-dorey/id1531416289
JULIAN YT CHANNELS
- SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Clips YT: https://www.youtube.com/@juliandoreyclips
- SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Daily YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianDoreyDaily
- SUBSCRIBE to Best of JDP: https://www.youtube.com/@bestofJDP
****TIMESTAMPS****
0:00 - Living in Japan, Shinzo Abe Assassination, Yakuza Boss Mob hit on Nurse
8:14 - Jake’s Obsession w/ Japanese Culture, Moving into Zen Buddhist Temple
18:05 - Japan Assimilation, Jake gets first gig in Japan
23:53 - Who are the Yakuza, Japan’s Class System
31:20 - 1992 Anti-Organized Crime Laws, Yakuza Commits Face Cutting-Crime
36:41 - Japanese Extreme Legal System, Jake Dating Mistress of Yakuza Boss
44:39 - Japanese Cop Helps, #1 Rule for Japanese Yakuza for Journalists, Jake attacked by Yakuza
50:19 - Turning Down his Last Yakuza Boss
54:06 - Corruption Scandal of Yakuza, Pr*stitution Laws, Tr*fficking Protection
59:22 - Police Officer Downloading Corn, Sotry of police protection ending
1:12:55 - Jake gets Police Protection, Bad Liver due to Tattoos, FBI Massive Failure
1:18:38 - Yakuza Boss Scared Japanese Citizens, Jake Finding FBI Angle
1:21:46 - The Story Nobody Will Print, Getting Kicked out of Yakuza
1:27:22 - 2 Faction Split of a Yakuza Gang Story, Yakuza Boss Gives Death Threat to Jake
1:34:11 - Major Leaders Targeting Jake (Death Threats), Getting Photo of Major Boss (Hiding Out)
1:42:26 - Japanese Customs, HT in Japan, Bush Administration Issues
1:52:15 - HT Gang Stopped & Laws Strengthened
1:56:12 - Leaving State Department, Yakuza Infiltrating Massive Companies, Fukushima Nuclear Disaster
2:02:12 - Jake Doing Favor for Yakuza Member Story, Getting Info from Yakuza
2:10:22 - HBO Series on Yakuza Series & Working w/ J.T. Rodgers, Tokyo Vice
2:18:00 - Hollywood Changes to Series, Bizarre Gun Rules of Japan, Jake’s Books and Stories
2:25:45 - Fukushima Disaster still Happening, Demographic Birthrate disaster in Japan
2:33:31 - The Fall of the Yakuza
CREDITS:
- Host & Producer: Julian Dorey
- Producer & Editor: Alessi Allaman - https://www.instagram.com/allaman.docyou/
Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 262 - Jake Adelstein
Music by Artlist.io
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