Evaporated: Gone with the Gods
Campside Media / Sony Music Entertainment
What if someone close to you just … vanished one day? That happens to tens of thousands of families a year in Japan, and it happened to Jake Adelstein, too, back in 2018 — when his accountant disappeared, just before tax day. Adelstein, the author of Tokyo Vice, and co-host Shoko Plambeck go in search of that missing accountant, and take us on a journey into the fascinating and bizarre world of Japan’s johatsu, or “evaporated” people.
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Follow The Binge Crimes and The Binge Cases wherever you get your podcasts to get new stories on the first of the month, every month. Hit ‘Subscribe’ at the top of the The Evaporated: Gone With the Gods show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com. The Binge – feed your true crime obsession.
A Sony Music Entertainment and Campside Media production.
Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Evaporated: Gone With the Gods is part of The Binge - subscribe to listen to all episodes, all at once, ad-free right now.
From serial killer nurses to psychic scammers – The Binge is your home for true crime stories that pull you in and never let go.
Follow The Binge Crimes and The Binge Cases wherever you get your podcasts to get new stories on the first of the month, every month. Hit ‘Subscribe’ at the top of the The Evaporated: Gone With the Gods show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com. The Binge – feed your true crime obsession.
A Sony Music Entertainment and Campside Media production.
Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episodes
Mentioned books
6 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 54min
Episode 9: The Right to Disappear
The search for Morimoto uncovers unexpected challenges in tracking down missing individuals online. Humor blends with tension as the hosts navigate social media anonymity through creative tactics. They grapple with profound emotional implications surrounding those who choose to disappear, exploring autonomy and the impact on loved ones. A serendipitous reunion sparks reflections on past connections, while contrasting personal transformations in the workplace highlight societal pressures in Japan. The complexity of human relationships unfolds in poignant and unexpected ways.
13 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 56min
Episode 8: Conspiracy on the Coast
Delve into the mystery of disappearances along Japan's coast, sparked by a shocking ambush involving a couple. Personal stories reveal the heart-wrenching search for Megumi, a girl lost since 1977, and the emotional toll on her family. Explore the chilling history of North Korean abductions and its impact on Japanese society. Hear about the Yokota family's relentless pursuit of justice for Megumi. The tensions in Japan's role as a mediator between the U.S. and North Korea add layers to this haunting tale of loss and hope.
Dec 12, 2023 • 1h 4min
Episode 7: The March Room
In this engaging discussion, Caroline Gardine, a dedicated journalist based in Japan, shares her insights on the mysterious disappearance of French tourist Tiffaine Veron. She highlights the eerie atmosphere of Nikko, a city grappling with a history of vanishings. The conversation dives into the struggles families face against indifferent police investigations and cultural biases affecting cases of missing women. Caroline also reveals shocking discoveries in Tiffaine's case, shedding light on the complex interplay of locals, authorities, and media in their search for answers.
10 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 50min
Episode 6: Sakura Sachiko Does Not Exist
Jake and Shoko dive into a renowned detective school in Sapporo, honing their skills in missing persons cases. They explore the lighthearted world of Japanese jingles tied to their school, contrasting it with the gravity of their training. Through intense surveillance exercises, they navigate the challenges of uncovering truths while grappling with ethical dilemmas. The haunting narrative of Tufain Varane's disappearance intertwines personal stories and societal issues, revealing the emotional toll of those left behind.
12 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 55min
Episode 5: Vanishing By The Book
Dive into Japan's eerie world of disappearance manuals that offer methods for vanishing or executing the perfect crime. Explore the strange dynamics of disjointed interviews with writers and the unsettling contrast of identity and evasion. Discover the societal pressures linked to rising suicide rates, where anonymity amplifies tragedy. Unravel disturbing cases where apparent suicides may hide sinister motives. This journey reveals the dark art of disappearing and the psychological weight behind the desire to start anew.
10 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 37min
Episode 4: Pay or Sink
The mysterious Morimoto's life unravels with ties to the Yakuza and a sugar daddy scam. His former boss shares amusing yet troubling stories of deceit and turmoil. The podcast dives into Japan's complex workplace dynamics and the slippery nature of trust. As Morimoto vanishes, themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for justice take center stage, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats. Humor mingles with dark truths in a saga of ambition and the lengths people will go to in a financial crisis.
12 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 50min
Episode 3: Sugimoto! You Bastard!
Dive into Sugimoto-san's intriguing transition from successful golf course owner to van driver. Explore the harsh realities of Japan's golf course industry, facing overwhelming financial pressures and ominous debts. Discover the emotional turmoil tied to cultural expectations of responsibility. Personal stories reveal familial ties and the deep impact of debt on relationships. As dark secrets unfold, the investigation into Morimoto's disappearance adds layers of intrigue to this gripping narrative.
4 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 48min
Episode 2: Queen of the Night Movers
In this insightful discussion, Miho Saita, the CEO of a yonige company specializing in discreet escapes for those facing abuse or debt, shares her unique experiences. She unveils the shadowy world of night moving in Japan, including its ties to organized crime. Miho highlights the importance of creating safe exits for individuals in domestic violence situations, offering crucial support after they flee. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the emotional journeys of those seeking freedom and the resilience required to rebuild their lives.
12 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 53min
Episode 1: The Missing Accountant
An unsettling disappearance of an accountant spirals into chaos as friends uncover dark secrets. The discussion dives into Japanese cultural phenomena of mysterious vanishings and the haunting duality of trust and deception. Personal anecdotes mingle with chilling stories of organized crime and emotional turmoil, leading to a deeper exploration of societal issues around financial desperation. The complex dynamics of relationships in the professional sphere unfold, leaving listeners questioning the nature of loyalty and identity.
Dec 8, 2023 • 4min
Introducing... The Evaporated: Gone with the Gods
What drives people to intentionally vanish? This podcast dives into the cultural significance of disappearances in Japan, revealing deep-seated beliefs surrounding 'kamikakushi' and 'johatsu'. It examines the underground networks supporting those who choose to evaporate, raising ethical questions about aiding their escape. Additionally, the emotional toll on families left behind is explored, shedding light on the complex dynamics of loss and absence in society.
