Unveiling the Yakuza: A Journey Through Crime

Summary

In this episode of Cold Red, host Ray Carr and Fitz interview Jake Adelstein, a journalist and author known for his work on organized crime in Japan, particularly the Yakuza. Jake shares his journey from Missouri to Tokyo, his experiences living in a Zen Buddhist temple, and his insights into Japanese culture and language. The conversation delves into the complexities of the Yakuza, their societal role, and the brutal violence associated with gang wars. Jake also discusses human trafficking in Japan and his investigative work on medical murders in Missouri, highlighting the challenges of exposing crime and corruption. The episode concludes with reflections on Jake's books and the adaptation of his work into the HBO series Tokyo Vice.

Keywords

Jake Adelstein, Tokyo Vice, Yakuza, human trafficking, organized crime, Zen Buddhism, Japanese culture, medical murders, crime investigation, HBO series