Book cover of Tokyo Underworld: The Fast Times and Hard Life of an American Gangster in Japan

Book description

A riveting account of the role of Americans in the evolution of the Tokyo underworld in the years since 1945.

In the ashes of postwar Japan lay a gold mine for certain opportunistic, expatriate Americans.  Addicted to the volatile energy of Tokyo's freewheeling underworld, they formed ever-shifting but ever-profitable alliances…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Tokyo Underworld as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Though non-fiction, Whiting’s romp through the secret history of post-war Japan is more eye-popping than most novels. The “hero” is a rogue called Nick the Greek who brought pizza to Japan, amongst other more nefarious accomplishments. I myself knew Nick, loved his thick crust Margherita and believed at least half his stories of gangster showdowns, heists, and con jobs. They don’t make them like that anymore - thank God.

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Book cover of The Widow, The Priest and The Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island

The Widow, The Priest and The Octopus Hunter by Amy Chavez,

Amy Chavez buys an "akiya" (empty house) on a small island of 450 people in Japan's Seto Inland Sea. What she learns about the house, its previous inhabitants, and the secrets of her island neighbors leads to new understandings of an ancient culture.

Deeply rooted in their native Shinto religion,…

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