Originally aired in January 2025, this episode of Deep in Japan features my conversation with investigative journalist Jake Adelstein about his book The Last Yakuza. The book follows Makoto Saigo, a half-American, half-Japanese man whose failed rock star dreams led him into the world of the yakuza. Through Saigo’s story, Jake explores the history, codes, and brutal realities of Japan’s underworld.
Enjoying the show? Please consider supporting us—every little bit helps keep the podcast going. And be sure to join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @DeepinJapanPod and Facebook. For all inquiries, you can reach us at deep.in.japan.podcast@gmail.com.
The outro, Hotel Gokudo, can be found here on Jeff's Suno page. Trevor's can be found here.
Thanks for listening, fellow travelers of the ear.
Yoroshiku and rockets. 🚀
Enjoying the show? Please consider supporting us—every little bit helps keep the podcast going. And be sure to join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) @DeepinJapanPod and Facebook. For all inquiries, you can reach us at deep.in.japan.podcast@gmail.com.
The outro, Hotel Gokudo, can be found here on Jeff's Suno page. Trevor's can be found here.
Thanks for listening, fellow travelers of the ear.
Yoroshiku and rockets. 🚀