What do You think about Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter On The Police Beat In Japan (2009)?
I am not ambivalent, but it is really hard to explain why I liked this book so much. Adelstein has given us a very good insight into the Japanese culture, but I have to think it is a limited slice - then again maybe not. His job as a reporter puts him at a disadvantage covering the crime beat - and this as an American of Jewish heritage in Tokyo. Yet he makes his mark on those terms. Now, on the crime beat you have to think that he is seeing mostly the less-attractive side of Japanese culture; yet, as he tells it, you come away thinking you know something of this wonderful place and want to know more of the same. Even in facing danger from the Japanese underworld he seems to do us a service.
—1221
In many ways a good read...I currently am an expat living in Tokyo so could relate to many of the experiences - especially in terms of the culture here. But I thought the series of vignettes seemed awkward and at times confusing - especially in terms of time sequence. Also thought the author was incredibly full of himself - he made sure to describe multiple times his sexual prowess - even after he was married. There is a fair amount of sociopathy here - which he rationalizes away as sort of "when you swim with fish you get wet" kind of thing. By the end I just wanted it to be over....
—Vicki
Very good read, definitely check it out if you're interested in Japan's underground at all.
—popoang
In Japan , make sure your socks match
—bou_bou
