Jake Adelstein – Japanese Yakuza Expert and Author of 'Tokyo Vice'

For the first time on Inside the Life, Giovanni and Dutch speak with a member of the news media, investigative journalist Jake Adelstein. Living and working in Japan for more than 30 years, including on the crime beat for Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, Adelstein details the unique relationship he fostered with law enforcement and the many yakuza syndicates he covered as a journalist. Depicted in HBO’s 2022 “Tokyo Vice” series, Adelstein also shares the real story of his groundbreaking Washington Post exposé on the FBI’s role in a yakuza boss Tadamasa Goto’s life-saving liver transplant at UCLA.

About Jake Adelstein:

Jake Adelstein is an American expat and investigative journalist who specialized in organized crime and corruption during his 12 years as the first foreign journalist at Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper. Known for his fearless exposés, he famously revealed yakuza boss Tadamasa Goto's FBI-assisted liver transplant, resulting in threats against his life. Adelstein's groundbreaking memoir, "Tokyo Vice," chronicling his gripping experiences amidst the Japanese underworld, has been adapted into an HBO series. His reporting continues to offer rare insights into the shadowy ties between crime, law enforcement and politics in Japan.  

To purchase a copy of Jake’s newest book, “Tokyo Noir,” visit https://a.co/d/c3a2dzG

Produced by The Mob Museum.

To watch episodes of this podcast, visit YouTube

For behind-the-scenes photos, merchandise and exclusive content, visit insidethelife.org

For more on the Museum visit themobmuseum.org

This program is presented by The Mob Museum and includes views and opinions of independent panelists and/or interviewees that do not necessarily reflect or represent the stance of The Mob Museum. Factual statements made by panelists/interviewees have also not been vetted by the Museum, and the Museum does not assert that such statements are truthful. All statements should be understood as the individual’s perspective rather than a view expressed by The Mob Museum.

This program has been made available by The Mob Museum for the private, non-commercial use of its audience. Such private use is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This program is subject to copyright protection, and those seeking to utilize the program or portions thereof, for anything other than private use should contact The Mob Museum at [email protected].