Interesting history of Japan post WWII. The enemy swoops on, drops tons of money, massive corruption ensues…mostly centers on an American Italian New York mafia guy who booms and busts and booms and bust working the corruption.

An exceptionally well informed, impassioned and detailed study of Japan's post war development, the rise of the yakuza, and the problems of being a gaijin in an alien culture, all told through the lens of the life story of an American gangster cum entrepreneur. A brilliant book, remarkably well organised, penetrating, sad, nostalgic, and witty. ( )

A interesting piece of journalistic expose & biography, Whiting uses the life of Nick Zappetti (former American occupation soldier, small time hood, & pizzeria proprieator) as a through-line in which to tell the large story of institutionalized corruption that has taken root in Japan since the end of WW2.
It's a fast, interesting read that while presenting no overall thesis concerning organized crime or institutional corruption in Japan is quite informative on these thru the illustration of several running themes. ( )

Autobiographical account of an expat American's life in Japan. An interesting look into Japan after its defeat after the war, but nothing you can't live without. ( )

Grossly engaging book on the Japanese mafia, including both personal narratives and historical overviews. ( )