One of Japan's biggest cultural exports is its martial arts: karate, judo, aikido, kendo. Back before anime got really big, Japanese martial arts was one of the big draws that got Westerners saying “I wanna move to … [Read more...]
The Yamaguchi family, based out of Kobe, is the largest yakuza family in Japan, and one of the most powerful organized crime syndicates in the world. The family boasts about 39,000 members, makes billions of dollars every … [Read more...]
Even though I live in America, a country with a questionable (to say the least) justice system, the Japanese justice system sometimes seems much more harsh (just take a look at Japanese drugs laws). But the more I learn … [Read more...]
Over the last couple of months, I've developed a minor obsession with North Korea. I've devoured documentaries (like the excellent Vice documentary) and books (like the amazing Nothing to Envy) and I'm just astounded by … [Read more...]
Not every celebrity is a movie star or a singer. Sometimes fame comes from more unexpected places. In Issei Sagawa's case, he became famous from eating another person. Yes, you read that right -- Sagawa is a cannibal, … [Read more...]
Normally when you think of crime, you think about young people. You know, those damn teenagers with their loud music writing graffiti and getting in fights and that sort of thing. That perception might be changing in … [Read more...]