About the book
\"A fascinating look at some fascinating people who show how democracy advances hand in hand with crime in Japan.\"--Mario Puzo
In this unorthodox chronicle of the rise of Japan, Inc., Robert Whiting, author of You Gotta Have Wa, gives us a fresh perspective on the economic miracle and near disaster that is modern Japan.
Through the eyes of Nick Zappetti, a former GI, former black marketer, failed professional wrestler, bungling diamond thief who turned himself into \"the Mafia boss of Tokyo and the king of Rappongi,\" we meet the players and the losers in the high-stakes game of postwar finance, politics, and criminal corruption in which he thrived. Here's the story of the Imperial Hotel diamond robbers, who attempted (and may have accomplished) the biggest heist in Tokyo's history. Here is Rikidozan, the professional wrestler who almost single-handedly revived Japanese pride, but whose own ethnicity had to be kept secret. And here is the story of the intimate relationships shared by Japan's ruling party, its financial combines, its ruthless criminal gangs, the CIA, American Big Business, and perhaps at least one presidential relative. Here is the underside of postwar Japan, which is only now coming to light.
Editions of Tokyo Underworld
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780679419761
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780375724893
- EBook
- ISBN 9780307765178
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780593286425
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780593286432
Read an Excerpt
\"A fascinating look at some fascinating people who show how democracy advances hand in hand with crime in Japan.\"--Mario Puzo
In this unorthodox chronicle of the rise of Japan, Inc., Robert Whiting, author of You Gotta Have Wa, gives us a fresh perspective on the economic miracle and near disaster that is modern Japan.
Through the eyes of Nick Zappetti, a former GI, former black marketer, failed professional wrestler, bungling diamond thief who turned himself into \"the Mafia boss of Tokyo and the king of Rappongi,\" we meet the players and the losers in the high-stakes game of postwar finance, politics, and criminal corruption in which he thrived. Here's the story of the Imperial Hotel diamond robbers, who attempted (and may have accomplished) the biggest heist in Tokyo's history. Here is Rikidozan, the professional wrestler who almost single-handedly revived Japanese pride, but whose own ethnicity had to be kept secret. And here is the story of the intimate relationships shared by Japan's ruling party, its financial combines, its ruthless criminal gangs, the CIA, American Big Business, and perhaps at least one presidential relative. Here is the underside of postwar Japan, which is only now coming to light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tokyo Underworld about?
\"A fascinating look at some fascinating people who show how democracy advances hand in hand with crime in Japan.\"--Mario Puzo
In this unorthodox chronicle of the rise of Japan, Inc., Robert Whiting, author of You Gotta Have Wa, gives us a fresh perspective on the economic miracle and near disaster that is modern Japan.
Through the eyes of Nick Zappetti, a former GI, former black marketer, failed professional wrestler, bungling diamond thief who turned himself into \"the Mafia boss of Tokyo and the king of Rappongi,\" we meet the players and the losers in the high-stakes game of postwar finance, politics, and criminal corruption in which he thrived. Here's the story of the Imperial Hotel diamond robbers, who attempted (and may have accomplished) the biggest heist in Tokyo's history. Here is Rikidozan, the professional wrestler who almost single-handedly revived Japanese pride, but whose own ethnicity had to be kept secret. And here is the story of the intimate relationships shared by Japan's ruling party, its financial combines, its ruthless criminal gangs, the CIA, American Big Business, and perhaps at least one presidential relative. Here is the underside of postwar Japan, which is only now coming to light.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Tokyo Underworld?
History and Archaeology > History > Asian history
Where can I read a sample of Tokyo Underworld?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780679419761
Is Tokyo Underworld part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Vintage Departures
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Tokyo Underworld?
Robert Whiting
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Tokyo Underworld is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780679419761) and paperback(ISBN 9780375724893) and ebook(ISBN 9780307765178) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593286425) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593286432)
Where can I buy Tokyo Underworld online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Tokyo Underworld from below
Where can I buy Tokyo Underworld?