Jake Adelstein takes readers into the world of the yakuza in Japan, revealing a surprising level of admiration for these tattooed gangsters. Yakuza fan magazines glamorize their lifestyle, detailing their elaborate ceremonial events and apparent dedication to traditional values while glossing over their criminal activities. The magazines often feature interviews with yakuza bosses and explicit content, including articles on sex clubs and foreigner crimes. Despite a recent shift to include more realistic coverage of yakuza crimes, these fan magazines continue to thrive, facing competition from manga-style books. Adelstein’s insightful perspective sheds light on a dark and complex underworld.
https://publishingperspectives.com/2009/10/the-strange-world-of-yakuza-fan-magazines/