I just read half of this book today for class and I have to say it is one of the most engaging books about Japanese government and politics that I have read.

As boring as the general subject is, this book was extremely engaging.

It is extremely amazing to me as an American of how widely accepted and blatant Tanaka's forms of political bribery were accepted among the general public. (even if most of the support still remained in his hometown Niigata).

Anyone else have any thoughts on Tanaka Kakuei or political corruption in Japan???

Isn't the Yakuza in Japan very blatant and out-in-the-open, similar to 1920's New York Families? I had heard it is public knowledge who bribes who what and when, but no one does anything about it. If anyone knows anything, yes, please share, we are all interested.

I think it is that way myself. Just from hanging out in Shinjuku I know where 2 Yakuza headquarters are. It's hard to miss all of there dark limos all lined up on a tiny street in front of a skidish building. :die_laughing:

But yea I think you are right in how it is like old N.Y. & Chicago everyone knows who they are err ( at least that they are here) and just turn a blind eye.