Yakuza: Japan’s Criminal Underworld - Kaplan & Dubro (25th Anniversary)

For readers who want clear context behind Japan’s criminal underworld—and the culture around it—Yakuza by David E. Kaplan and Alec Dubro is a serious reference. It’s investigative reporting built to be understood: structure, history, and the real-world reach of organized crime beyond the myths.

First published in the 1980s and long regarded as a standard English-language source on the subject, Yakuza traces Japan’s crime syndicates from their early roots through postwar power networks to modern, business-facing operations and international expansion.

Rather than focusing on spectacle, the book lays out the mechanics: how syndicates organize, where influence shows up, and how crime can weave into politics and everyday economies. It’s the kind of title that rewards slow reading and gives you stronger footing—whether you’re studying Japanese culture, researching history, or trying to understand the world behind yakuza imagery.

What you’ll find inside

• Early history and origin stories
• Postwar development and political connections
• The modern syndicates and corruption networks
• Overseas expansion and global markets

Content note: This book discusses organized crime and may include topics such as violence, drugs and the sex trade, presented in a journalistic and historical context.

Book details

• Title: Yakuza
• Authors: David E. Kaplan & Alec Dubro
• Language: English
• Pages: 422
• Size: 15.24 × 2.79 × 22.86 cm