- Mon. Jan 13th, 2025
Middle school girl suspected of prostituting classmates
A JR West Hiroshima staff was arrested February 16 for paying ¥70,000 to a middle school girl for sexual favours in a karaoke box last July. The 48-year-old man told police that…
English Conversation (Eikaiwa) a con game? Engrish lessons from Yakuza 3
The critically acclaimed game, Yakuza 3 (龍が如く３) had a lot cut out of the American version. One of the more interesting scenarios scrubbed was the lead character, ex-yakuza boss, Kiryu’s…
Fukuoka English teacher on trial for molesting 15 students
An American man has gone to trial after being accused of molesting 15 girls at the English conversation school he managed in Fukuoka. Alan Neil Lamph, 70, was arrested under…
JSRC Facebook page now up!
The Japan Subculture Research Center now finally has its own Facebook page. Give it a like to stay updated on what’s happening and to meet other JSRC readers! Japan Subculture…
The last Japanese man remaining in Kazakhstan: A Kafkian tale of the plight of a Japanese POW in the Soviet Union
Richard Orange, noted foreign correspondent and Ikuru Kuwajima, a photojournalist in Central Asia and long-time contributor to Japan Subculture Research Center, worked to put together this this fascinating piece about…
How to speak dramatic death and destruction: yakuza lingo
Film buffs and Japanophiles delight: The Japan Times ran a great article by film reviewer Mark Schilling about lines in various yakuza flicks, using some solid classics like the Jingi…
Sumo Wrestlers Fixed Matches, But Who Gave The Orders?
Japanese police sources are saying that there is evidence sumo wrestlers contacted each other via cell-phone to fix sumo matches in advance. AFP has an excellent piece on the recent…
Event: Yakuza fiction vs fact at the New York Japan Society
For those in the New York area, Jake Adelstein will be appearing at the Japan Society’s event, “Yakuza in Popular Media & Real Life: Cracks & Chasms”, on March 10…
Pervy police inspector wrangles kiss out of fellow officer
A Hyogo officer had aggravated assault filed against him after he forced a subordinate female officer to kiss him in their police car while on patrol. Hyogo police officials apologised…
In Tokyo, Komatsu-gumi head arrested for extortion; Yamaguchi Kodo-kai Nearing Decimation
Police arrested the head of the Yamaguchi-gumi Kodo-kai-affiliated Komatsu-gumi on January 29 under suspicion of attempted blackmail after he reportedly tried to extort money out of a company executive. Police…