Economics 101: The Yakuza Barometer

A look at why the yakuza hitting the books is a sure-fire sign that the economy is hitting rock bottom, by Bloomberg’s William Pesek, with added flavor from Jake Adelstein. Oct. 7 (Bloomberg) — Japan’s underworld can tell you a lot about what’s happening in the legitimate economy. Gangsters are on the run as growth wanes and deflation worsens. Yet the oddest development by far involves yakuza members sitting for exams covering key... Read More

“Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation in Japan. The New Victims: Japanese Teenagers”

子ども性被害防止で相談ＨＰ Note: I’ve been working with the Polaris Project Japan, a non-profit organization that combats human trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and children, since 2005 and recently agreed to be their temporary public relations director.  In the last year, a lot of the calls coming to Polaris Project Japan were concerning Japanese teenage women who appeared to have been forced into the sex industry–not... Read More

Prostitution isn’t just for Professionals anymore! How to find a high-paying job in Japan’s Sex Industry.

“HEY GIRLS! EARN BIG MONEY IN YOUR SPARE TIME! EVERY DAY IS PAYDAY! BONUS PROVIDED! WE HAVE CUTE UNIFORMS! AND ALL THE MALE CUSTOMERS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR CONDOMS!” In Japan, prostitution isn’t just for professionals anymore. The quasi-legal sex industry in Japan is estimated to be a multi-billion dollar market and all signs indicate that it continues to grow. In an otherwise stagnant economy, despite the efforts of the local police to contain... Read More