In this gripping episode with **Masaji Muranaka**, a U.S.-born private investigator based in Japan and the author of *Yakuza and the Underworld*. Masaji offers rare insight into the secretive world of Japan's organized crime syndicates. **Highlights include:** * 📚 How his studies in criminal justice and Japanese culture led him to research the **Yakuza** * 🔍 His decade-long investigation, including interviews with **current and former Yakuza members** * 💼 Surprising revelations about the **Yakuza’s role in business, politics, and entertainment** * 🕵️♂️ Personal risks and threats he faced while uncovering the truth * ⚖️ Why Japan’s anti-Yakuza legislation may be more symbolic than effective * 🌐 How the Yakuza are adapting to modern technologies like the **dark web** * 🌏 Masaji’s latest focus on the **Chinese Dragon mafia** and their human trafficking operations Masaji also reflects on the **emotional toll** of researching brutal cases involving human trafficking, and his hope that readers of his book will gain a **deeper understanding of Japan beyond anime and Hello Kitty**. 📖 *Yakuza and the Underworld* is available in **English and Japanese**. 🔗 Learn more or get in touch: 🌐 https://www.yaminotantei.org/ 📧 [soudan@yaminotantei.org](mailto:soudan@yaminotantei.org) 📱 +81 50-5050-8925 📺 YouTube, Twitter: @yaminotantei
