Yakuza of today have far less couth than the book's subject, which contrast makes the story that much more compelling.
I particularly like the subject's disregard for a life of privileged ease, instead embracing the adventurous life offered by the Japanese underworld.
Apparently Bob Dylan cited the book on an album; Bob aside, the book is tremendously fun to read.
The life of the hero is both interesting, and strangely depressing. He seems to show a lot of regret for his actions - and yet no effort was made in his confessing to cover them up.
The title fits quite well, also - it is just that, the confessions of a true Yakuza. While today, people think of pop culture portrayals of Yakuza as gunslinging, tourist-murdering hooligans, this sheds light on what Yakuza are traditionally.-Kana
Actually the book is somewhat slow and has a slightly callous feel, as the writer is recounting the somewhat-sad tales of an old man who was once a misguided youth drawn into the underworld economy - mostly before World War II.
Japan enthusiasts and cultural anthropologists should take note of this book, but those interested in reading about the more extreme modern-day yakuza should read one of three books:
1)Speed Tribes2)Tokyo Underworld3) Yakuza: Japan's Criminal Underworld
