To be totally honest, I should never really have stumbled across this book – I was bored in the university library, so I headed over to the Japanese section and started flicking through books. None of them really caught my eye, although I was only reading about two sentences of each. When I picked up Yakuza Moon, however, I was greeted with a harrowing passage about sexual assault, told from the perspective of the victim. Real facts mixed with real emotions. I was literally taken aback, and I took the book to read more to see if the author could justify writing such horrors rather than for the story.
This happened at around 11 this morning. It’s now 2am, and I’ve read the book cover to cover over the last few hours. I know the phrase “page turner” is banded around all over the place, but the only time I stopped reading this book was to walk home in the rain so I could lie on my bed, which is marginally more comfortable than the wooden benches of the library.
The book follows, in incredible detail, author Shoko Tendo’s astonishing childhood, which involves but is not limited to getting into organized fights with gang members, inhaling dizzying amounts of paint thinner, and dancing to Boogie Wonderland. Awesome stuff. The majority of the content however takes a much darker tone, and at points it’s hard to remember that this is an autobiography and not some horror story – Tendo’s suffering at the hand of her sadistic lover Ito turns him into more of a villain than Heathcliffe ever was.
Furthermore, having finished the book, I was overjoyed to discover by doing some research, that I’m not the only one to find this opus. Quite a few blogs and reviews have appeared, all heralding Tendo as a magnificent writer and survivor of some of the worst elements of contemporary Japan. I’ve put a few links at the bottom of this post, so do take a look.
One thing that is talked about in the book at length, and appears in the cover, is Tendo’s amazing tattoos. I had a bit of a dig around, and have posted the best photos I could find of her. Safe to say it must have hurt like hell, but it’s clearly worth it. Those who believe tattoos are nothing but ugly may want to reconsider.
I would encourage anyone to read this book but with a sincere warning – this is not a children’s book at all. Inside are tales of rape, sexual assault, drug abuse, incarceration, violence and frequent bad language. If you can stand all that, it’s an incredibly effective way of making the reader do what Tendo had to learn years ago – to shut up and listen. Here’s hoping her next attempt is just as brutally effective as Yakuza Moon. Anybody who wanted to find out more about the Yakuza couldn’t do better than give Yakuza Moon a spin – just don’t expect bunnies and flowers.
Links
Crafty Ginger : Yakuza Moon – Review
Simmoril’s Domain: Book Review: Yakuza Moon
Asian Review Of Books: Review: Yakuza Moon
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I keep meaning to pick this us, sounds like my type of book, nothing like a harrowing tale of a brutal sexual assault to send you to sleep at night.
Tom: It’s quite a harrowing story to be honest, but it’s a great read. Definitly going to pick up her other stuff as it comes :)
looks like a good recommendation, I am one of those ppl who hate tattoos, but with this i’ll make an exeption
I actually saw this book too in the Western Bank library the other day when I was just browsing the shelves. If only second year Japanese Studies permitted leisure time I might have picked it up as well.
Jamaipanese: It’s truly awesome – well worth a read.
Joe: Hah! I got there first :) It’s not a long book, you might be able to squeeze it into a sunday or something
is it in english? would sure like to read it.
Travis: Indeed it is – it was written in Japanese first but translated not long ago.
I’ve just currently picked up this book and am 3/4 thru it…it’s a brutal autobiography, and the poor woman has had a hell of a life. I think her irezumi (tattoo) work is amazing, beautiful and very empowering.
I hope her life is better now…it sure as hell couldn’t be any worse!
kitsune_13 : Well said. I think it’s a horrifying story but it’s even scarier when you remember it’s all true. Brrr.
Well, i’ve just read that book. I i also have the same feeling as yours. I caught by the story of how a so young nice girl turn into such a wild yangki. Moreover, it’s real. It’s great book to whom who has no self identity or never found it yet. Yes…it’s open mi mind that as a woman, we also have a chance to change our life and choose the best way in life.
juz bought it 6 hrs ago and read it in 2 hrs. breathtaking, provoking, heart-shattering, and i juz couldnt handle the reality. it was so bitter, and taught us to be thankful for even the smallest gift of life given.
lienha astuti & bonnie: I agree with both of you, and the fact it’s real, as I said before, is just amazing. I wonder what her other books will be like – I’d love to see her write some fiction with elements of Yakuza Moon in it.
Great story I just bought it yesterday and finish it, wow I am amaze with her exp, His father really love her in different way and now she became a strong lady sadly she leave Taka. Aaaaahh AMAZING STORY
Valery: I agree. Love this book, thinking of re-reading it this year too :D
I just finished read this book…
Gosh… what a live Shoko been through…
I tears my eyes on the chapter when Shoko remember how she had give such a difficult situation to her parrents….
What I get from this book, that family bond is a very important… no matter what and who we are… those who have family should be grateful.
love this book so much… ^_^