The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Season 14 Episode 147 Jake Adelstein
- November 16, 2009
-
6.6 (29)
Jake Adelstein is the guest of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart for season 14 episode 147. Jake Adelstein is a journalist and author who has written books on crime, organized crime, yakuza, Japan and its culture. Jon Stewart and Jake Adelstein start the show by talking about the death of Osama Bin Laden. Jake Adelstein gives a Japanese perspective on the news and how the Japanese people feel about it. They also talk about the practices of yakuza, which Adelstein covered during his time as a reporter in Japan.
Jon Stewart asks Jake Adelstein about his book that he wrote on the topic, and how he was able to get close to the yakuza. Jake Adelstein explains that he was able to get close to the yakuza by speaking fluent Japanese, as the yakuza do not trust foreigners. He also explains that the yakuza does have codes of conduct and sometimes works with the police. However, he also mentions that they are involved in many illegal activities, too.
Jake Adelstein talks about the sex trade in Japan and the trafficking of women. He explains how there are many loopholes in Japan's laws that allow for human trafficking to go unrecognized. He also mentions that there is a large market for underage girls in Japan. Jon Stewart asks Jake Adelstein how Japan's view on sexuality allows for this type of behavior to occur. Adelstein explains that Japan's culture is very different from the US, and that sex is not seen as a taboo in Japan. However, he also explains that Japan's attitude towards sex is changing, and that there are movements to make changes in the country.
They then move on to talk about media outlets and how they report on crime and the yakuza. Jake Adelstein explains that the media is limited in what they can report on, because they do not want to upset the yakuza, who can be very violent towards people who cross them. He also talks about how he has received death threats from the yakuza for reporting on them. Jon Stewart asks Jake Adelstein if he is fearful for his safety. Jake Adelstein mentions that he is, but he does not let it stop him from reporting on the things he believes in.
Jon Stewart and Jake Adelstein talk about Japan's relationship with China and North Korea. Adelstein explains that Japan has a lot of issues with China, including territorial disputes and tensions dating back to World War II. He also talks about how North Korea is viewed in Japan and how the Japanese fear that North Korea could potentially launch nuclear weapons at them.
The conversation then turns to Jake Adelstein's time reporting on crime in the United States. Jon Stewart asks him how reporting on crime in America differs from reporting on crime in Japan. Jake Adelstein explains that the US has a more open culture and that it is easier to report on crime in the US. However, he also mentions that the US has its own set of problems when it comes to crime and that there is a lot of work that needs to be done to address those issues.
Overall, the episode is an insightful conversation with Jake Adelstein on a variety of topics ranging from yakuza to human trafficking. Jon Stewart and Jake Adelstein discuss important issues in a respectful and articulate manner. The episode presents a unique and fascinating look into Japan's culture, politics, and media. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in Japan or crime journalism.