Kamikaze Biker : Parody and Anomy in Affluent Japan

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Summary: An analysis of the Boso-Zoku gang sociology in Japan
Review: In a search for more information on the Boso-Zoku (Speed Tribe) culture within Japan, I came accross this book. Instead of an entertaining volume, I found it to be more of a scientific study into the behaviors and sociology of the Boso and Yankee sub-cultures. While extremely informative, it is not for casual reading. I have rated it a seven based upon what it is, and educational volume.

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Summary: boso culture
Review: Sato's Kamikaze Biker is the definitive work on the bosozoku subculture. Sato situates the boso between extremes of delinquency and mere youth rebellion, taking them far less gravely than Japan's police and news media, recognizing their performance for the elaborate public spectacle it is. The bosozoku play with the (almost clichéd) Japanese fears of deviance, disorder, and rebellious youth, and wear their evilness on their sleeves. They adorn themselves with the symbols of the yakuza, kamikaze, uyoku, and mafia, becoming archetypical outcasts. Sato's work is valuable for getting the bosozoku's image for what it is- show- and not getting caught in the trap of assuming the bosozoku's actions match their image. Sato's exhaustive study of Kyoto bosozoku gangs at their peak in the early '80s should put to rest continuing demonization of the bosozoku by Japan's police and news media. Bosozoku were never a serious threat to society, and have decreased in number since the early '80s. If it dresses like a kamikaze, barks like a mobster, and rides bikes like a Hells Angel, it must be terrible, right? Kamikaze Biker gets at the reality beyond the boso mystique. For more see jingai.com