Apparently, Capone, Dillinger, and a bunch of other Chicago gangsters vacationed in God's own country, Wisconsin.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/travel/escapes/26Gangster.html?8dpc
But of course they did.
Gangsters have been on my mind lately because: a. Berlusconi has been in the news, b. Omuta is full of gangsters (especially our neighborhood),and c. gangsters are generally on my mind.
The yakuza--Japanese gangsters--can be recognized because they are the ONLY people in Japan, besides a few hipsters in Tokyo and foreigners, who have tattoos. It sounds a little funny, but since that is the case, tattoos are really intimidating here. The taboo has even worked its magic on Chrystal and I, who are a little frightened by a couple who live down the block, and are not afraid to bare their ink. That's the other thing: usually it's hidden.
Another distinguishing feature of the yakuza used to be the "punch perm," ie tightly permed hair poofed into a pompadour. This has gone out of fashion, but the thing is, Omuta is a little behind the times, and a few months ago I got the pleasure of observing an older dude with permed hair strolling the grocery aisles in a track suit . It was very strange: curls+track suit= both a New Jersey mobster... and an aging provincial Kyushu yakuza.
2 comments:
I don't suppose the mobster down the street would mind too much if you asked him politely if you could take his picture? And put it on the internet? So that we could see him?
or better yet, go visit the local beauty salon.
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