Books similar to what I am after would be
\- Confession of a dying Yakuza
\- Musui’s Story The Autobiography of a Tokugawa Samurai
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Yakuza book explains Yakuza used to be mainly gambling, prostitution and protection. Then explains WW2 in Japan and losing the war.
Musui was an average samurai who did not live an honorable life.
Both criminals/outcasts, both led interesting lives but were never famous or regarded as exceptional people.
Just an honest retelling of peoples lives, I love Asia but the stories don’t have to be about Asian people.
by whiteroom200