Tiny, frail and beautiful, it is hard to believe the hardships endured by 37-year-old Shoko Tendo. But the dragon tattoo that peeks from her sleeve is a hint that she has spent most of her life living on the fringes of mainstream Japanese society, as a me member of a yakuza family. Tiny, frail and beautiful, it is hard to believe the hardships endured by 37-year-old Shoko Tendo. But the dragon tattoo that peeks from her sleeve is a hint that she has spent most of her life living on the fringes of mainstream Japanese society, as a me member of a yakuza family. One of four children
Shōko Tendō Books
January 1, 1968
Shoko Tendo embodies a striking contrast between traditional Japanese aesthetics and the harsh realities of her past. Her extensive tattoos, featuring mythological creatures and vivid scenes, serve as a powerful symbol of her upbringing as the daughter of a yakuza gangster and her youth involved in illicit activities. Tendo's writing delves into the hidden workings of organized crime, exploring how societal pressures force these groups to adapt and become more elusive. Her work offers a profound look at identity and the search for belonging.
