Staying true to yourself: An evening with Jake Adelstein

Last week, I attended a Japan Society event featuring Jake Adelstein and his newest book, The Devil Takes Bitcoin. The room was packed, and the energy was electric, people asked sharp, fascinating questions that sparked deep discussion. If you’ve read Tokyo Vice, first published in 2009, you know Jake is a master storyteller: sharp, fearless, and utterly captivating.

Hearing him speak live reminded me why I’ve been a fan since his first book came out. He doesn’t just tell stories; he pulls you into them with his voice, his timing, and his ability to make complex truths feel immediate and real. And for me, it’s more than storytelling; it’s a reminder of what it means to stay true to yourself, even when that path comes with risk and resistance.