Away Days Podcast: Reporting from the Underbelly
Episode: Organized Crime on the Hanshin Expressway
Release Date: August 4, 2025
Host: Jake Hanrahan
Producer: H11 Studio and Cool Zone Media Osaka
Introduction
In this gripping episode, Jake Hanrahan delves deep into the clandestine world of Osaka's street racing scene, uncovering the intricate connections between illegal racing enthusiasts and organized crime. Through immersive storytelling and firsthand accounts, Hanrahan paints a vivid picture of the underground culture that thrives beneath the neon-lit streets of Japan.
Meeting the Kanjo Racing Crew
Timestamp: [02:07]
Jake begins his journey in a bustling blue-collar district of Osaka, setting the stage with vibrant descriptions of the night scene—street stalls, family restaurants, and the constant hum of daily life. His mission: to negotiate access to film a large-scale multi-car Civic race on the Kanjo Loop.
Notable Quote:
"You can't understand the culture behind all of this properly if you don't see it firsthand." — Jake Hanrahan [02:07]
Upon arriving at a Korean restaurant arranged by the Kanjo crew, Jake and his team meet the group's leader— a towering figure with a formidable presence—and his mechanically inclined second-in-command. The initial meeting underscores the importance of cultural etiquette, particularly the Japanese tradition of gift-giving.
Cultural Insights: The Art of Gift-Giving in Japan
Timestamp: [05:30]
Jake emphasizes the significance of gift-giving in Japanese culture, explaining that it's more than just an exchange of items—it’s a ritual that conveys respect and gratitude. He meticulously describes the proper way to present a gift, highlighting the artful wrapping and the modesty expected in such exchanges.
Notable Quote:
"Japanese gifting isn't about the object. It's about maintaining balance, recognizing relationships, and expressing thoughtfulness in a way that keeps the social fabric smooth and intact." — Jake Hanrahan [06:15]
Armed with this knowledge, Jake gifts the crew with copies of Max Power Magazine, a nostalgic nod to his British roots and its influence on car culture.
Rejection and Revelation: Unveiling Yakuza Ties
Timestamp: [09:50]
The tension peaks when Jake presents the magazines. Contrary to his expectations, the gifts are dismissed nonchalantly, sparking confusion. This moment reveals deeper layers of the crew’s affiliations.
Notable Quote:
"Suddenly it doesn't feel like the good idea it did when I was back home." — Jake Hanrahan [11:00]
Jake's revelation that the boss and his crew bear traditional irezumi tattoos—a hallmark of Yakuza membership—unveils the crew's organized crime connections. The display of tattoos, typically associated with criminality in Japan, signifies the crew's deep-seated ties to the underworld.
Notable Quote:
"Tattoos in Japan are seen very differently to how they are in the West. Historically, they've been associated with criminality, particularly the Yakuza." — Jake Hanrahan [12:30]
The Arrest: A Sudden Turn of Events
Timestamp: [16:05]
Just as trust begins to build, news breaks that the crew leader has been arrested on weapons charges. Jake reflects on Japan's stringent firearm laws and the improbability of illegal gun possession, especially among organized crime groups like the Yakuza.
Notable Quote:
"If you're caught in possession of an illegal firearm in Japan, to put it bluntly, you are fucked. Potentially looking at 10 years in prison." — Jake Hanrahan [18:20]
The arrest not only halts Jake's initial plans but also exposes the precarious balance between illegal street racing and organized crime in Osaka.
Transition to Touge Racing: Exploring a Different Underculture
Timestamp: [20:45]
Undeterred by the setback, Jake shifts focus to Touge Racing, an alternative underground racing scene centered around Japan's mountainous passes. Unlike the fast-paced Kanjo races, Touge emphasizes precision, rhythm, and harmony between driver and machine.
Notable Quote:
"Touge is a dance between man, machine, and nature." — Jake Hanrahan [22:10]
Jake provides a comprehensive overview of Touge, detailing the differences between Grip Drivers and Drifters within the scene. Grip Drivers focus on maintaining maximum traction and precision, while Drifters prioritize style and controlled chaos.
Understanding the Risks and Code of Conduct
Timestamp: [25:00]
The episode delves into the inherent dangers of Touge Racing. With treacherous mountain roads and the ever-present risk of fatal crashes, participants adhere to a strict code of conduct to minimize hazards. This includes rules against racing in inclement weather, avoiding civilian endangerment, and maintaining respect for the mountain terrain.
Notable Quote:
"With Touge, the roads are never really uniform. You can't exactly get used to the feel of the road like you can with Kanjo." — Jake Hanrahan [26:30]
Jake underscores that Touge Racing is not merely about speed but about mastering the art of navigating Japan's spine with skill and respect.
Meeting the Hardcore Touge Racers
Timestamp: [30:15]
Jake's pursuit leads him to a remote garage on the outskirts of Osaka, where he encounters a new group of Touge racers. This group is characterized by their dedication, with meticulously maintained Honda Civics and a disciplined approach to racing.
Notable Quote:
"These cars are nothing like the quarter-mile drag racing machines you might see in places like America. The Japanese counterparts are light, nimble, and built for twisting roads." — Jake Hanrahan [32:00]
The introduction of this new crew signifies a continuation of Osaka's rich street racing heritage, now intertwined with a more refined and less overtly criminal faction.
Conclusion: The Dual Faces of Osaka's Street Racing
Throughout the episode, Jake Hanrahan masterfully contrasts the high-stakes, crime-linked Kanjo racing with the more disciplined and skill-focused Touge scene. This duality highlights the complex layers of Osaka's underground racing culture, where passion for cars intersects with the shadows of organized crime.
Notable Quote:
"It seems unlikely that he [the boss] suddenly got cold feet, as if we'd inform on him or something. But here we are." — Jake Hanrahan [19:45]
Jake leaves listeners contemplating the fragile boundaries between legality and illegality within subcultures, and the personal risks individuals take to pursue their passions.
Production Credits
- Reporting, Producing, Writing, Editing, and Research: Jake Hanrahan
- Co-Producing: Sophie Lichterman
- Music: Sam Black
- Sound Mix: Splicing Block
- Photography: Johnny Pickup and Louis Hollis
- Graphic Design: Laura Adamson and Casey Highfield
- Production Companies: H11 Studio and Cool Zone Media Osaka
Watch the full documentary: YouTube.com/@awaydaystv
This episode of Away Days Podcast offers a raw and unfiltered look into the underbelly of Osaka's street racing scene, blending cultural insights with the gritty realities of organized crime involvement. Through Jake Hanrahan's investigative reporting, listeners gain an in-depth understanding of the motivations, traditions, and dangers that define this underground world.