Japanese spies, once renowned, have fallen on hard times
A country known for pacifism struggles with covert aggression, too
IT IS RARE for James Bond to pass up a martini. But on a visit to Japan in 1967, in “You Only Live Twice”, he opts for sake—served at 98.4°F (36.9°C). “For a European, you are exceptionally cultivated,” enthuses Tiger Tanaka, a Japanese spymaster. Mr Tanaka is a suave, Suntory-sipping spook who runs a ninja school in a remote castle, and helps Mr Bond storm the bad guy’s volcano lair.
This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline “Spyfall”
Asia September 14th 2019
- America calls off negotiations to end its 18-year war in Afghanistan
- Japanese law and social mores still treat users of soft drugs severely
- India’s government is pouring money into dung
- A row about medals reveals disputes about East Timor’s history
- Bangladesh tries to muffle the siren song of the capital
- Japanese spies, once renowned, have fallen on hard times
From the September 14th 2019 edition
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