That's almost unbelievable that Toshi endured all of that.
I agree as well. Honestly, if I ever found myself in his position, especially after meeting that mafia boss I'd probably would've
found a way put myself in a grave. (Is "mafia" supposed to be a translation of "yakuza" in this context? I ask because I had heard that Masaya was going to sell ToshI off to the yakuza just like he had said in the book, but I thought that was a rumor.)
After reading this chapter, as much as I don't want to admit it, I ended up crying for a moment or two. When I read a new chapter, I keep thinking that Masaya & Moritani can't get anymore evil than they are, they just surprise me with new lows that I can't seem to grasp. Not much more can be said about them. Those two are evil, plain and simple.
Also, speaking of "putting oneself in a grave", has anyone heard of ToshI doing any self-harm or trying to commit suicide? In this last chapter, when he was having (I think) a panic attack in the bathroom, he had said that he was scratching himself all over his body & drawing blood. . . I ask because I had heard a rumor that at some point during this time, he did try to kill himself at least once or he did dabble in some form of self-harm prior to joining HoH and/or during that time in HoH. I have no direct sources to this rumor, but if I find it, I'll save it & share it here.
For me this chapter also had a more "real" feeling because of the recent period of time: 2007-09-10, the X Japan reunion etc.
I was like "No way that was Toshi's situation in 2007/08/09/10/during the concerts".
You know, now that I think about it, some of it makes sense for me.
Back in 2010, I went to the live filming for "Jade" in Hollywood and I remember someone telling me that the band was using a playback for ToshI's vocals because he wasn't feeling that well. I also think something was said along those lines for the "Born To Be Free" live shooting later that year. If those events really do coincide with the dates then that means that ToshI really was stuck with HoH still & was still facing that abuse. Pardon my language, but holy shit man. . .
Maybe I'll get a proper answer in the next chapters of this book, but did HoH, Masaya and Moritani get sued for other stuff than the trial in this chapter 4?
Considering that they're notorious for being "scammer" and worse + this book that could be used to enlighten their activities, I'm wondering if some other legal actions have been issued against them.
I remember some child abuse/child labor lawsuit being mentioned in the previous chapter or two, but I think those got thrown out because of the lack of evidence or something like that.