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Spectator vol.51 / The secret of self-development

¥1,320

No matter when or how many times I read it, it only deepens my understanding. Founded in 1999, Spectator is a culture magazine published three times a year by Editorial Department. It delves into one theme in detail.

"Read this and it will change your life"
Self-help media tempts and confuses people with such sweet words.
It's annoying because even if you think it has nothing to do with you, it reaches you through social media and apps, and you end up "improving yourself" without even realizing it.
The culture of self-improvement is deeply ingrained in society.
Self-help, education, self-esteem, positive thinking...
When and how did these discourses promoting growth and improvement take root?
Tracing its roots, we find that the seeds were sown as early as the Meiji period.
As we enter an era of low economic growth and a society that demands even greater effort and improvement, here are the secrets of self-development that you should know now to avoid getting lost.

- Published by Editorial Department Ltd.
- Release date: March 20, 2023

japan made, made in japan, 日本製, 国産
natural ink, natural dye, ナチュラルインク, ナチュラルダイ, 天然染料, 天然顔料
upcycle, アップサイクル
hand work, hand made, ハンドワーク, ハンドメイド, 手仕事
one-off, ワンオフ, 一点もの

Spectator vol.51 / The secret of self-development

¥1,320

Contents

Special feature: Secrets of self-development CONTENTS
◆Manga "What is self-development?"
From philosopher Emerson to Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People." A cultural history of self-development in a story-based manga
Illustration by Miyu Sekine
Original story by Yuichi Akada (editorial department)

◆Interview 1 "The background behind the continued popularity of self-development" Atsushi Manabe (commentator)
Discussing the self-development culture surrounding digital technology, including the Apple Watch, mindfulness, and oshi culture
Interview and composition: Yoshiharu Tokita

◆Interview 2 "Japan, Self-cultivation, and Self-development" Ayako Osawa (scholar)
Based on the book "Modern Japan's Self-Improvement: Tracing 150 Years of Self-Improvement" (NHK Publishing), we will discuss the relationship between "self-improvement" and "self-development"
Interview and composition: Shigeru Yokoto

◆Interview 3: “Awake! Emerson” by Naoko Saito (scholar)
Based on "Changing Yourself: A Message from the Great American Philosopher Emerson" (Gentosha), we will hear about the "Origins of Self-Improvement in North America"
Interview and composition: Yuichi Akada (Editorial Department)

◆Book review: "I read a bunch of self-help books"
From Samuel Smiles' "Self-Help" to Takafumi Horie's "Hyperactivity": 30 self-help books explained, both old and new
Selection and writing by Michikazu Sakurai
Illustration by Payano

◆Essay: "The Paradox of Self-Improvement"
"A Textbook for Thinking" (Chikuma Gakugei Bunko) A collection of suggestions by the author on the problems inherent in self-development and how society as a whole should deal with them.
Text by Taro Hanamura
Illustration by Miko Yoshikawa