Ichiro Kishimi

Ichiro Kishimi is a Japanese author and public speaker who co-authored The Courage to be Disliked, alongside philosopher Fumitake Koga. The book, written in 2016, is a self-help manual based on A.H. Almaas’s Diamond Approach and encourages readers to recognize and come to terms with feelings of discomfort to ultimately lead better, more fulfilling lives. This book and its underlying philosophy have gone on to earn worldwide acclaim, inspiring discussions, articles, and TED talks – the TEDxTokyoTalk alone has over 5 million views.

Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Kishimi served as the CEO of his father's cardboard and paper manufacturing business until it was sold in 2011. After taking a break from his profession, Kishimi re-kindled his love of writing and began publishing fiction. In 2013, he published Best Sellers, a novel about a publisher struggling to make a name for himself. The novel has since gone on to become a bestseller in Japan.

In addition to his writing, Kishimi developed a reputation as an outspoken critic of Japan's social and educational systems. He spoke regularly at conferences and with media outlets on the need for an overhaul of these systems in order to empower young people to make meaningful social and educational choices. He became a formidable force in the push for change, ultimately becoming the prime force behind several education reforms that have been put in place in the last decade.

The Courage to Be Disliked, which was released in 2016, was Kishimi's first foray into non-fiction. The book is based on A.H. Almaas' Diamond Approach and offers readers a way to transcend their fears and insecurities, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth. It has remained a best-seller around the world, with over 5 million copies sold in Japan alone, and the accompanying TEDxTokyoTalk having a staggering 5 million views.

Beyond its success as a book, The Courage To Be Disliked has been discussed far and wide in many mainstream media outlets, from The New York Times to The Guardian. In 2018, it was adapted into a play for the stage, and in 2019 it was made into a TV series for Amazon Prime partners.

Furthermore, The Courage to be Disliked has been broadly credited with influencing the general public discourse of Japan. It has inspired movements such as the 'be disliked' movement in 2017, whose activists used The Courage to Be Disliked as a founding texts for discussions on social issues.

Kishimi continues to travel and speak on topics related to the book and its themes. He has visited many countries, from Australia to the US, to spread the message of personal growth and self-acceptance. In a world increasingly focused on the self and how others perceive us, Kishimi offers up a way out of preoccupation with one's own inadequacies, providing the tools necessary to make meaningful changes to our lives and relationships.