#Japan #Tokyo #Goro Yamada #Hungry Minds #The Book

The Cultural Impact of 'The Book'

In a world dominated by digital content, the physical book 'The Book: Ultimate Guide to Reconstructing Civilization' has achieved an astounding milestone, surpassing 300,000 copies sold globally. This remarkable feat is especially significant in the face of a prevailing belief that printed books are losing their relevance in today’s fast-paced technological era. However, 'The Book' has become a sensation, defying these expectations and inviting readers to rediscover the beauty and intrigue of tangible literature.

Advent of a Unique Christmas Campaign

Recently, the co-founder of Hungry Minds Japan, Goro Yamada, featured 'The Book' on his popular YouTube channel, sparking widespread interest. Yamada’s discussion focused on the book's artistic design, its conceptual foundations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Naoshima, and the ongoing dialogue about the evolving place of physical books in our increasingly digital society. As a celebration of this feature, Hungry Minds has launched a Christmas campaign titled “What Civilization Do I Want to Leave Behind?” This inclusive initiative invites everyone to participate.

Watch the Introduction Video

More About 'The Book'

'The Book' was conceptualized by co-founder Vsevolod Batyshev, who was inspired by profound silence experienced in Naoshima during the pandemic. The core question that guided its creation was, 'What should we leave for the future if civilization were to stop?' This thought-provoking query led to design elements like whitespace, paper quality, and weight, turning the entire book into a “thinking device.”

Initially launched in the United States and Europe, 'The Book' aims to redefine thinking in the AI age and create a new appreciation for physical media, especially in its native Japan. The successful crowdfunding campaign on Makuake raised over ¥11 million, allowing Hungry Minds to fulfill its vision of delivering the Japanese edition to readers in its home country.

The Fusion of Beauty and Curiosity

The book's triumph can be attributed to several factors:

• - Its artistic design and the involvement of various artists contributed to its acceptance as an art book.
• - The diverse content fostered intergenerational dialogues, effectively serving as a communication tool.
• - It stimulated curiosity by encouraging family and group reading, transforming the reading experience into an educational exercise.
• - The fusion of beauty and curiosity, a primary pursuit of the founding members, strongly resonated with the audience.
• - Its aesthetic appeal and unique content matched well with social media users, helping it gain a loyal international fanbase.

These elements combined have led 'The Book' to become a rare phenomenon that transcends cultural boundaries.

Insights from Goro Yamada

In his YouTube feature, Yamada remarked on the convergence of information and analog experiences created by 'The Book.' He highlighted how the sheer size and analog nature of the book allow for enjoyable, shared experiences during reading sessions with family or friends. Yamada emphasized that while modern technology provides instant access to information, the process of turning pages together encourages imagination and enhances social interaction, making 'The Book' an engaging cultural device rather than just a traditional reading experience.

Audience Reactions

Following the release of the YouTube video, a plethora of comments reflected newfound understanding and appreciation for 'The Book.' Many viewers, who had previously struggled to envision how to enjoy it, found clarity regarding its purpose and enjoyment. Comments revealed a shift in perception, with some considering 'The Book' an artistic creation rather than just a traditional book. They expressed excitement about engaging with it alongside loved ones, further emphasizing how the analog experience stands in refreshing contrast to digital environments.

Christmas Campaign Details

To commemorate its feature on Goro Yamada’s YouTube channel, Hungry Minds is offering a special Christmas giveaway. Ten lucky winners will receive exclusive stickers themed around 'The Book.' To enter:
1. Follow @hungrymindsjapan on Instagram and @HungrymindsJP on X.
2. Tag these accounts in a post sharing your thoughts on what civilization you wish to leave behind using the hashtags #TheBook and #私が残したい文明.

The deadline for submissions is December 21, 2025, at 23:59.

Closing Thoughts from Vsevolod Batyshev

Vsevolod Batyshev expressed pride in the Japanese roots of 'The Book,' stating that the project was inspired by experiences from his visits to Japan. The reintroduction of 'The Book' in Japanese represents a moment of special significance, reaffirmed by Yamada’s esteemed recommendation. Batyshev hopes that 'The Book' serves not only as a source of inspiration but also provokes thought about future values we should cherish.

About Hungry Minds

Hungry Minds is an independent publishing and creative studio committed to producing contemporary artifacts that evoke curiosity and meaningful experiences. They emphasize an integration of art, science, history, and storytelling across their diverse projects.

For more information about 'The Book' and their initiatives, visit Hungry Minds’ official website.