Exploring New Richness: SIGNAL Reading Club's 5th Event on John Berger's 'The Seventh Man'

The SIGNAL Reading Club, part of SIGNING Inc., is on a mission to ignite discussions around contemporary social issues through literature. Held in the vibrant area of Toranomon in Tokyo, the fifth session of this series will delve into John Berger's critically acclaimed work, 'The Seventh Man'. As we explore the essence of what new richness means in today's context, this reading group is set to expand its community and provide a platform for thoughtful exchange among participants.

About the SIGNAL Reading Club

The SIGNAL gallery for social issues was established to serve as a beacon for addressing societal challenges within the rapidly redeveloping Toranomon district. This initiative aims not only to provoke thought but also to inspire local business professionals to contribute their insights on 'our economy'. The intention is to cultivate a space where knowledge circulates, fostering a new economic ecosystem that emphasizes mutual giving and sharing.

The concept of the reading club is underpinned by the idea that engaging with pivotal works encourages deeper understanding and dialogue about the future of abundance in our community. As part of the program titled 'Weconomy Class: A Classroom for Considering New Richness', renowned authors and translators will be invited to discuss essential literature that inspires forward-thinking.

Upcoming Programming

In May, the film 'John Berger and the Four Seasons' captured audiences and reignited interest in the British writer, highlighting his impactful perspectives on art and society. The SIGNAL Reading Club's fifth event will be centered around 'The Seventh Man', a profound exploration of the European immigrant workforce penned by Berger. A talk session featuring young translator Kei Wakabayashi from the content label Kurotori and Seongwon Kim from BABELO will complement the reading experience, offering unique insights from the translation process and cultural context.

- Date of Reading Session: September 11th (Thursday), 08:00-09:00

- Join us in an open discussion about the book's content alongside the facilitator, Shintaro Teramae.
- Participants are encouraged to procure and read the book prior to the session.

- Date of Talk Session 'The Seventh Man': September 18th (Thursday), 18:00-20:30

- This session features engaging presentations from translator Kei Wakabayashi and Seongwon Kim, followed by a Q&A segment about the book.

Featured Book Information

Title: 'The Seventh Man'
Author: John Berger
Photographer: Jean Mohr
Translators: Seongwon Kim / Kei Wakabayashi
ISBN: 978-4-910801-00-1
Publisher: Kurotori

About 'The Seventh Man'

Initially published in 1975, 'The Seventh Man' is a non-fiction work that explores the experiences of immigrant workers in Europe. John Berger, an eclectic figure in literature and art criticism, approaches the subject with a blend of narrative and documentary-style storytelling that transcends traditional journalism. The book's unique combination of text and photography focuses on the fundamental restrictions faced by migrants—an issue that continues to resonate poignantly in today's societal dialogue. This beautifully crafted work remains a powerful indictment, reminding readers of the pressing realities surrounding migration.

Author Profile

John Berger (1926-2017)
Born in London, Berger was a writer, critic, painter, and poet. He first gained widespread recognition for his BBC television series 'Ways of Seeing', which later became a foundational text in art criticism. Awarded the Booker Prize for his novel 'G.', Berger relocated to rural France in the 1970s, where he continued his artistic endeavors until his death at the age of 90. His significant works include 'Ways of Seeing', 'G.', and 'Understanding a Photograph'.

Speakers at the Event

Kei Wakabayashi
Director at Kurotori
After starting a career in journalism, Wakabayashi became an independent editor in 2000, participating in various publishing projects and exhibitions. Notably, he served as editor-in-chief of WIRED Japan from 2012 to 2017, and later founded Kurotori, which aims to promote impactful literature.

Seongwon Kim
Cultural Entrepreneur
Born in Seoul, Kim specialized in cultural entrepreneurship and has worked in advertising and cross-cultural communication. His academic background spans multiple universities, reflecting his commitment to bridging cultures through translation and collaborative projects.

Event Location

Social Issue Gallery SIGNAL
1-2-11 Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo
Google Map

- Participation Fee: Free (Refreshments available at personal expense)
- Registration Method: Interested individuals can register through the provided Google Form link. Space is limited to 20 participants, and priority will be given to those able to attend both sessions.

Registration Form

The SIGNAL gallery extends an invitation to join in this enriching dialogue, reflecting on Berger's insights while addressing contemporary social challenges. Together, let us explore new avenues of understanding and redefine our collective richness in the modern world.