#Japan #Tokyo #Men Struggling #Talk Event

The Rise of 'Men Struggling with Life': A Talk Event

On December 11, 2024, the thought-provoking book titled 'Men Struggling with Life: Conversations Over a Cup of Tea' was published by Tsuki to Fumisha (月と文社), capturing the attention of middle-aged men seeking motivation during challenging times. This unique interview collection delves into the lives of six men aged 30 to 50 who have stepped away from conventional paths, including a former NEET, a minimalist, a comedian, and a one-person publishing entrepreneur. The book emphasizes survival strategies and personal narratives that resonate deeply with its readers, leading to its rapid success, particularly in independent bookstores.

A key reason for its popularity lies in the relatable and deeply empathetic words shared by these men, often reflecting sentiments that readers may feel but struggle to articulate themselves. Many have turned to social media to quote passages from the book, providing a boost of energy and inspiration to those in the middle-aged demographic, who have embraced it enthusiastically.

In light of this success, a talk event is scheduled to take place on May 29, 2025, at ROCK CAFE LOFT in Shinjuku, starting at 7:30 PM. The panel will feature pha, a writer and bookseller known for his successful book 'A Middle-Aged Man Begins After the Party Ends', alongside Noriyoshi Sasaki, a minimalist whose book 'We No Longer Need Material Things' has sold over 800,000 copies worldwide. They will be joined by guest speaker Nao Suzuki, a writer celebrated for titles like 'Lessons Learned from Riding Overnight Buses 100 Times'. All three speakers share a quirky, laid-back approach that resonates well with audiences.

The moderator for the evening will be Asuka Fujikawa, representative of Tsuki to Fumisha and editor behind the interviews featured in 'Men Struggling with Life'. Asuka brings a wealth of experience from her previous 25 years at Nikkei BP, including her role as editor-in-chief of 'Nikkei WOMAN' until March 2023, before starting her own independent publishing house.

The panelists, born in 1978-79, find themselves navigating the challenges of middle age, often wondering about their life's direction and grappling with physical decline. The discussions will touch on their unique crises, providing insights into how they overcome these hardships, as well as reflections on identity in this transitional phase of life.

Event Details

Title: Confronting Middle Age: Why Do We Stall and Question 'Is This Enough'?
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Venue: ROCK CAFE LOFT, Shinjuku (Kabukicho 1-28-5)
Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM, event starts at 7:30 PM (ending around 9:30 PM)

Ticket Information

• - In-Person Ticket: Pre-sale for ¥2,500 / On the day for ¥3,000 (plus food and drink at the venue); limited to 35 attendees. Tickets are available via LivePocket.
• - Streaming Ticket: ¥1,800, available via CastMarket. An archive will be accessible until June 12 at 10 PM.

Featured Speakers

• - pha (Writer and Bookseller)
• - Noriyoshi Sasaki (Minimalist)
• - Nao Suzuki (Writer, Guest Speaker)

Discussion Topics

• - What does 'struggling' mean? Understanding the popularity of 'Men Struggling with Life'.
• - The evolution of the 'struggling' patterns unique to men from their teens to forties.
• - Reasons for opting out of organizations and differences between those who thrive within them and those who do not.
• - Managing the eternal human themes of 'external evaluation' and 'the need for approval' while navigating social media.
• - Exploring feelings of loneliness despite having a family: the balance between the security that comes from being with someone vs. the freedom of solitude.
• - Discussing desires around money: How to earn while not allowing it to dictate our comfort.
• - The current demands for words, expressions, and content from a writer's perspective.

At the event, attendees can also purchase copies of 'Men Struggling with Life' and other recent works from the speakers, followed by a signing session for those who have purchased books.

For those interested in attending remotely, please ensure you read all necessary information before purchasing your streaming ticket via the provided link.

ROCK CAFE LOFT Event Page: LOFT Event

Overview of 'Men Struggling with Life'

This book explores how individuals can grow from their struggles, featuring men who diverge from mainstream life choices and their nuanced self-awareness and survival strategies. The book is released on December 11, 2024.