Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga - Icon Profile | Alexandria
Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga are contemporary Japanese authors and philosophers best known for their collaborative work in popularizing Adlerian psychology through their international bestseller "The Courage to Be Disliked" (2013 in Japanese; 2018 in English). Kishimi, an accomplished Adlerian psychologist and philosopher, and Koga, a award-winning freelance writer, have emerged as influential voices in the modern interpretation of Alfred Adler's psychological theories.
The duo's partnership began in the early 2000s, during a period when Japan was experiencing a renewed interest in psychological self-help literature amidst ongoing societal challenges related to isolation, workplace stress, and interpersonal relationships. Kishimi, having studied Adlerian psychology extensively and serving as a counselor and professor, brought deep theoretical knowledge to their collaboration. Koga, with his background in documentary writing and journalism, provided the narrative expertise needed to make complex psychological concepts accessible to general readers.
Their seminal work, structured as a Socratic dialogue between a philosopher and a young man, has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 65 languages. The book's unique approach to presenting Adlerian concepts through philosophical discourse has garnered both praise and controversy, particularly in its challenge to traditional Eastern cultural values regarding interpersonal relationships and social harmony. Their follow-up work, "The Courage to Be Happy" (2019), further expanded on these themes, delving deeper into practical applications of Adlerian psychology in everyday life.
The lasting impact of Kishimi and Koga's collaboration extends beyond mere book sales, having sparked a global conversation about individual autonomy, social contribution, and psychological freedom. Their work has been particularly influential in bridging Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, offering a unique synthesis that resonates with modern readers seeking personal development and meaningful relationships. As contemporary society grapples with questions of purpose, happiness, and interpersonal connection in an increasingly digital age, their interpretation of Adlerian psychology continues to provide valuable insights into human behavior and social dynamics, inspiring readers to question conventional wisdom about happiness and success.