Book Release: 'What to Read When You're Thinking "I Can't Take It Anymore"' – Insights on Sustainable Workstyles from 10,000 People with Experience of Depression, Hikikomori, and School Refusal

Japan Management Association Management Center (President: Zhang Shiluo, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter "JMAM") will release the book titled 'What to Read When You're Thinking "I Can't Take It Anymore": Sustainable Workstyles Revealed from 10,000 People Who Experienced Depression, Hikikomori, and School Refusal' on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at bookstores nationwide and online retailers.

■ Book Content

Discover both 'strategies to protect yourself' and 'actions to take the first step' through interactive workbook exercises.

This book is a workbook designed for individuals experiencing hikikomori or a sense of life difficulty, helping them find a workstyle that suits their individual needs.

Instead of setting ambitious goals and working frantically, it proposes an approach to experiment with diverse workstyles at one's own pace.

For those who feel 'something has to change, but I don't know what to do,' this book explains step-by-step how to build a resilient foundation, clarify personal needs, and gradually shift reality while protecting one's mental well-being.

■ Book Overview

Title: What to Read When You're Thinking "I Can't Take It Anymore": Sustainable Workstyles Revealed from 10,000 People Who Experienced Depression, Hikikomori, and School Refusal
Author: Ken Kumano
Release Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Price: 1,760 JPY (tax included)
Publisher: Japan Management Association Management Center
Pages: 204
Format: Yonroku (Japanese B6)
ISBN: 9784800594211

■ Table of Contents

Chapter 0: Pause Before Changing Your Environment
Chapter 1: Are You in 'Attack' or 'Defense' Mode Right Now?
Chapter 2: Why 'Defense' Is Sometimes Necessary
Chapter 3: 90% of Defense Is About How You Choose It
Chapter 4: It's Okay to Stop Searching for Your Strengths
Chapter 5: Changing Your Environment While Protecting Your Mental Health
Chapter 6: How to Stay Resilient in a New Environment
Chapter 7: Defensive Time Is a Bridge to the Future

■ Author Profile

Ken Kumano
Born in 1981 in Osaka. Nicknamed 'Kumakuma President.'

Since childhood, he struggled with symptoms such as 'inability to sleep or wake up,' and due to 'orthostatic dysregulation,' found it difficult to attend school, spending much of his youth in a state close to school refusal. From these experiences, he spent years contemplating how to fit into society and how to live his future.

Through various explorations, he discovered 'a way to live comfortably at his own pace.' He began to believe that his personal experiences could help others who are losing connection with society, and that he could make a difference for such individuals.

Today, he founded Wonder Friends Co., Ltd., providing people affected by hikikomori, depression, school refusal, and disabilities with opportunities to work at their own pace. As a result, within just six years, the company achieved 1.5 billion JPY in annual sales, expanded to 35 locations nationwide, supported over 10,000 individuals cumulatively, and gained significant attention in the welfare industry.

Guided by the philosophy of 'Solving Social Issues through Welfare × Business,' he serves as an executive at seven welfare organizations, proposing methods for individuals in hikikomori to rebuild social connections. Specifically, through nationwide lectures and workshops, he spreads methodologies to help people 'regain motivation' and 'reconnect with society at their own pace.'

■ Book Highlights

Reveals 29 secrets and 16 practical exercises for protecting oneself.

■ Purchase Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4800594219
Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18660852/