Bungeishunju Ltd. (President: Naruyuki Iikubo, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) will release Mikako Brady's newly written book "It Can Happen Anywhere: Resistance to a Crumbling World" on July 15.

This is the author's first full-fledged work of humanistic knowledge in five years since her bestseller "Wearing Other People's Shoes" (published by Bungeishunju). The book delves into the depths of society, starting with the concept of "class struggle over responsibility" and analyzing terms that are currently major issues in Europe, such as "extreme centrism," "class ceiling," "techno-masses," and "re-migration" (forced repatriation of immigrants).

Born out of a strong sense of crisis that what is happening in the West today may be a reflection of Japan's immediate future, this innovative book unravels various social biases amidst the rapidly right-wing global trend, prompting deep thought on what we should consider now.

Keywords to Understand Contemporary Society, Not Just a Distant Problem

KEY FIGURES

978-4163921235
ISBN：‎ ‎978-4163921235

In recent years, as divisions deepen worldwide and right-wing populism and xenophobia rise, the author, who has lived in the UK for 30 years, directly experiences societal changes as an immigrant. She explores how events occurring in Europe "can happen anywhere," including Japan, by focusing on keywords that symbolize current political and social issues, examining them from multiple angles.

・"Class struggle over responsibility" hidden behind the term "self-responsibility"

・"Extreme centrist" politics devoid of ideology and the rise of right-wing populism

・The curse of "knowing one's place" and the truth of the "class ceiling"

・Platforms that control desire and the birth of the "techno-masses"

・Resistance or national livestock? Resisting the politics of "re-migration"...etc.

Brady not only exposes the essence of the crisis in a confusing society but also advocates for enhancing "power of" action rather than "power over" others, and the importance of "reaching compromises" with others through thorough discussion. In her previous book, "Wearing Other People's Shoes," she discussed "empathy," the ability to understand others with different opinions. Now, she demonstrates new humanistic knowledge for hope by showing how regaining "individual power" and the ability to share with others (power with) can become an effective line of resistance.

Mikako Brady (in Brighton) Photo: Shu Tomioka

Message from the Author, Mikako Brady

This is my first new book in a while where I've tried to think about the keywords of our time, explore why they've come into people's mouths, and investigate their political and social backgrounds. We no longer live in an era where "we alone" or "this place alone" is safe. The words that appear in this book will be spoken in every country. It can happen anywhere.

Author Profile

Mikako Brady

Born in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture in 1965. Resides in Brighton, UK, since 1996. Writer and columnist. In 2017, she won the Shincho Documentary Award for "Class Struggle of Children," and in 2019, the Yahoo! News | Bookstore Award 2019 Non-Fiction Grand Prize and the Mainichi Publishing Culture Award Special Prize for "I Am Yellow, White, and a Little Blue." Her other works include "Rebellion of the Working Class," "Women's Terror," "Wander the Wild Side," "Listen to Broken Britain," "Wearing Other People's Shoes," and "Tokarev in Both Hands."

Commemorative Special Talk Event Also Decided! Guest is eri

To commemorate the release of this book, a special talk event will be held with designer and activist eri as the guest. In Japan, which is being shaken by constitutional revision and military expansion, eri, who has led recent Diet protests and gained significant support from younger generations, will engage in a wide-ranging discussion with Brady, from the latest European situation to forms of "resistance" starting from the "ground up."

Event Details

"It Can Happen Anywhere" Publication Commemorative Event

Mikako Brady x eri "Raising Our Voices in a Crumbling World"

Date & Time: August 25, 7:00 PM –

Venue: Daikanyama Tsutaya Books

Details: https://eventmanager-plus.jp/get/e66aaec9fd5cc966b5a43c0ab1d8622a5ea1f889bc18592c5c1d4ac52f00ee73

Guest Profile

eri

Born in New York in 1983, raised in Tokyo. Designer/Activist. After establishing her own brand in 2004, she restarted "DEPT," a vintage shop founded by her father, in 2015. Around 2020, she deepened her awareness of global environmental issues and the climate crisis, and began activities as an activist. She is involved in the operation of the citizen group "WE WANT OUR FUTURE" and plans various citizen movement actions and demonstrations. She currently travels extensively, studying traditional craftsmanship and handiwork. She creates works using vintage items, natural materials, and handcrafted pieces from around the world. She will publish "Small Revolutions in Daily Life" from Kobunsha in 2026.

Bibliographic Information

Publisher: Bungeishunju Ltd.

Title: "It Can Happen Anywhere: Resistance to a Crumbling World"

Author: Mikako Brady

Format: Standard paperback, cover design, 272 pages

Release Date: July 15, 2026

Price: 1,760 yen (tax included)

ISBN: ‎ ‎978-4163921235

Bibliographic URL: https://books.bunshun.jp/ud/book/num/9784163921235

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 書籍発売