“The Courage to Be Happy” Surpasses 1 Million Copies in Japan! An Exceptional Monumental Achievement Reaching a Million Following “The Courage to Be Disliked”! Commemorative Pop-up Events Also Confirmed!

The concluding volume to the bestselling book "The Courage to Be Disliked" (by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga), titled "The Courage to Be Happy" (by the same authors), has recently surpassed 1 million copies sold in Japan.

"The Courage to Be Happy" by Ichiro Kishimi / Fumitake Koga (Diamond, Inc.)

■ The "Courage Duology" — What are "The Courage to Be Disliked" and "The Courage to Be Happy"?

"The Courage to Be Disliked" was born as a book aimed at being the "definitive introduction to Adlerian psychology," authored by philosopher Ichiro Kishimi and writer Fumitake Koga, and was published in December 2013. In addition to its impactful teachings such as the "separation of tasks," "teleology," and the "denial of the desire for recognition," its easy-to-read format—a dialogue between a "Philosopher" well-versed in Adlerian psychology and a troubled "Youth"—helped it become a massive global bestseller, surpassing 3.45 million copies in Japan and 16.9 million copies worldwide (as of April 2026).

And "The Courage to Be Happy" was published in February 2016 as the concluding volume of the "Courage Duology," serving as a counterpart to "The Courage to Be Disliked." If "The Courage to Be Disliked" is a "map" to know the existence of Adlerian psychology and overview its philosophy, then "The Courage to Be Happy" is a "compass" to put Adler's philosophy into practice and walk a happy life. As a book to understand Adlerian psychology more deeply, it has continued to gather voices of deep emotion and empathy from many readers, and this spring, exactly 10 years after its release, it achieved 1 million copies in Japan. It is an exceptional and monumental achievement for each book in a duology to surpass 1 million copies.

■ Author Comments / On Surpassing 1 Million Copies of "The Courage to Be Happy"

Ichiro Kishimi (Philosopher)

I am truly happy that "The Courage to Be Happy" continues to be read, supported by many readers. Interpersonal relationships are the source of our worries, but happiness also lies within interpersonal relationships. To build good relationships, we need not only to know what they are but also to have a guideline for action on where to take the first step and how to walk forward. I hope this book will be of some help in giving you the "courage" to become happy.

Fumitake Koga (Writer, Representative of Batons Inc.)

Spanning 10 years since its publication in 2016, I am deeply grateful to have reached such a major milestone in copies sold. Adler lists "work," "friendship," and "love" as the three tasks of life, but what this book focuses on is the core of "love." The love Adler advocates goes beyond general romance to encompass love for neighbors and humanity, and I believe it is a much-needed light in this era where social division is becoming increasingly serious. Please do pick it up and read it.

■ Implementing a Campaign to Commemorate Surpassing 1 Million Copies! The Concept is "To the 23-year-old you, let's be happy."

According to purchaser data over the 10 years since the release of "The Courage to Be Happy", it was found that the largest group of readers are 23 years old (*). Age 23 is the year many students become first-year working professionals, and it is also the time when they first make their own life choices and start walking their respective paths. Therefore, we will be holding a campaign to commemorate the 1 million copies milestone of "The Courage to Be Happy". As a "book that pushes the backs of young people starting to walk their own lives", the concept has been decided as "To the 23-year-old you, let's be happy." Under this message, we will unfold various projects.

*February 2016 - March 2026 / CDP CANTERA Research / From "The Courage to Be Happy" purchaser analysis

(Concept Message)

To the 23-year-old you,

Let's be happy.

Since "The Courage to Be Happy" was born in 2016,
there have been encounters with many readers.

In the span of 10 years, we found out that
the most common age when people picked up this book was 23.

That is a time of taking a new step forward.

If it can become a book with a special meaning on your journey of walking your own life,
there is nothing that would make us happier.

To you who will turn 23, and to you who were 23,
are you living true to yourself?

■ From Golden Week to Early Autumn, Sequentially Unfolding Projects for the 1 Million Copies Commemorative Campaign!

① Limited Edition Wraparound Bands Commemorating 1 Million Copies Appear on "The Courage to Be Disliked" and "The Courage to Be Happy"!

As an indication of their respective roles in the "Courage Duology", special wraparound bands designed with a "map" for "The Courage to Be Disliked" and a "compass" for "The Courage to Be Happy" will appear in limited quantities. They will gradually line the shelves of bookstores nationwide starting from Golden Week, so please be sure to pick them up in stores.

The bands also feature famous quotes "you want to read right now" from each respective book.

② Release of the "Courage Duology" Limited Set with "Abusive Language Acrylic Stand" Confirmed!

The release of a "Courage Duology Set" featuring an acrylic stand with the "abusive language" of the Youth, a character in the books (="Abusive Language Acrylic Stand") as a bonus, has been confirmed. The abu