Kokuyo to Release Book "WORKSIGHT 30: The New Middle Ages" on June 28

Kokuyo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka City; President: Kunihide Kuroda) will release the new issue of its research publication WORKSIGHT, titled "WORKSIGHT [WORKSIGHT] No. 30: The New Middle Ages" (Published by Kokuyo; Sales by Gakugei Shuppan), at bookstores nationwide and online retailers starting June 28 (Sun).

Photo by Hironori Kim

1. Feature

Empire, Church, manor, knightly orders, guilds, monasteries... The Middle Ages was an era in which complex and intricate networks of authority overlapped in multiple layers. We are not simply referring to a chronological period between the 5th and 15th centuries, but rather using the term "Middle Ages" to describe a fragmented way of existence. In a society where social consensus is breaking down and we are tossed about by uncertain information, we may already be living in a "New Middle Ages." This issue attempts to reinterpret the present through the lens of the "Middle Ages."

Umberto Eco, writer and semiotician, wrote in the 1970s that modern society was moving toward a "New Middle Ages." In this issue's opening feature, media aesthetician Mitsuhiro Takeda decodes Eco's prophecy and traces 16 key concepts to explore the "New Middle Ages."

Next, we present a range of contemporary phenomena that echo the medieval past, including "The Folklore of Star Reading," a conversation between psychological astrologer Ryuji Kagami and folklorist Akihiro Hatanaka; a glimpse into the hidden world of modern witches; a documentary on armored knights participating in medieval battle sports; and an interview with medieval games researcher Dr. Robert Horton.

Additionally, international political scientist Akihiko Tanaka re-examines a multipolar world, reflecting on his own 1996 book "The New 'Middle Ages,'" now 30 years since its publication.

This richly curated issue offers diverse perspectives for re-examining the modern world we live in. We invite you to read it.

2. Book Details

Title: "WORKSIGHT [WORKSIGHT] No. 30: The New Middle Ages"

Editor: WORKSIGHT Editorial Department (Yokoku Laboratory + Kurotorisha)

ISBN: 978-4-7615-0938-5

Art Direction: Hiromi Fujita (FUJITA LLC)

Release Date: July 2, 2026 (Thu)

Publisher: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.

Sales: Gakugei Shuppan Co., Ltd.

Format: A5 variant / 128 pages

Price: 1,800 JPY (excluding tax)

Purchase here:

https://book.gakugei-pub.co.jp/gakugei-book/9784761509385/

[References]

1. WORKSIGHT [WORKSIGHT]

A media platform that explores themes and keywords essential for envisioning future society, using Kokuyo's ideal of a "self-directed, collaborative society" as a starting point. The editorial team, led by Yokoku Laboratory and Kurotorisha, produces content including a weekly newsletter (delivered every Tuesday), books, and events. Subscribe to the newsletter here:

https://worksight.substack.com/

2. Yokoku Laboratory

A research and design lab within Kokuyo Co., Ltd. dedicated to researching and practicing alternatives for future society. Operating under the purpose "Enabling exciting future work and life," the lab conducts research, empowerment initiatives, and prototyping to develop and communicate future scenarios that guide the company, while building new social visions through engaged fans and communities.

https://yokoku.kokuyo.co.jp/

3. Kurotorisha

A content label committed to questioning today's norms and "re-imagining" alternative possibilities for all things. Kurotorisha produces content across magazines, web, video, events, and travel. Notable publications include "Introduction to Fandom Economy: From BTS to Creator Economy and the Metaverse" (June 2022), "Proposals for Editing" (March 2022), and "Anthropology of Working: Eight Dialogues on Work and Freedom [Print Edition]" (June 2021). Kurotorisha also plans and produces podcasts such as "Hello, Future," "Anthropology of Love and Death," and "Audio Black Swan."

https://blkswn.tokyo

*The information contained herein is current as of the announcement date and is subject to change without notice.

*Company names, service names, and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.