Chieumi, operated by Kosei Publishing Co., Ltd. (Location: Suginami Ward, Tokyo; Representative Director: Junichi Nakazawa), will hold the "2nd Chieumi Book Review Committee Talk Event" as part of the annual series "The Current State of Faith," in cooperation with Ogaki Shoten Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kita Ward, Kyoto; President: Zen-o Ogaki), at Ogaki Shoten Takano Store. This event will also be streamed online.

This series is a multi-faceted project to consider the state of faith in contemporary society. It is planned to be held multiple times throughout the year, and will re-examine contemporary society from the perspectives of religion, philosophy, and thought, while addressing various themes such as "community," "history," and "practice."

As the first event (#1) in this series, titled "Can Faith Create Community? – Considering Connections in an Age of Isolation," philosopher Ki-chul Chu, a Chieumi Book Review Committee member, and religious scholar Yoshiyuki Kato will be invited to hold the event on August 9, 2026 (Sun) at Ogaki Shoten Takano Store in Kyoto.

Tickets will go on sale today.

About the Series "The Current State of Faith"

While discussions of declining religious affiliation and weakening communities are common, isolation, division, and the rebuilding of human connections are major challenges in contemporary society.

What do we believe in, and what do we rely on to live? With whom do we live, and what kind of relationships do we build?

In the "2nd Chieumi Book Review Committee Talk Event" for FY2026, we will re-examine faith not just as something for religious people, but as a common question for people living in contemporary society, through an annual series titled "The Current State of Faith."

We will invite researchers and practitioners from diverse fields such as religion, philosophy, thought, and history, who are members of the "Chieumi Book Review Committee," to engage in dialogue about the intersection of faith and society.

#1 "Can Faith Create Community? – Considering Connections in an Age of Isolation"

While social media and online spaces have made it easier to connect with people, the problems of loneliness and division are becoming more severe.

What meaning can "religious (faith) communities" hold in contemporary society?

Furthermore, what can people share to "live together"?

Philosopher Ki-chul Chu, who discusses pragmatist philosophy and public issues, and Yoshiyuki Kato, a specialist in the history of religious thought and religious studies, will discuss the possibilities of community in contemporary society.

Event Commemorative Fair

To commemorate the event, Ogaki Shoten Takano Store will hold a curated selection fair from August 1, 2026 (Sat) to August 31, 2026 (Mon), introducing the themes of the talk event and the works of the speakers.

Message for the Event: Committee Comments

Yoshiyuki Kato (Religious Scholar) War, pandemics, famine. As an apocalyptic world becomes a reality, various connections are being destroyed, existing communities are shaking, and divisions and conflicts are endless. Amidst the spread of apocalyptic imagination, people tend to be drawn to easy and sweet narratives that provide simple meanings to anxiety and confusion. However, is it possible to think continuously with our feet on the ground, without relying on such narratives? I hope to explore this possibility with Chu-san.

Ki-chul Chu (Philosopher)

"Religion" is currently shaking the world, primarily centered in America. As Yoshiyuki Kato's "Evangelicalism" (Chuko Shinsho) reveals, the United States has, in fact, been a nation built on a dense Christian faith culture since its founding. Pragmatism, known as "American Philosophy," also has an aspect of being a counter to Christian culture. I hope we can think together about global issues that cannot be understood without religion.

Event Overview

2nd Chieumi Book Review Committee Talk Event

Series "The Current State of Faith"

#1 "Can Faith Create Community? – Considering Connections in an Age of Isolation"

Date and Time

August 9 (Sun), 19:00-21:00 (Doors open at 18:30)

Speakers Yoshiyuki Kato (Religious Scholar), Ki-chul Chu (Philosopher)

Fee

[Venue] ¥2,000 (tax included)

[Online] ¥1,500 (tax included)

Application/Details: https://livepocket.jp/e/vgwd0

Capacity

[In-person attendance] First 20 applicants

[Online attendance] First 100 applicants

Location

Ogaki Shoten Takano Store (in-store cafe)

20 Takano Higashimachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8107

https://www.books-ogaki.co.jp/stores/ogaki-takano

Event Details

https://chieumiplus.com/article/event202600809

Speaker Profiles

Yoshiyuki Kato (Religious Scholar)

Born in Nagoya in 1979. Professor at the Department of Christian Studies, Faculty of Letters, Rikkyo University. Completed doctoral program (Ph.D.) at Princeton Theological Seminary in 2013. After serving as Associate Professor at Tokyo Christian University and Visiting Fellow at Clare Hall, University of Cambridge, and London School of Economics, he assumed his current position. Specializes in the history of thought and religious studies. Major works include "Evangelicalism: American Society Torn Apart by Eschatology" (Chuko Shinsho, 2025). Co-authored works include "'America's Wars' and the Global Crisis: What Will the Invasion of Iran Bring?" (Iwanami Shinsho, 2026), "Lectures on 'Religions That Move the World'" (PHP Shinsho, 2026), and "European History Interpreted Through Christianity" (Minerva Shobo, 2025).

Ki-chul Chu (Philosopher)

Born in Osaka in 1985. Philosopher. Visiting Associate Professor at the Research Institute for Society, Technology and Co-creation, Osaka University. Completed doctoral program at the Graduate School of Letters, Osaka University. Ph.D. (Letters). Specializes in the philosophy of language in pragmatism and its intellectual history. Books include "Philosophy for Human Conversation" (Yohaku-sha), "Navigating 'Justice'" (Tarojiro-sha Editus), "Bazaar and Club" (Yohaku-sha), "Living Together in a Fragmented World" (NHK Publishing Shinsho). Co-authored work includes "Living with Enhanced Negative Capability" (Chikuma Bunko). Co-translated work includes "Where Pragmatism Comes From and Where It's Going" (by Brandum, Keiso Shobo).

Perks

1 Perk for purchasing venue tickets

Booklet "え" (Vol. 1 / Vol. 2) – 1 copy of each presented

For those who purchase venue tickets, one copy each of Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 of the booklet "え" will be distributed at the venue.

"え," Chieumi's booklet, opens the value of religious culture to society.

Details: https://chieumiplus.com/article/pressrelease20251101

2 Digital version of "え" (Vol. 1 / Vol. 2) distribution

*Perk distribution period: August 17, 2026 (Mon) – September 30, 2026 (Wed)

*Applies to both venue and online.

*Membership registration with the e-bookstore "Chieumi" is required to use the service.

*How to receive: Those who wish to receive the perk should send a screenshot of the screen confirming their ticket purchase along with [Name / "Chieumi" e-bookstore registered email address] to "inquiry@chieumi.com."

*Once the information sent via email is confirmed, the digital version of "え" Vol. 2 and Vol. 1 will be delivered to your Chieumi account within approximately 3 business days.

3 3-month 50% OFF coupon for Chieumi e-bookstore "Unlimited Reading Plan"

*Perk distribution period: August 17, 2026 (Mon) – September 30, 2026 (Wed)

*Applies to both venue and online.

*Membership registration with the e-bookstore "Chieumi" is required to use the service.

*How to receive: Those who wish to receive the perk should send a screenshot of the screen confirming their ticket purchase along with [Name / "Chieumi" e-bookstore registered email address] to "inquiry@chieumi.com."

*Once the information sent via email is confirmed, the "Usage Coupon" and instructions on how to use it will be sent to your Chieumi account via email within approximately 3 business days.

Ticket Application / Event Details

https://livepocket.jp/e/vgwd0

Inquiries

Regarding the event: Chieumi inquiry@chieumi.com

Regarding tickets: Ogaki Shoten Takano Store TEL: 075-706-6678 (9:00-22:00)

Organizer

Chieumi (Kosei Publishing Co., Ltd.)

Co-organizer

Ogaki Shoten Co., Ltd.

Chieumi Book Review Committee

First Term Committee Members

Launched in April 2025 with Religious Scholar Tesshu Shaku as Chairman.

They introduce new books, mainly on Buddhism, religion, philosophy, and thought, from diverse academic and practical perspectives.

By disseminating articles to readers with a desire for learning, they aim to deliver Buddhist and religious books more widely to society and create new encounters with readers.

From April 2026, second-term committee members joined, and currently a total of 19 members are participating.

<Chairman> Tesshu Shaku

<First Term Members> Yuka Otani, Toshihiro Aohisa, Takahiko Kameyama, Ayako Kimishima, Mitsunari Shirakawa, Nobuhiro Yoshimura <Second Term Members> Kimiyo Ogawa, Yasunaga Ogita, Hitomi O-matsu Rappo, Yoshiyuki Kato, Megumi Kawase, Yuto Kawamura, Kenichiro Takao, Ki-chul Chu, Shiho Toishiba, Mao Fujii, Yulia Brenina, Shiori Michitsuta

Book Review Committee Special Site: https://chieumiplus.com/bookreviewer

About "Chieumi PLUS"

A new Buddhist media platform for deepening learning and practice.

By collaborating with various people involved in Buddhism, religion, and faith, Chieumi disseminates Buddhist wisdom to the world from multiple angles through projects such as "Series," "Interviews," "Contributions/Columns," and "Book Reviews," as well as events and video distribution.

URL: https://chieumiplus.com/

About "Chieumi"

Bringing Buddhism closer. Bringing the wisdom of religion into life.

"Chieumi" is an e-bookstore and information platform that opens the wisdom of religion, centered on Buddhism, to society. Through diverse content such as books, videos, and columns, it aims to be a place where people living in contemporary society can find "hints for living a better life" by incorporating faith and religious culture into their daily lives.

Chieumi Special Site URL: https://special.chieumi.com/

Chieumi PLUS URL: https://chieumiplus.com/

E-bookstore "Chieumi" URL: https://chieumi.com/

Official Accounts

◆ X (formerly Twitter) Official Account

ID: @chieumi1003 (https://twitter.com/chieumi1003)

◆ Facebook Official Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088426372377

◆ Instagram Official Page: https://www.instagram.com/chieumi1003/

◆ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chieumi1003

◆ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chieumi1003

【Company Profile】

Kosei Publishing Co., Ltd.

TEL: 03-5385-2311 (Representative) / FAX: 03-5385-2395

2-7-1 Wada, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 166-8535 Fumon Media Center

URL: https://kosei-shuppan.co.jp/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event