Asahi Shimbun Publishing has decided to proceed with a fourth printing (third reprint) of the new book 'What Will Happen in a Country Where Workers Are Disappearing' by former Bank of Japan economist Hiroshi Kawata, released on April 13, 2026, due to strong sales performance.

The book is generating buzz across multiple media platforms.

This unique economics book predicts a future in which Japan's spreading 'FIRE (early retirement) boom' and the trend toward non-marriage converge, accelerating labor shortages even further.

Given that the author himself is a 30-something with aspirations for FIRE, an original interview published by 'AERA Books' sparked significant public reaction, leading to an immediate reprint decision after launch.

Following this, interviews with the author were featured in video media such as 'PIVOT' and 'Bungeishunju PLUS,' as well as in 'NewsPicks' and 'Weekly Toyo Keizai.' Additionally, book excerpts were published on web media including 'Toyo Keizai Online,' 'Diamond Online,' and 'President Online.'

Furthermore, in the August issue of 'The Book Magazine,' this book was selected as one of the 'Top 5 Non-Fiction Books of the First Half of 2026.'

In response to this sustained media and public interest, and continued strong sales three months after release, a third reprint (fourth printing) was decided in July 2026.

About the Book

Accelerating labor shortages and inflation. What will happen to the Japanese economy?

'I don't want to work,' 'I don't particularly want to get married'... Japan, where employee 'engagement' is at the world's lowest level. Yet, if one lives alone for life, the 'necessary cost of living' drops significantly. Thus, 'early retirement = FIRE' becomes a realistic option. At that point, they disappear from the labor market but remain as consumers. Inflation triggered by labor shortages caused by FIRE begins— A bold forecast that sparked reactions, now presented with shocking analysis and prescriptions!

▼ Reading this turns anxiety into hope... ・ Young people who want FIRE vs. labor-short JTC ・ The unexpected alignment between youth and 'non-working uncles' ・ A multiple-fold increase in people who 'don't intend to marry' ・ 'Fierce labor shortages' triggered by FIRE ・ The conditions required for '4x productivity' ・ Eliminate 10 minutes of 'waste' each month

Author Profile

Hiroshi Kawata (born 1987, Iwate Prefecture) is Chief Economist at the Research Department of Mizuho Research Institute (an internal organization of Mizuho Bank). He graduated from the Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo, in 2010 and completed the Master's program in Economics at Duke University's Graduate School in 2015 (Master of Arts in Economics). He joined the Bank of Japan in 2010, where he worked in the Statistics and Research Department and Planning Department on economic and financial analysis and monetary policy formulation. He joined Mizuho Research Institute in November 2023. His expertise lies in the Japanese economy and monetary policy. He has authored numerous reports, contributed to print media, and appeared in video media, primarily on topics related to the Japanese economy, including monetary policy, prices and wages, business cycles, and economic growth.

Table of Contents

▼ Part 1 Young People Who Want FIRE vs. Labor-Short JTC Chapter 1: Why Has Working Become Unappealing? Chapter 2: Everyone Is Choosing to Be 'Alone' Chapter 3: Inflation Risks in 2050

▼ Part 2 Survival Strategies for the 'Era of 30 Million Population' Chapter 1: Is It Possible to Prevent FIRE? Chapter 2: Can We Stop the Trend of Non-Marriage? Chapter 3: How Can Society Function Under the Assumption of a 30 Million Population?

Bibliographic Information

'What Will Happen in a Country Where Workers Are Disappearing'

Author: Hiroshi Kawata

Price: ¥957 (¥870 + 10% tax)

Release Date: April 13, 2026

Format: 240 pages, paperback

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4022953667

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product
  • Organizations: NewsPicks / PIVOT / AERA Books