The philosophical and psychological self-help genre gained a landmark work with the publication of The Courage to Be Disliked, a dialogue examining individual choice, human relationships, and self-determination through the lens of Adlerian psychology. Ichiro Kishimi, a philosopher and psychologist born in 1956 in Kyoto Prefecture, introduced the practical applications of Alfred Adler's nineteenth- and twentieth-century psychological theories to a modern global audience alongside co-author Fumitake Koga. His body of work bridges classical Western philosophy and contemporary counseling techniques to offer actionable frameworks for personal change.
Career & Background
Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1956, Ichiro Kishimi pursued higher education at Kyoto University, earning a Master of Arts in philosophy. He focused his academic studies on Western ancient philosophy and ancient Greek before withdrawing from the doctoral program in 1987 to care for his mother. Kishimi subsequently held teaching and lecturing appointments across several academic institutions, including Kyoto University of Education, Konan University, Nara Women's University, and the Meiji School of Oriental Medicine in Suita, Osaka, where he taught educational and clinical psychology. Alongside his academic duties, Kishimi worked as a counselor at Maeda Clinic in Kyoto, opened a private counseling practice in Kameoka, Kyoto, and served as a certified counselor, consultant, and director for the Japanese Society of Adlerian Psychology.
Writing Style & Themes
Kishimi's writing centers on unifying Socratic philosophical dialogue with Adlerian psychological counseling. Fluent in German and English, he translated foundational texts by Alfred Adler into Japanese, including The Science of Living and Problems of Neurosis, before publishing his own original overview, Introduction to Adlerian Psychology. His works demystify complex psychological concepts to address youth counseling, child education, and personal self-reliance. In addition to his book-length publications, Kishimi has contributed regularly to Courrier Japon since 2017, overseeing special features dedicated to Adlerian psychology and mental well-being.
Major Works
- The Courage to Be Disliked — Co-authored with Fumitake Koga and first published in 2013, this Socratic dialogue presents Alfred Adler's psychological theories through a conversation between a philosopher and a young man, selling over one million copies.
- Introduction to Adlerian Psychology — A foundational Japanese-language overview written by Kishimi that details the core concepts of Adlerian individual psychology and its practical applications to personal growth and counseling.
