[DeepL Translation - needs review] They say that "individuality" is important, but if you stand out too much in a group, you will float away, and you have to suppress your true self while worrying about the eyes of others. ...... Why is this society so suffocating? I want to be more myself and live more freely! Here is some advice for those of you who are suffering from such problems. Advice on how to live without reading or obeying the "air".
(Translator: DeepL)
Interesting and Easy to Read
This was a really interesting book! I picked it up from the title without knowing anything about it, and I was pleasantly surprised by both the readability (it's aimed at middle schoolers) and the intriguing subject matter.
The author argues that Japanese society is divided into 世間 (one's in-group) and 社会 (wider society), and that Japan is the only country with 世間, whereas other countries only have 社会.
Essentially, 世間 is like an in-group on steroids, composed of one's family, friends, classm