In Japan, the Obon summer vacation is starting, beginning with Mountain Day on August 11. Here are three books to refresh your mind, whether you’ll be enjoying the holiday with us here or not!

The Art of Procrastination: A Guide to Effective Dawdling, Lollygagging, and Postponing, by John Perry

Recommended by Megumi Taoka

Are you someone who has trouble getting things done when they really need to get done and gone? If so, this may be your chance to upgrade your ordinary procrastination to a new level: structured procrastination! These words of wisdom by philosopher John Perry are magic in just two hours, with plenty of giggling thrown in! Perry doesn’t try to teach you to be perfect. Rather, he helps you feel like a better human being. I am so much happier and more relaxed as a structured procrastinator. If you don’t have the time to sit down and read, this audio book is available on Audible!

David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants, by Malcolm Gladwell

Recommended by Satoshi Hirose

From world-renowned author Malcolm Gladwell, author of The Tipping Point and Outliers, this book is an easy favorite. I’ve read it over and over, and it always gives me ideas on how to overcome a difficult environment or cope with an underdog situation in business. The book’s message is actually simple: an advantage can sometimes become a disadvantage, and a disadvantage can sometimes become an advantage. This insight will encourage you to take new and larger risks in life.

Synchronicity, by Joseph Jaworski

Recommended by Tomoya Nakamura

Synchronicity is a magnificent book on leadership. Joseph Jaworski reveals his personal experiences very candidly in this book. A successful lawyer with status and money, Jaworski throws everything away after his wife leaves him. He travels to Europe and reflects on the meaning of everything he experiences. From difficult moments, he finds his true self with the help of others and eventually establishes the American Leadership Forum, an NPO with a mission to join and strengthen diverse leaders to better serve the public good. This is a great book for those who want to find their personal mission and devote their time and energy to achieve it. You will be touched by the depth of leadership and synchronicity that is possible in life.

Get monthly Insights

Sign up for our newsletter! Privacy Policy