This essay argues that belonging to the working class is, in fact, a form of happiness, while the true role of elites is to think constantly about the nation and the world, not personal gain. Referencing Chikako Ogura’s The Talent to Marry, the author critiques authoritarian men, outdated media culture, and false elites, affirming that women today often show greater capability and courage. He urges a redefinition of elites in 21st-century Japan and emphasizes the dignity of the working class.

Prompted by a column from psychologist Chika Ogura, the author offers a sharp critique of Japan’s journalism and social structure. He argues that while true elites bear the heavy responsibility of “constantly thinking about their country and the world,” the working class can enjoy the true happiness of “living only for themselves and their families.” This perspective challenges conventional social views and the elite image promoted by the media.

Belonging to the Working Class Is, in Fact, a Great Happiness.
This is the chapter originally published on August 12, 2010, under the title As Everyone Has Thought, the Following Episode.
Like others, it was erased from search results due to sabotage—a criminal act—by a man well known to my readers.
I now republish it with revisions.
In Shūkan Asahi I read her weekly column, and I thought her words were among the best, perhaps the best in that magazine.
That was Chikako Ogura.
I later discovered by chance she had begun a series in Nikkei BP Woman Online as well.
Sending my writing to Asahi would be pearls before swine, ignored and thrown in the trash.
But I felt Nikkei BP would deliver it.
So I emailed my essay “Do You Truly Want to Be Such an Elite?”—what I called my “Marx of the 21st Century” piece—asking that Ogura read it.
As my intuition told me, I received a proper reply.
A female manager signed her name and address, assuring me: “I will certainly deliver this to Ms. Ogura.”
Today, when women decide to apply themselves, they can be far more capable than men.
I believe the men full of foolish authoritarianism in the world of commentary should step down.
They drag down talented women by association.
I know excellent female students at Waseda.
In intellect and courage they embody the true Waseda spirit.
As for the relics of Waseda politics and economics still in the media—always following the University of Tokyo—you have damaged this nation deeply.
What good is there in implanting your warped culture into women who are actually superior to you?
It is the same evil I have already written of.
The sensitivity and talent you lack should not be wasted.
Returning to the main theme.
Ogura’s recent book The Talent to Marry is excellent, written from a brilliant perspective.
She argues that women do not engage in “marriage hunting.”
They wait for a prince on a white horse.
One cannot blame them.
They know they are destined only to be low-income workers, mere cogs in society.
So they want at least their marriage to be as they wish.
This is a remarkable insight.
Japanese society is truly like that.
But Ogura—what you did not know is that a man has appeared who overturns this reality.
Even now, while it is not yet overturned, there is still a perspective missing, even from you.
It exists in my writing.
Belonging to the working class is, in fact, a great happiness.
One must not live only for oneself.
One must not live only for one’s family.
One must constantly think of the nation, the world, the company—unceasingly reflecting.
That is the true role of an elite promised an annual income above ten million yen.
Do you really want to be such an elite?
If my writing spreads throughout the world, the world will become like that.
That is how it should be.
The current elites are not true elites.
That is what I told Chikako Ogura.