Can "You've lost weight?" Hurt Others? An Introduction to Lookism Explained Through Everyday Annoyances, "So, That's Lookism: 23 Cases and Explanations" Released

Kodansha Ltd. will release its new book, "So, That's Lookism: 23 Cases and Explanations," on July 9, 2026, a book themed around lookism.

"Have you lost weight recently?" "You're cute." "You look mature." "You have presence."

Have you ever seen someone make a complicated expression in response to a casual remark, or a comment you intended as a compliment?

"So, That's Lookism: 23 Cases and Explanations" is an introductory book that clearly explains the basics of "What is lookism?" which is difficult to ask about now. Furthermore, it's an introductory book where you can learn about "problems caused by lookism" through 23 manga illustrations, covering everything from social media, cosmetic surgery, and supporting your favorite idol, to nicknames, comparisons with siblings, and appearance-based teasing.

Is "You're cute" painful? The reason why complimenting someone's appearance can lead to their discomfort

Many people may have heard the word "lookism" but feel, "What exactly is the problem?" or "Should I avoid all talk about appearance?"

Forcing oneself to lose weight.

Even though you know you're being praised, it somehow feels painful.

Being unable to say, "I don't really like that nickname."

Not knowing how to respond to a child who says, "I want to get cosmetic surgery" after looking at social media.

This book explores lookism through such familiar episodes and questions.

Recommended for those who want to know about lookism, as well as those struggling with daily communication.

Recommended for everyone who has been confused by discussions about appearance at home, school, or work.

- Those who want to learn about lookism

- Those who have felt uncomfortable with words related to appearance

- Those struggling with how to engage with beauty and social media

- Parents concerned about their children's appearance-related worries

- School staff who want to make classrooms more comfortable places

- Managers and HR personnel concerned about whether appearance-related comments in the workplace could constitute harassment

- Those who have felt a sense of unease since childhood due to being compared with others based on their appearance

Each chapter includes an FAQ to delve deeper into the content.

After finishing the book, you should find ways to choose words that do not hurt others or yourself, rather than simply avoiding discussions about appearance.

Author Profiles

● Yuna Maekawa Born in 1989. Graduated from Keio University, Faculty of Law. After working at Mitsui Fudosan, she obtained a Master's degree in International Relations from Waseda University Graduate School. She encountered Sri Lanka through her work at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Later, she was stationed in Sri Lanka as a specialist researcher for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In August 2019, she founded the fitness wear brand "kelluna." in Sri Lanka with the theme of self-love and became its representative. Through the brand, she disseminates information about Japan's lookism issues. Currently, she operates kelluna. while traveling between Japan and Sri Lanka, and gives lectures at various venues such as companies, schools, and government institutions. Her regular columns include "Yuna Maekawa's Lookism Monologue" and "Shaberukkizumu!". Her hobbies include running and watching anime, manga, and voice actor readings.

Her book is "Who is That Cute For? The Story of Starting a Business in Sri Lanka to Fight Lookism" (Icarus Publishing).

● Mana Wilson Born in 1990. Writer. She believes that writing articles that convey "people on the other side" beyond categories of attributes, titles, and race can make the world feel closer and more peaceful. In addition to planning and writing interview articles for media and dialogue articles such as "Shaberukkizumu!", and writing website text for companies, she also operates the word-companion service "Kotobady" and the individual interview service "Konohiyori." She continues to explore the potential of "putting words to things" for diverse people to live together authentically. She is currently struggling daily with raising her two children in English with her American husband.

● Tsururingostar

Illustrator/Manga artist. Her published works include "After the 'Have a Good Day'" "A Fire Ignites in Your Heart" "Lingerie Blues" (KADOKAWA), and "She Has Wings of NO" (Futabasha), and she also handles cover illustrations and in-book illustrations. She lives in the Kansai region with her husband, three children, and a lizard.

So, That's Lookism: 23 Cases and Explanations

Release Date: 07/09/2026

Price: List Price: 1870 yen (1700 yen excluding tax)