Was "The Reputation Economic Society" a "prophetic book"?

What was the Internet society predicted nearly 30 years ago?

"The Reputation Economic Society: We are witnessing the turning point of the world" is a book published by Diamond Inc. in 2011, written by Toji Okada, the first CEO of the anime and game production company Gainax. After releasing classic animes such as "Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honneamise" and "Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water," Okada has been giving lectures and writing and speaking engagements.

This book, written more than 10 years ago, is often spoken of online as a "prophecy." The book is based on his debut work, "Our Brainwashed Society," published by Asahi Shimbun Publishing in 1995. In other words, the content that people are surprised by was thought of nearly 30 years ago. What was the future prediction that was spoken of 30 years ago?

What is a “reputation economic society” in the first place?

The unfamiliar term “reputation economic society” is a term coined by Okada. It means “a society in which ‘reputation’ and ‘influence’ are exchanged.” People who have influenced our values ​​and behavior by providing good information are given “reputation.” This book talks about the coming of a society in which this exchange will exceed monetary value.

What is "The Reputation Economic Society"?

1. Judging others based on ones values.

2. People who share values ​​form groups.

3. Coordinating multiple values ​​within an individual.

▶ Okada Toshio FREEex. Evaluation Economy Society: Digital Edition Plus. Rocket Inc. Kindle Edition

It is now commonplace for companies to pay young people and influencers who are eager to get “likes” on social media, and as of 2024, we have already entered an era of what could be called “high reputation and low currency.” However, few people could have predicted this situation in 2011, the dawn of social media.

Okada consistently states in this book that the younger generation will soon no longer value the value of money, and will “value their own senses and hobbies as the greatest value.” They have no interest in promotion or luxury, and their attitude toward work is dry. But how do we get young employees to work who are extremely passionate about their hobbies? Surely there must be a certain number of middle managers who are scratching their heads right now? Where on earth did this prediction come from?