FOR RELEASE 

Karl Marx Revisited: New Book Reframes Capital Around the Idea of “Disposable Time”

Japan Press Service announced the publication of Disposable Time and Capital: Learning from Marx, a new book by Shii Kazuo that offers a distinctive, research-based perspective on Capital by Karl Marx for contemporary readers. 

Rather than approaching Capital solely as a critique of political economy, the book places at its center Marx’s concept of “disposable time”—time available beyond necessity for education, social participation, and the full development of human capacities. By foregrounding this perspective, the volume presents Marx’s work as a forward-looking theory of human freedom, offering a unifying lens through which to understand both the critique of capitalism and the possibilities of a future society. 

The book brings together three interconnected works originally developed through lectures and discussions with students in Japan. Combining accessibility with theoretical depth, it provides a structured introduction that moves from foundational questions to more advanced analysis. It is intended for a broad readership, particularly students, younger readers, and those encountering Marx’s thought for the first time. 

Part I, “Communism and Freedom,” challenges common misconceptions about socialism by presenting it as a system grounded in human freedom rather than state control. Drawing on Marx’s idea of an “association of free individuals,” it outlines a vision of society in which the free and full development of each person becomes the guiding principle. 

Part II, “Capital Is Fascinating Now,” turns to the continuing relevance of Marx’s Capital. It explains key concepts—such as exploitation and the struggle over the length of the working day—in clear and engaging terms, portraying Capital as a “book of transformation and hope” that speaks directly to present-day concerns about work and inequality. 

Part III, “Disposable Time and Capital,” provides the theoretical foundation for the preceding sections. Tracing Marx’s intellectual development, it shows how the idea of “freely disposable time” came to occupy a central place in his vision of a future society. The book argues that the wealth of society should be understood not only in terms of material output, but in relation to the expansion of free time, human development, and the sustainable relationship between humanity and nature. 

“The true wealth of society lies in disposable time,” the book emphasizes, underscoring the importance of reclaiming time from the pressures of profit-driven systems. In this sense, the work offers a new angle on Marx that connects his theoretical insights to current debates on work, time, and human well-being. 

In a global context marked by persistent inequality, environmental strain, and debates over work-life balance, this study highlights the continued relevance of Marx’s thought while opening new perspectives for understanding the future of economic and social organization. 

About the Author
Shii Kazuo (born 1954) is Chairperson of the Central Committee of the Japanese Communist Party. He served as a member of the House of Representatives for more than three decades. He is the author of numerous works on politics and political economy, including Proposals for Building Peace in East Asia (2024). 

Availability
Disposable Time and Capital: Learning from Marx is available now.

For more information, please visit:
Japan Press Service: https://www.japan-press.co.jp/

Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0hk4DCgz