A heartfelt and eye-opening new comic essay exploring life with dissociative identity disorder (DID) is now available digitally from GODO Publishing. Titled “Comic Report: It’s Dissociative Disorder.”, the book is written by Tokin, an artist living with the condition, with expert commentary provided by psychiatrist Dr. Kenichiro Okano, professor emeritus at Kyoto University.
🧠 Lived Experience on the Page
What does it really mean to live with dissociation?
This isn’t a textbook — it’s a personal record. Through raw yet tender illustrations, Tokin shares moments of confusion, coping, and clarity. Interwoven are voices from other people with DID, collected through social media — practical insights on self-care, communication, and simply getting through the day.
As the book’s foreword puts it:
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The more ideas we share, the more we all can breathe.”
📘 A Sequel Grounded in Community
This new release builds upon Tokin’s acclaimed 2018 debut, Real-Life Dissociative Disorder: The Jumbled Days of Me, which was featured in major outlets like Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo Shimbun, and NHK’s Baribara. That book resonated deeply with readers — from those living with the disorder to their families, friends, and even professionals seeking better understanding.
With this follow-up, the aim is broader and more communal:
“Not a lone struggle, but a journey we walk together — one step at a time.”
To that end, the book is anchored by three key elements:
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Tokin’s own experiences navigating daily life through dissociative episodes
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Shared contributions from other individuals with DID, offering diverse coping strategies
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Accessible clinical insight from Dr. Okano, fostering understanding between patients and supporters
🗣️ Why This Book Matters Now
DID is often misunderstood or misrepresented in the media. This comic offers something rare — not just information, but intimacy and honesty. It provides readers, whether they are affected directly or not, with a bridge toward empathy and clearer communication.
By blending lived experiences with professional guidance, it empowers readers to discover what works for them — or to better support someone they care about.
📖 Inside the Book
A few of the chapters include:
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“Am I really okay…!??”
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“Caring for the Blur”
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“Self-Compassion, Not Self-Blame”
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“Who Are All These ‘Me’s?”
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“The Hospital Matching Dungeon”
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“Work and Mental Health: The Balancing Act”
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“Understanding Dissociation Through Time”
Each section is paired with Q&As from Dr. Okano and real-life input from the wider DID community, affectionately referred to as “Kairi-san” in the Japanese version.
✏️ About the Creators
Tokin
Born in 1983, Tokin is a manga artist and illustrator. After years of managing psychiatric symptoms, she was diagnosed with DID and bipolar disorder. In 2012, she began publishing a zine about her experiences called Zombie Dojo, which formed the basis for her first major work. She also served as art director for the animated series “Oshiete Hokusai! THE ANIMATION”.
Dr. Kenichiro Okano
A psychiatrist and professor emeritus at Kyoto University. With training in France and the U.S., he is known for his empathetic, research-informed work on trauma and dissociation. His books are widely used in clinical and academic settings.
📘 Book Details
Comic Report: It’s Dissociative Disorder
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Author: Tokin
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Supervision & Commentary: Dr. Kenichiro Okano
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Publisher: GODO Publishing
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Format: Digital (eBook)
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Pages: 158
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Price: ¥1,500 (plus tax)
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Official page: https://www.godo-shuppan.co.jp/book/b660984.html
📝 Editorial Note from Anibu
In a world where many still struggle to speak up about invisible conditions, books like this create quiet revolutions. “Comic Report: It’s Dissociative Disorder” is not just a book about illness — it’s about resilience, community, and redefining what it means to be “okay.”