Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Find your own way to inner peace with the wisdom of Japan
Jan 2026 · Bloomsbury Publishing
Ebook
368
Pages
About this ebook
'A timely and moving pilgrimage through Japan's spiritual traditions' RUTH OZEKI, Women's Prize-winning and Booker Prize-shortlisted author
'A fascinating dive through hidden layers of the Japanese worldview' KATHERINE MAY, author of Wintering
Find your way to happiness with this wise, inspiring journey into the spiritual heart of Japan.
In Eight Million Ways to Happiness, Hiroko Yoda invites readers on a transformative journey into the traditions that shape Japanese life. While millions have found inspiration in ideas like ikigai or The Courage to Be Disliked, Hiroko reveals the deeper traditions that quietly infuse Japan's culture, drawn from Shinto, Buddhism, and the mountain mysticism of Shugendo.
These aren't abstract philosophies. They are living practices that integrate so seamlessly with modern secular life, even natives can forget they are there. Reconnecting with them helped Hiroko find light after profound loss – and realise that they offer powerful tools for anyone seeking meaning, connection or peace in their own life.
Through vivid storytelling and immersive experiences – dancing at Shinto shrines, climbing sacred peaks, and meeting mystics – Hiroko shows how Japan's flexible approach to spirituality helps kindle gratitude, connection and kinship with nature. What emerges are practical insights and gentle guidance to spark joy, find balance, and discover what truly matters.
Whether you're grieving, searching, or simply curious, this book is a reminder: there are millions of ways to be happy. You just have to find yours.
'A fascinating dive through hidden layers of the Japanese worldview' KATHERINE MAY, author of Wintering
Find your way to happiness with this wise, inspiring journey into the spiritual heart of Japan.
In Eight Million Ways to Happiness, Hiroko Yoda invites readers on a transformative journey into the traditions that shape Japanese life. While millions have found inspiration in ideas like ikigai or The Courage to Be Disliked, Hiroko reveals the deeper traditions that quietly infuse Japan's culture, drawn from Shinto, Buddhism, and the mountain mysticism of Shugendo.
These aren't abstract philosophies. They are living practices that integrate so seamlessly with modern secular life, even natives can forget they are there. Reconnecting with them helped Hiroko find light after profound loss – and realise that they offer powerful tools for anyone seeking meaning, connection or peace in their own life.
Through vivid storytelling and immersive experiences – dancing at Shinto shrines, climbing sacred peaks, and meeting mystics – Hiroko shows how Japan's flexible approach to spirituality helps kindle gratitude, connection and kinship with nature. What emerges are practical insights and gentle guidance to spark joy, find balance, and discover what truly matters.
Whether you're grieving, searching, or simply curious, this book is a reminder: there are millions of ways to be happy. You just have to find yours.
'A timely and moving pilgrimage through Japan's spiritual traditions' RUTH OZEKI, Women's Prize-winning and Booker Prize-shortlisted author
'A fascinating dive through hidden layers of the Japanese worldview' KATHERINE MAY, author of Wintering
Find your way to happiness with this wise, inspiring...
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About the author
Hiroko Yoda was born and raised in Tokyo. She is a certified cultural historian, a former Tokyo editor for CNN Go and a field producer for National Geographic TV. Over two decades she has assisted countless Japanese creators in the video game, manga, anime, toy and film industries convey their artistic visions abroad. She has written popular pieces for the New Yorker, Vice and Wired, and has also appeared on CNN, PBS, BBC, and 99% Invisible. She lives in Tokyo.
Hiroko Yoda was born and raised in Tokyo. She is a certified cultural historian, a former Tokyo editor for CNN Go and a field producer for National Geographic TV. Over two decades she has assisted countless Japanese creators in the video game, manga, anime, toy and film industries convey their ar...
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