Eight Million Ways to Happiness

Wisdom from the Heart of Japan

De: Hiroko Yoda

Narrado por: Hiroko Yoda

‘Yoda shows how we might ease our own suffering and reawaken a profound appreciation of the beauty of the world’ RUTH OZEKI, Women’s Prize-winning and Booker Prize-shortlisted author

In Eight Million Ways to Happiness, Hiroko Yoda invites readers on a deeply personal and transformative journey into the spiritual heart of Japan. While millions have found inspiration in ideas like ikigai or The Courage to Be Disliked, Hiroko reveals the deeper traditions that quietly shape 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.©2026 Hiroko Yoda (P)2026 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Reseñas de la Crítica

Eight Million Ways to Happiness is a timely and moving pilgrimage through Japan's ancient spiritual traditions. As she navigates the terrain of her own grief in the wake of her mother's death, Hiroko Yoda shows us how we might ease our own suffering and reawaken a profound appreciation of the beauty of the world (RUTH OZEKI, Booker Prize-shortlisted author of A Tale for the Time Being)

A fascinating dive through hidden layers of the Japanese worldview (KATHERINE MAY, author of Wintering)

A beautiful exploration of Japanese spirituality. With wise insights and meditative personal stories, Yoda inspires us all to be more intimately connected with nature – and with ourselves (SHUNMYO MASUNO, author of Zen: The Art of Simple Living)

Hiroko Yoda dives into Japanese spirituality with an open heart and a lively, questioning mind. What she discovers is religion with a lowercase r: guidance rather than rules, generosity instead of judgement. Please know: No woo-woo spiritual blather here! Yoda's footing in cultural history and talents as a storyteller set this book apart and above (MARY ROACH, New York Times-bestselling author of Gulp and Stiff)

Transcendently intimate. A personal journey of remembrance and healing leads to a heightened exploration of the mystic realms of Japan. Yoda provides insights into Japanese spiritual lore as well as practical lessons in opening yourself to comforting unseen presences that can change your life (ALFRED BIRNBAUM, translator of Haruki Murakami)