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Finding Yoyu: The Japanese Compass for Navigating Overwhelm and Cultivating Abundance in 7 Key Areas of Life
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life?
Struggling to find enough time, energy, or resources to pursue your dreams?YOU NEED YOYU!Get ready for a fresh perspective on managing life’s challenges through the lens of yoyu—a Japanese concept expressing bandwidth, capacity, or oomph. Yoyu is the essence of having enough (or more than enough) time, money, energy, or other resources.
Drawing from her experiences living in Japan for 30+ years and caring for her Japanese father-in-law, Marci explores seven essential aspects of yoyu, including time, energy, money, and spirituality. Through engaging stories and practical exercises, she guides readers on a journey to reclaim balance and abundance.
Finding Yoyu is for you family and work feels like an uphill battle and you want to learn how to leverage small pockets of time and focus on what truly matters.Despite efforts to plan ahead, you face a persistent lack of energy and need energy-boosting strategies for everyday life and those emergencies when you accidentally hit exhaustion.Helping family is a priority, but you’re feeling financially constrained, struggling to see the positives, and need a way to recognize and leverage other forms of abundance.Family members don’t understand or respect your personal space needs, and the absence of dedicated space calls for ingenious solutions for communicating those needs and how you use shared spaces.Avoiding issues is no longer an option, and you need to feel empowered and centered so that you can initiate difficult conversations with your loved ones.Fatigue and stress from daily life lead to overreactions and inappropriate emotional outbursts that inadvertently hurt your loved ones and you need a way to intercept these outbursts before they occur.Taking care of everyone and everything leaves you feeling tired, lonely, and disengaged and you need a way to tap into the interconnectedness of all things and find joy again.Targeted at women navigating the complexities of midlife, Finding Yoyu offers a unique blend of cultural insight, personal narrative, and actionable advice. Whether you're dreaming of starting a new career or nurturing your creative passions and instead feel the weight of caring for loved ones with nothing left over for yourself, this book will empower you to embrace abundance and live with purpose.
Marci Kobayashi is a seasoned writer, teacher, and entrepreneur based in Hiroshima. With over three decades of experience living and working in Japan, she brings a wealth of cultural wisdom to her writing. Finding Yoyu is her latest endeavor, born from her journey of caregiving, spiritual exploration, and personal growth.
Struggling to find enough time, energy, or resources to pursue your dreams?YOU NEED YOYU!Get ready for a fresh perspective on managing life’s challenges through the lens of yoyu—a Japanese concept expressing bandwidth, capacity, or oomph. Yoyu is the essence of having enough (or more than enough) time, money, energy, or other resources.
Drawing from her experiences living in Japan for 30+ years and caring for her Japanese father-in-law, Marci explores seven essential aspects of yoyu, including time, energy, money, and spirituality. Through engaging stories and practical exercises, she guides readers on a journey to reclaim balance and abundance.
Finding Yoyu is for you family and work feels like an uphill battle and you want to learn how to leverage small pockets of time and focus on what truly matters.Despite efforts to plan ahead, you face a persistent lack of energy and need energy-boosting strategies for everyday life and those emergencies when you accidentally hit exhaustion.Helping family is a priority, but you’re feeling financially constrained, struggling to see the positives, and need a way to recognize and leverage other forms of abundance.Family members don’t understand or respect your personal space needs, and the absence of dedicated space calls for ingenious solutions for communicating those needs and how you use shared spaces.Avoiding issues is no longer an option, and you need to feel empowered and centered so that you can initiate difficult conversations with your loved ones.Fatigue and stress from daily life lead to overreactions and inappropriate emotional outbursts that inadvertently hurt your loved ones and you need a way to intercept these outbursts before they occur.Taking care of everyone and everything leaves you feeling tired, lonely, and disengaged and you need a way to tap into the interconnectedness of all things and find joy again.Targeted at women navigating the complexities of midlife, Finding Yoyu offers a unique blend of cultural insight, personal narrative, and actionable advice. Whether you're dreaming of starting a new career or nurturing your creative passions and instead feel the weight of caring for loved ones with nothing left over for yourself, this book will empower you to embrace abundance and live with purpose.
Marci Kobayashi is a seasoned writer, teacher, and entrepreneur based in Hiroshima. With over three decades of experience living and working in Japan, she brings a wealth of cultural wisdom to her writing. Finding Yoyu is her latest endeavor, born from her journey of caregiving, spiritual exploration, and personal growth.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Marci Kobayashi
9 books2 followersMarci Kobayashi is a writer, entrepreneur, and coach who has lived in Japan for over three decades. She is the founder of International Education Blueprint Inc. (IEB Inc.), a company that evolved from study abroad advising to web design, development, and coaching.
Through personal experiences—especially caregiving for her father-in-law with Alzheimer’s and supporting her husband’s cancer recovery—Marci discovered a deep passion for coaching around the Japanese concept of yoyu. This powerful idea helps create space in life—whether time, energy, or emotional reserves—to avoid burnout and cultivate balance and resilience.
Originally from the West Coast of the U.S., she now lives in Hiroshima, Japan.
Through personal experiences—especially caregiving for her father-in-law with Alzheimer’s and supporting her husband’s cancer recovery—Marci discovered a deep passion for coaching around the Japanese concept of yoyu. This powerful idea helps create space in life—whether time, energy, or emotional reserves—to avoid burnout and cultivate balance and resilience.
Originally from the West Coast of the U.S., she now lives in Hiroshima, Japan.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 11, 2025
Finding Yoyu is a heartfelt and insightful exploration of how a single Japanese concept, “yoyu,” can transform the way we navigate life’s challenges. Marci Kobayashi blends personal anecdotes with cultural wisdom to introduce this idea, which refers to the leeway or reserves we need, be it time, energy, or emotional space, to handle life’s ups and downs. The book is part memoir, part guide, and entirely relatable, offering practical advice to cultivate balance and abundance in various aspects of life.
What I loved most about this book is how Marci’s stories feel so personal and honest. Early on, she shares how she managed her father-in-law’s Alzheimer’s while supporting her husband through cancer treatment, a time of overwhelming pressure. Instead of sinking into despair, she learned to “take a mini runaway,” or “puchi-iede,” for moments of solitude and renewal. Her vulnerability in admitting she didn’t always handle things gracefully made her triumphs feel even more inspiring. The practice of embracing micro-moments to recharge felt like a revelation, especially when she described the simple act of breathing for five seconds as a way to center herself.
The writing is approachable, conversational, and peppered with cultural insights that elevate the narrative. Marci’s explanation of the kanji behind “yo” (overflow) and “yu” (abundance) gave depth to what might otherwise seem like a simple concept. Her real-life example of negotiating caregiving duties with her husband, Akira, stood out as a lesson in communication and compromise.
I found the breakdown of the seven types of yoyu (time, energy, money, space, capability, emotions, and spirituality) and the examples provided to be illuminating. The inclusion of specific practices, such as the “Dozo Gratitude Walk,” keeps the reader engaged and encourages action.
Finding Yoyu is a gentle companion for anyone navigating tough times. I’d recommend it to caregivers, busy professionals, or anyone feeling stretched too thin. This book encourages us to pause, assess, and make space for the things that matter most. Marci’s voice is like a trusted friend reminding us that with a little yoyu, even the hardest days can become more manageable.
What I loved most about this book is how Marci’s stories feel so personal and honest. Early on, she shares how she managed her father-in-law’s Alzheimer’s while supporting her husband through cancer treatment, a time of overwhelming pressure. Instead of sinking into despair, she learned to “take a mini runaway,” or “puchi-iede,” for moments of solitude and renewal. Her vulnerability in admitting she didn’t always handle things gracefully made her triumphs feel even more inspiring. The practice of embracing micro-moments to recharge felt like a revelation, especially when she described the simple act of breathing for five seconds as a way to center herself.
The writing is approachable, conversational, and peppered with cultural insights that elevate the narrative. Marci’s explanation of the kanji behind “yo” (overflow) and “yu” (abundance) gave depth to what might otherwise seem like a simple concept. Her real-life example of negotiating caregiving duties with her husband, Akira, stood out as a lesson in communication and compromise.
I found the breakdown of the seven types of yoyu (time, energy, money, space, capability, emotions, and spirituality) and the examples provided to be illuminating. The inclusion of specific practices, such as the “Dozo Gratitude Walk,” keeps the reader engaged and encourages action.
Finding Yoyu is a gentle companion for anyone navigating tough times. I’d recommend it to caregivers, busy professionals, or anyone feeling stretched too thin. This book encourages us to pause, assess, and make space for the things that matter most. Marci’s voice is like a trusted friend reminding us that with a little yoyu, even the hardest days can become more manageable.
March 3, 2025
If life feels like a never-ending to-do list, this book is the reset button you didn’t know you needed. Marci introduces the Japanese concept of yoyu—the idea of having enough (or more than enough) time, energy, money, or mental space—and shows how embracing it can help us break free from burnout and overwhelm.
drawing from her 30+ years in Japan and personal experience caring for her Japanese father-in-law, Marci blends cultural insights, real-life stories, and practical exercises to help readers reclaim balance. unlike typical self-help books that tell you to “just make time for yourself,” this digs deeper into why we feel so depleted in the first place. whether it’s struggling to set boundaries, constantly running on empty, or feeling like there’s never enough (money, time, space—you name it), this book offers tangible strategies to shift your mindset and reclaim your resources.
i really liked it because the author gets it—she understands the mental load of managing work, family, and everything in between. she doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles but instead offers small, doable shifts that actually work. her approach is refreshing, focusing on abundance in all forms, not just financial, and helping readers find balance without guilt.
4.5 ⭐️ gonna buy the physical copy now lol
drawing from her 30+ years in Japan and personal experience caring for her Japanese father-in-law, Marci blends cultural insights, real-life stories, and practical exercises to help readers reclaim balance. unlike typical self-help books that tell you to “just make time for yourself,” this digs deeper into why we feel so depleted in the first place. whether it’s struggling to set boundaries, constantly running on empty, or feeling like there’s never enough (money, time, space—you name it), this book offers tangible strategies to shift your mindset and reclaim your resources.
i really liked it because the author gets it—she understands the mental load of managing work, family, and everything in between. she doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles but instead offers small, doable shifts that actually work. her approach is refreshing, focusing on abundance in all forms, not just financial, and helping readers find balance without guilt.
4.5 ⭐️ gonna buy the physical copy now lol
March 26, 2025
A Japanese person can simply respond to a situation with "I don't have yoyu" when they can't help or can't do something. An English speaker will always need to be more specific: I'm shattered, I'm slammed, I'm chock-a-block, I'm broke, etc. Using this flexible term "yoyu", our author takes us on a tour of the different situations when a Japanese person might use "I don't have yoyu" and what can be gleaned from this.
This is a light read for the stressed middle-class woman who's struggling to keep all the plates spinning. The author provides various exercises throughout the text which I didn't do as they're full of spirit guide chants/invocations and the dreaded word "manifesting". I also didn't like the author's use of "transitioned" when she meant dead - just call a spade, a spade.
Nothing radically new but parts are a helpful reminder to slow down, ask for help and take time out if your emotions are at boiling point. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a light read for the stressed middle-class woman who's struggling to keep all the plates spinning. The author provides various exercises throughout the text which I didn't do as they're full of spirit guide chants/invocations and the dreaded word "manifesting". I also didn't like the author's use of "transitioned" when she meant dead - just call a spade, a spade.
Nothing radically new but parts are a helpful reminder to slow down, ask for help and take time out if your emotions are at boiling point. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 16, 2025
Finding Yoyu is an honest, engaging book with a fresh approach for finding and maintaining your energy reserves (yoyu) to overcome overwhelm and optimize daily living. Marci Kobayashi defines the Japanese concept of “yoyu” and shares relatable, personal examples from her experiences in living and working in Japan. Her stories about finding yoyu that range from caring for her father-in-law with Alzheimer's, helping her husband navigate a cancer diagnosis, teaching kindergarteners to have more confidence in the classroom, and having the financial wherewithal to meet a cherished goal show just how broadly the concept of yoyu can be applied. Marci offers tools and exercises that anyone can use to become aware of situations where your energy is becoming depleted so you can readily course correct. If you'd like to reclaim your capacity to live your life with greater ease, then Finding Yoyu is for you!
June 18, 2025
Audiobook: I thought this was a fascinating treatise regarding this Japanese concept. I liked the way each area had a chapter devoted to itself in order to facilitate my understanding of the key concepts. I enjoyed the personal anecdotes which the author used to illustrate her points. I liked the easy to understand exercises which were provided to help one work towards their own abundance and balance. I thought Marci Kobayashi's narration was clear and easy to follow. I was given a copy of the audiobook through Spotify. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
March 13, 2025
I mostly liked this. It was interesting and an entertaining read. However at times it felt a little self indulgent and I sometimes found myself wondering what the aim of the book was. Did I enjoy it - yes. Did I come away with useful things I could try? I’m not sure. Thanks to NetGalley for the early copy.
April 17, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
I was expecting more learning from the book. It was a nice light read with some good reminders on how to manage stress, calm down, and ask for help. There were some teachings in the book which I wouldn’t practice in my life such as spirit guide chants or invocations and manifesting.
I was expecting more learning from the book. It was a nice light read with some good reminders on how to manage stress, calm down, and ask for help. There were some teachings in the book which I wouldn’t practice in my life such as spirit guide chants or invocations and manifesting.
April 11, 2025
Edit: editing to say the author reached out and emailed me about my review (still not sure the intentions behind doing this) after stalking me to say I’m still not sure honestly. The boundary that was crossed was not appreciated.
Honestly this book made me more anxious than it helped me. I thought it would be more about how to help vs. the author creating her own problems and then cultivating yoyu as a way to decompress or gain “energy”. Some of the tips were helpful and I’m going to use them, however most of the problems the author experienced would have helped her better by just communicating and seeing someone for her anxiousness. Truly the way she acted sometimes had my mouth dropping and I couldn’t believe it.
Honestly this book made me more anxious than it helped me. I thought it would be more about how to help vs. the author creating her own problems and then cultivating yoyu as a way to decompress or gain “energy”. Some of the tips were helpful and I’m going to use them, however most of the problems the author experienced would have helped her better by just communicating and seeing someone for her anxiousness. Truly the way she acted sometimes had my mouth dropping and I couldn’t believe it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews