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Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Wisdom for Inspiration and Healing from the Heart of Japan
A Japanese cultural historian shares a path to joyful living drawn from her nation’s unique approach to spirituality and nature, offering a “fascinating” (Wintering author Katherine May) blend of memoir, cultural reporting, and practical guidance for anyone struggling to find balance in our turbulent modern world.
Everyone’s in the pursuit of happiness, but few know how to attain it. Millions around the world have turned to Japan for advice on finding their Ikigai, or summoning The Courage to Be Disliked. Japan’s spiritual traditions hide in plain sight, forming the basis of so much of what we love about the country’s culture. Without Japan’s spiritual sustenance, Jiro wouldn’t dream of sushi; Hayao Miyazaki’s films wouldn’t spirit us away; and Marie Kondo wouldn’t spark joy.
In her book Eight Million Ways to Happiness, Hiroko Yoda offers the culmination of her decade-long odyssey into the spiritual heart of her homeland. Readers follow Hiroko as she trains as a Shinto shrine-dancer, partakes in Buddhist funeral rituals, ascends holy mountains with Shugendo ascetics, and meets one of Japan’s last living itako, a traditional mystic. Her stories—personal, cultural, and historical—offer life lessons for readers of any background.
Hiroko awakens readers to the idea of a traditional spiritual flexibility that seamlessly coexists with the modern secular world, fortifying us through life’s inevitable ups and downs. We are all subject to forces beyond our control, but we are also part of a bigger natural system that can strengthen us—if we learn how to reconnect with it.
Everyone’s in the pursuit of happiness, but few know how to attain it. Millions around the world have turned to Japan for advice on finding their Ikigai, or summoning The Courage to Be Disliked. Japan’s spiritual traditions hide in plain sight, forming the basis of so much of what we love about the country’s culture. Without Japan’s spiritual sustenance, Jiro wouldn’t dream of sushi; Hayao Miyazaki’s films wouldn’t spirit us away; and Marie Kondo wouldn’t spark joy.
In her book Eight Million Ways to Happiness, Hiroko Yoda offers the culmination of her decade-long odyssey into the spiritual heart of her homeland. Readers follow Hiroko as she trains as a Shinto shrine-dancer, partakes in Buddhist funeral rituals, ascends holy mountains with Shugendo ascetics, and meets one of Japan’s last living itako, a traditional mystic. Her stories—personal, cultural, and historical—offer life lessons for readers of any background.
Hiroko awakens readers to the idea of a traditional spiritual flexibility that seamlessly coexists with the modern secular world, fortifying us through life’s inevitable ups and downs. We are all subject to forces beyond our control, but we are also part of a bigger natural system that can strengthen us—if we learn how to reconnect with it.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 14, 2026
As the author points out, the Western world often has a hard time understanding Japanese culture. In many ways, our views of the world and of human interaction clash quite noticeably, and miscommunication between our peoples is very common. Hiroko Yoda is Japanese but has spent much of her life in the United States, so she is able to bridge the cultural gap and explain each side's perspective to the other. In this book, her focus is on Japanese spirituality and the many ways it differs from the religious vs anti-religious mindset of most of the rest of the world. I've always been intrigued by Japanese philosophy and often feel like my own philosophy is very similar, so I was excited to read this book.
The author makes it clear that, while very few Japanese people consider themselves to be "religious," spirituality and rituals play a huge part in Japanese culture. To most Japanese people, their spirituality isn't so much about "belief" as it is about respect and gratitude. That can be difficult for many religious or even non-religious Western people to understand. I think the term "agnostic" could apply - the feeling that some higher power probably exists, but not worrying about putting a name or a dogma to it. However, for the purposes of tradition and cultural rituals, most Japanese adopt a sort of hybrid Shinto-Christian-Buddhist blend of observances.
I really enjoyed learning about all of this, especially the more philosophical tangents on Japanese wisdom and how to live in gratitude. It's a beautiful way to live, and I'm definitely taking a lot away from this book that I hope to apply in my own life.
My only problem with this book was how repetitive it was. The author would repeat the same statistics about religion in Japan in pretty much every chapter, and even some of her anecdotes were shared more than once. I guess maybe she expects that people will jump around in it and read a chapter here or there, but that's not how I read, and it made the book feel too long. I ended up skimming a lot of the second half.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed my time with this book. If you're interested in Japanese culture or spirituality in general, I recommend checking it out. It might also offer comfort to anyone experiencing grief.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for providing me the eARC for review consideration.
The author makes it clear that, while very few Japanese people consider themselves to be "religious," spirituality and rituals play a huge part in Japanese culture. To most Japanese people, their spirituality isn't so much about "belief" as it is about respect and gratitude. That can be difficult for many religious or even non-religious Western people to understand. I think the term "agnostic" could apply - the feeling that some higher power probably exists, but not worrying about putting a name or a dogma to it. However, for the purposes of tradition and cultural rituals, most Japanese adopt a sort of hybrid Shinto-Christian-Buddhist blend of observances.
I really enjoyed learning about all of this, especially the more philosophical tangents on Japanese wisdom and how to live in gratitude. It's a beautiful way to live, and I'm definitely taking a lot away from this book that I hope to apply in my own life.
My only problem with this book was how repetitive it was. The author would repeat the same statistics about religion in Japan in pretty much every chapter, and even some of her anecdotes were shared more than once. I guess maybe she expects that people will jump around in it and read a chapter here or there, but that's not how I read, and it made the book feel too long. I ended up skimming a lot of the second half.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed my time with this book. If you're interested in Japanese culture or spirituality in general, I recommend checking it out. It might also offer comfort to anyone experiencing grief.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for providing me the eARC for review consideration.
November 6, 2025
Eight Million Ways to Happiness is a book about many things. It touches on grief and spirituality. It explores religion and faith in Japan. It also provides an insight into some of Japan's history.
I went into this book with no knowledge or context. I received an eGalley directly from the publisher Dutton | Tiny Reparations Books. As someone who grew up on anime and manga, I was excited to dive into learning more about Japanese culture!
This book is dense. I mean that in a good way though. It's not a book that you can or should speed through. Yoda (not that Yoda) describes her journey through grief by literally traveling throughout Japan to learn more about her culture's spirituality. What she finds is there is no ONE way to describe Japanese spiritual practices. It is all based on YOU and your personal journey.
This is a great read for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton | Tiny Reparations Books for the eGalley!
I went into this book with no knowledge or context. I received an eGalley directly from the publisher Dutton | Tiny Reparations Books. As someone who grew up on anime and manga, I was excited to dive into learning more about Japanese culture!
This book is dense. I mean that in a good way though. It's not a book that you can or should speed through. Yoda (not that Yoda) describes her journey through grief by literally traveling throughout Japan to learn more about her culture's spirituality. What she finds is there is no ONE way to describe Japanese spiritual practices. It is all based on YOU and your personal journey.
This is a great read for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton | Tiny Reparations Books for the eGalley!
January 8, 2026
Eight Million Ways to Happiness is a touching, reflective, and richly textured book that weaves together memoir, cultural insight, and spiritual exploration in remarkable ways.
The book transforms Yoda’s personal grief into something universally resonant, using loss as a lens to explore how humans find meaning and belonging.
Rather than exoticizing Japanese spirituality, it presents Shinto, Buddhism, and Shugendō as lived traditions that shape everyday experience and worldview.
The wisdom emerges gently from real encounters like dancing at shrines, walking pilgrimages, meeting mystics so readers feel invited into discovery rather than lectured.
Yoda moves seamlessly between personal narrative, cultural history, and philosophical reflection, making complex traditions accessible without oversimplifying them.
This isn’t a self-help manual offering bullet-pointed steps to happiness, which may disappoint readers seeking actionable guides.
Instead, it’s a contemplative journey that lets you feel and think your way toward insight. It’s emotional, story-driven, and experiential, which might not satisfy those wanting scholarly analysis.
Ultimately, this is a moving and enlightening read for anyone drawn to spiritual reflection, cross-cultural perspectives, or narratives about healing after loss. It invites readers to slow down, notice life’s interconnectedness, and reconsider what “happiness” might mean outside modern Western frameworks.
The result is poetic rather than prescriptive, and deeply human.
The book transforms Yoda’s personal grief into something universally resonant, using loss as a lens to explore how humans find meaning and belonging.
Rather than exoticizing Japanese spirituality, it presents Shinto, Buddhism, and Shugendō as lived traditions that shape everyday experience and worldview.
The wisdom emerges gently from real encounters like dancing at shrines, walking pilgrimages, meeting mystics so readers feel invited into discovery rather than lectured.
Yoda moves seamlessly between personal narrative, cultural history, and philosophical reflection, making complex traditions accessible without oversimplifying them.
This isn’t a self-help manual offering bullet-pointed steps to happiness, which may disappoint readers seeking actionable guides.
Instead, it’s a contemplative journey that lets you feel and think your way toward insight. It’s emotional, story-driven, and experiential, which might not satisfy those wanting scholarly analysis.
Ultimately, this is a moving and enlightening read for anyone drawn to spiritual reflection, cross-cultural perspectives, or narratives about healing after loss. It invites readers to slow down, notice life’s interconnectedness, and reconsider what “happiness” might mean outside modern Western frameworks.
The result is poetic rather than prescriptive, and deeply human.
November 9, 2025
This book was so unexpected! I've read several personal growth or pop philosophy type books that are aimed at a "Western" audience but being inspiration from various Asian countries. Frequently, Japan. But the earliest I can remember is Tao of Pooh.
Most of them have some small nuggets of wisdom. At the very least, they make a genuine effort to help the reader think about life through a slightly different lens. I expected the same from Eight Million Ways.
I got what I expected but with so much more depth, nuance, history, and insight. I'd say I know a moderate amount about Japanese culture from growing up in an area with a huge Japanese population and several years of Japanese in high school and college. Well... Nothing like a good book to remind you that you know nothing :)
The author does an amazing job introducing an ignorant reader to Shintoism, to spiritualism in Japan, and to the ways that impacts thoughts on the universe and mortality.
This is also a very personal book. It's not a textbook or academic piece. The author shares her own challenges, her grief, her exploration of healing. There's advice offered but not imposed. It all reads as very authentic.
This book is a fantastic cultural peek and just a life affirming read. A hug of a book. Highly recommend and will definitely reread myself. Probably more than once.
Most of them have some small nuggets of wisdom. At the very least, they make a genuine effort to help the reader think about life through a slightly different lens. I expected the same from Eight Million Ways.
I got what I expected but with so much more depth, nuance, history, and insight. I'd say I know a moderate amount about Japanese culture from growing up in an area with a huge Japanese population and several years of Japanese in high school and college. Well... Nothing like a good book to remind you that you know nothing :)
The author does an amazing job introducing an ignorant reader to Shintoism, to spiritualism in Japan, and to the ways that impacts thoughts on the universe and mortality.
This is also a very personal book. It's not a textbook or academic piece. The author shares her own challenges, her grief, her exploration of healing. There's advice offered but not imposed. It all reads as very authentic.
This book is a fantastic cultural peek and just a life affirming read. A hug of a book. Highly recommend and will definitely reread myself. Probably more than once.
January 27, 2026
On Aspects of a Spiritually-savoured Japanese Cultural Life.
I have read many, many books on Japan - by Japanese writers and by others who have lived in Japan reflecting on their experiences among whom Patrick Smith (aka Patrick Lawrence) and Donald Keene, Herbert Passin, Lafcadio Hearn, Paul Glynn SJ and Frank Gibney for various reasons are standouts. But for clarity of explanation interwoven with deep reflection from her own life - Hiroko Yoda’s book is stunningly outstanding. On many pages - out of my 16+ years living in Japan - I could have - and in many instances did - or which illuminated aspects which had, to a degree, puzzled me - highlight things which had special resonance for me. And I suspect I may have even been ‘a foreigner’ who claimed to be Shintō (though using an ~ist term I thought appropriate) . You might find that aside in your own reading of this exciting and totally trustworthy book destined surely to become a go-to classic on ways to happiness. On ways to understand human spirituality. It’s not just for Japanese people - it’s for all of us.
I have read many, many books on Japan - by Japanese writers and by others who have lived in Japan reflecting on their experiences among whom Patrick Smith (aka Patrick Lawrence) and Donald Keene, Herbert Passin, Lafcadio Hearn, Paul Glynn SJ and Frank Gibney for various reasons are standouts. But for clarity of explanation interwoven with deep reflection from her own life - Hiroko Yoda’s book is stunningly outstanding. On many pages - out of my 16+ years living in Japan - I could have - and in many instances did - or which illuminated aspects which had, to a degree, puzzled me - highlight things which had special resonance for me. And I suspect I may have even been ‘a foreigner’ who claimed to be Shintō (though using an ~ist term I thought appropriate) . You might find that aside in your own reading of this exciting and totally trustworthy book destined surely to become a go-to classic on ways to happiness. On ways to understand human spirituality. It’s not just for Japanese people - it’s for all of us.
August 10, 2025
Somehow I expected something very different from a Japanese book titled Eight Million Ways to Happiness. Perhaps, something more of an Ikigai theme, but obviously deeper (seeing that the number in itself is big).
But this turned out to be a fascinating exploration of Japanese culture and traditions. It had all the feels and a detailed journey going through various stages of a person's life - in exploration of self and life in general.
It's deeply personal and well researched. It could easily become an academic book as well.
But this turned out to be a fascinating exploration of Japanese culture and traditions. It had all the feels and a detailed journey going through various stages of a person's life - in exploration of self and life in general.
It's deeply personal and well researched. It could easily become an academic book as well.
December 12, 2025
If you are interested in learning more about the Japanese culture, I highly recommend Hiroko Yoda's 8 Million Ways to Happiness.
Hiroko's inviting non-Japanese people into the Japanese culture. She presents a world thrumming in a web of connection. Hiroko encourages people from around the world to appreciate simple joys and how interconnected we all are. When sitting down for a meal, the Japanese say "Itadakimasu" which means “I humbly accept."
Although Japanese spirituality is intertwined with their culture, there isn't a religious requirement to appreciating a moment from the Japanese perspective.
As Hiroko mentioned in our thought echoes podcast interview https://www.bethbonness.com/podcast/h..., the simple act of eating a banana is about more than food, it's about the soil and sun required to grow the banana, the farmers and grocery stores bringing that produce to us. Nothing we experience is in a vacuum and 8 Million Ways to Happiness offers a broader lens to look at the world.
Thank you Hiroko for sharing in English so those outside of Japan can gain a glimpse of what you experience every day.
Hiroko's inviting non-Japanese people into the Japanese culture. She presents a world thrumming in a web of connection. Hiroko encourages people from around the world to appreciate simple joys and how interconnected we all are. When sitting down for a meal, the Japanese say "Itadakimasu" which means “I humbly accept."
Although Japanese spirituality is intertwined with their culture, there isn't a religious requirement to appreciating a moment from the Japanese perspective.
As Hiroko mentioned in our thought echoes podcast interview https://www.bethbonness.com/podcast/h..., the simple act of eating a banana is about more than food, it's about the soil and sun required to grow the banana, the farmers and grocery stores bringing that produce to us. Nothing we experience is in a vacuum and 8 Million Ways to Happiness offers a broader lens to look at the world.
Thank you Hiroko for sharing in English so those outside of Japan can gain a glimpse of what you experience every day.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 stars - thank you to Dutton and Tiny Reparations Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions in this review are my own.
I've never read a book in the Spirituality category before, and I'm so glad I decided to make this one my first one! Hiroko Yoda does such a great job explaining Japan's view around religion & spirituality while interweaving her own personal experiences. Even though I am not super familiar with the practices of Shinto and Buddhism, she made me really appreciate both of these practices and how those who do honor these religions view the world. I have visited several Japanese temples, and this book gave me a much deeper appreciation for having visited those sites while I was in Japan.
There were several things from this book that I will use as takeaways for how I navigate the world going forward - I don't often highlight passages in books, but this one had me highlighting a lot!
I've never read a book in the Spirituality category before, and I'm so glad I decided to make this one my first one! Hiroko Yoda does such a great job explaining Japan's view around religion & spirituality while interweaving her own personal experiences. Even though I am not super familiar with the practices of Shinto and Buddhism, she made me really appreciate both of these practices and how those who do honor these religions view the world. I have visited several Japanese temples, and this book gave me a much deeper appreciation for having visited those sites while I was in Japan.
There were several things from this book that I will use as takeaways for how I navigate the world going forward - I don't often highlight passages in books, but this one had me highlighting a lot!
January 11, 2026
I listened to this audiobook on a 21 mile hike and it was very fitting for my journey! It was interesting but not what I expected when I read the title. I would reccomend reading with an open mind and stick with it even when it feels monotonous. Wasn't my favorite read (or listen) but it had some encouraging themes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Self-help books are not my thing, but wanted to give this a shot, because I do love cultures. I’m glad I did. It talked about grief and spirituality..and having lost my mom recently and knowing my dad is aging, i appreciated the new outlook.
June 17, 2025
Book will be released December 30, 2025.
Eight Million Ways to Happiness is a book that explores Japan's ancient spiritual traditions. The author, Hiroko Yoda, navigates her own grief after her mother's death and shares wisdom on how to ease suffering and appreciate the beauty of the world1. The book is a culmination of more than a decade of research and exploration.
I was interested in this book after seeing the cover. Our son spent 4 years in Japan and so I was looking foreard to reading more about the "happiness" there thru their way of life. The author spent a great deal of time explaining the spirituality of Japan (not religion though). I just didn't walk away feeling like the title of the book really goes with the story. There is lots of great information shared and I feel like it's a good way to learn more about Shiato. . . .and a little about Buddhism. At the very end, the author does explain that 8 million Kami . . . is about many different ways to happiness, such as "like a gentle breeze rustling your hair or sunlight warming your skin". "8 million Kami symbolizes the diversity of world views in everything around us." If you are planning a trip to Japan, I bet you will really enjoy the information in the book!
#EightMillionWaystoHappiness
#dutton
#NetGalley
Eight Million Ways to Happiness is a book that explores Japan's ancient spiritual traditions. The author, Hiroko Yoda, navigates her own grief after her mother's death and shares wisdom on how to ease suffering and appreciate the beauty of the world1. The book is a culmination of more than a decade of research and exploration.
I was interested in this book after seeing the cover. Our son spent 4 years in Japan and so I was looking foreard to reading more about the "happiness" there thru their way of life. The author spent a great deal of time explaining the spirituality of Japan (not religion though). I just didn't walk away feeling like the title of the book really goes with the story. There is lots of great information shared and I feel like it's a good way to learn more about Shiato. . . .and a little about Buddhism. At the very end, the author does explain that 8 million Kami . . . is about many different ways to happiness, such as "like a gentle breeze rustling your hair or sunlight warming your skin". "8 million Kami symbolizes the diversity of world views in everything around us." If you are planning a trip to Japan, I bet you will really enjoy the information in the book!
#EightMillionWaystoHappiness
#dutton
#NetGalley
June 11, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for the gifted copy.
This book has a ton of long, but knowledgeable information if you are looking for something different. You learn about Hiroko and her spiritual journey over the years. She shares many of Japan's culture and traditions and how it can help with what you may be looking for in your spiritual transition in life. It's definitely an interesting book. She specifies specific people who we may know in the public eye as examples. She gives us examples of what it takes or could take to find true happiness. Is it possible to achieve? Realistically? Yes. It's an interesting read, and what I find interesting is that it's really about accepting, letting go, moving forward, and much more. I feel like these are things we all should know, but it's been provided in information laid out differently. Different cultures use their traditions that works for them to meditate and practice in a way to find their zen in the world.
It might not be a book for everyone, but it definitely falls under self help. It's enlightening if you're looking to try something new or find something new.
This book has a ton of long, but knowledgeable information if you are looking for something different. You learn about Hiroko and her spiritual journey over the years. She shares many of Japan's culture and traditions and how it can help with what you may be looking for in your spiritual transition in life. It's definitely an interesting book. She specifies specific people who we may know in the public eye as examples. She gives us examples of what it takes or could take to find true happiness. Is it possible to achieve? Realistically? Yes. It's an interesting read, and what I find interesting is that it's really about accepting, letting go, moving forward, and much more. I feel like these are things we all should know, but it's been provided in information laid out differently. Different cultures use their traditions that works for them to meditate and practice in a way to find their zen in the world.
It might not be a book for everyone, but it definitely falls under self help. It's enlightening if you're looking to try something new or find something new.
June 6, 2025
As a Japanese American that grew up in America but was raised by parents who immigrated from Japan, I still learned so much about Japanese culture and spirituality. I'm also Christian so I've also thought about what I'm honoring when I participate in Japanese spiritual traditions but this helped make sense of some of that for me. It also was such an interesting perspective on how we honor our ancestors, our traditions, and find comfort/peace in the traditions of our people and country.
Some parts were a little long but overall, it was informative with a good mix of personal stories to help share her story as well as Japan's story of spirituality and traditions. I also didn't realize until the author's note that her husband is Matt Alt who I read a book by this year as well about Japanese pop culture and history of some iconic items! I had to go wait, is that name the same author? And it was! What a fun surprise!
Thanks NetGalley for my ARC!
Some parts were a little long but overall, it was informative with a good mix of personal stories to help share her story as well as Japan's story of spirituality and traditions. I also didn't realize until the author's note that her husband is Matt Alt who I read a book by this year as well about Japanese pop culture and history of some iconic items! I had to go wait, is that name the same author? And it was! What a fun surprise!
Thanks NetGalley for my ARC!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews