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Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Find your own way to inner peace with the wisdom of Japan
'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 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 there are millions of ways to be happy. You just have to find yours.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2026
133 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 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.
February 17, 2026
Hiroko Yoda is a Japanese writer and cultural historian. Yoda's 2025 book Eight Million Ways to Happiness is an exploration of Japanese culture and wisdom informed by her own upbringing as well as intentional immersion and study as Yoda's life has progressed. The title refers to the Japanese idiom 'yaoyorozu no kami,' translated in English to 'eight million Shinto gods,' which is meant to represent an uncountably large number of spirits present within nature.
Unfortunately despite very intrigued by this premise, I DNFed the audiobook after 6 hours....which was only 37% of the way through this >14 hour audiobook of a hardcover that spans 368 pages. Generally a ~350 page book becomes an 8-10 hour audiobook, but the excessive length in this case was due to Yoda deciding to narrate her own book in her second language, which was painfully slow to listen to at 1x speed and became very staccato and fragmented when I sped up the pace to the point where I was constantly distracted. Though I can understand why Yoda would've wanted to narrate her own book given that there are many memoiristic elements to this work, this is an audiobook where a professional narrator would have been a better choice. The content of the book is interesting enough, though told in a circuitous, meandering way, where I felt like after 6 hours I had grasped enough of the essence of the book that I could let it go.
I recently read fellow Japanese Marie Kondo's similar reflections in her 2025 book Letter From Japan -- while Kondo's book doesn't meditate on spirituality, specifically the Shinto faith, as much as Yoda's book, I would recommend Kondo's book first and this book second (but preferably a physical copy or Ebook).
My statistics:
Book 42 for 2026
Book 2348 cumulatively
Unfortunately despite very intrigued by this premise, I DNFed the audiobook after 6 hours....which was only 37% of the way through this >14 hour audiobook of a hardcover that spans 368 pages. Generally a ~350 page book becomes an 8-10 hour audiobook, but the excessive length in this case was due to Yoda deciding to narrate her own book in her second language, which was painfully slow to listen to at 1x speed and became very staccato and fragmented when I sped up the pace to the point where I was constantly distracted. Though I can understand why Yoda would've wanted to narrate her own book given that there are many memoiristic elements to this work, this is an audiobook where a professional narrator would have been a better choice. The content of the book is interesting enough, though told in a circuitous, meandering way, where I felt like after 6 hours I had grasped enough of the essence of the book that I could let it go.
I recently read fellow Japanese Marie Kondo's similar reflections in her 2025 book Letter From Japan -- while Kondo's book doesn't meditate on spirituality, specifically the Shinto faith, as much as Yoda's book, I would recommend Kondo's book first and this book second (but preferably a physical copy or Ebook).
My statistics:
Book 42 for 2026
Book 2348 cumulatively
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.
January 29, 2026
The author uses her personal story to explain religion—as a concept—and religions as customs, traditions, and practices in Japan, both in the past and present time.
A truly interesting book that never becomes boring, precisely because, through her words, whether sad or happy, the author shows us a world and a way of life from the inside.
L'autrice utilizza la sua storia personale per spiegarci la religione - come concetto - e le religioni come usi, costumi e tradizioni nel Giappone del passato e contemporaneo.
Un libro veramente interessante, che non diventa mai noioso proprio perché con le sue parole, tristi o felici che siano, l'autrice ci mostra un mondo ed un modo di vivere dall'interno.
A truly interesting book that never becomes boring, precisely because, through her words, whether sad or happy, the author shows us a world and a way of life from the inside.
L'autrice utilizza la sua storia personale per spiegarci la religione - come concetto - e le religioni come usi, costumi e tradizioni nel Giappone del passato e contemporaneo.
Un libro veramente interessante, che non diventa mai noioso proprio perché con le sue parole, tristi o felici che siano, l'autrice ci mostra un mondo ed un modo di vivere dall'interno.
February 13, 2026
4.5
Encouraging spirituality in everyday life (years in the making, centuries-old origins, Japan; backstory ten years in America): “The irony is that while few Japanese identify as religious, my nation is a spiritual wonderland,” writes Hiroko Yoda on how Japan’s spiritual culture is essential to “everything that makes life worth living.”
Dispelling preconceived notions and disinformation, Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Wisdom for Inspiration and Healing from the Heart of Japan is also essential to understand a culture unlike anything familiar to Westerners since it’s a “thoroughly non-Judeo-Christian worldview.”
If you’ve been privileged to visit the ancient country up against the modern and avant-garde, you’ll be awestruck, fascinated, and disoriented by what you see since so much is unseen, hard to put into words. Yoda does this for us in this beautiful, inviting book. A beautiful spirit who expresses herself beautifully.
Last year, my family and I took the trip-of-a-lifetime spending six stunning weeks in some of Japan’s biggest and smaller cities, and rural countryside. Bowled-over by nearly everything, trying to understand from our American eyes, getting some things right, much missed and lacking multiple perspectives. Primarily not grasping the complexities of traditional values foundational to the culture called Shinto.
Shinto is not a religion, nor a set of rules to be adhered to. That’s why Yoda calls it “flexibility spirituality.” There’s at least eight million perspectives to view Shinto beliefs – spirits, deities, “avatars” derived from all things natural in the world. Spirits known as kami, endowed with almighty powers that recognize, honor, respect, and celebrate what’s rooted in Japan’s ways of life.
Shinto differs from Buddhism, an ancient religion based on sacred texts. Shinto doesn’t draw from any texts as “every aspect of the natural world” is believed to possess a spirit. Not a one-size-fits-all way of thinking, but a “method for grappling with the never-ending cycles of life, birth, and death, and everything that came before, and everything that will come after.”
Even the title of this unusual book refers to the ancient kami. In Yoda’s clear-eyed, elegant prose, she explains it means there’s least eight million perspectives on what’s happiness as in “there’s always room for more.” Limitless. Adaptable.
The book’s purpose is also made clear. The happiness, wisdom, inspiration, and healing the subtitle implies are takeaways that take into account a Western mindset based on:
Years of studying, researching, travels in Japan, the US (Indiana, Maryland, Washington, DC), and places around the world. Yoda’s credentials earned in Japan as a “certified Shinto cultural historian” (passing the Shinto Cultural Exams in 2012 administered by the Japanese Association of Shinto Shrines). Attending a Midwest elementary school interestingly named for Yoda’s passion, Youth for Understanding. Graduating from the University of Maryland with a majority of its students people of color. Receiving her master’s degree from American University in Washington, DC in International and Peace Resolution studying different religions including visiting other countries. Marrying an American, co-founding a company in Tokyo where they live with a mission quite similar to the one that led to this book: “To research stories, build worlds, bridge business cultures, or educate and inspire.”
For all these reasons, Yoda says she’s one of only a handful who could write this type of book. Having been unable to find anything like it before we left for Japan in 2025, she doesn’t come across as boasting. To the contrary, she’s honest about her learning curve and regrets.
The Prologue reads like a mini-memoir, describing what triggered her quest: grief. Her mother’s death twenty years ago still haunting her, her father’s years later. The contentious relationship she had with her mother, the deep bond with her father, an “unusually forward-thinking man for his time.” Overall, though, it’s the fond, appreciative, nostalgic memories of times spent with her parents that enrich her depictions of Japan’s natural landscape while enlightening us on Shinto, Buddhism, and a third, important practice in the country’s “spiritual toolbox”: Shugendo, “much less talked about but no less influential.”
Described as a “form of spirituality rooted in the mountains,” a combination of Shinto and Buddhism and other beliefs, Shugendo is “more mystical,” folkloric, characterized as “wild gods.” While it’s “incredibly difficult to explain to outsiders,” in “Angry Ghosts: Onryo” made a bit easier in terms of destructive natural disasters and negative, harmful emotions. What also resonates is how impossible it is to truly fathom “things as profound as the mysteries of the universe.” Yoda isn’t claiming to, attesting to the “great unknowables.”
The rest of the “now-me” versus the “then-me” is integrated throughout the chapters. Each introduced by a black-and-white photograph, suggesting symbolically that spirituality is all about seeing the “light.”
The chapter I went looking for was “The Invisibles: Shinto.” Enhanced by “The Harmony of Conflict: Buddhism chapter, described by non-Japanese as Zen, who may think of Japan as a Buddhist country. “In a certain sense, this isn’t wrong – but neither, as I was about to learn, is it right.”
One way to reflect on Shinto is through the concept of forest bathing that’s caught on like wildfire since COVID it seems. Being outdoors in Nature is a balm to de-stress, numerous studies have shown. A way to clear the mind. A form of mental health therapy. Meditation. Find truth in the cliché of seeing the forest through the trees. Or, other benefits depending on your perspective.
An example of a cultural concept more complicated than I thought is Harmony. You sense it in Japan nearly everywhere. Remarkably in its vast, extraordinary transportation system that almost always runs like clockwork. Local, regional, special, and bullet trains speeding at 200 miles an hour, decorated with velvet-like, colorful, ergonomic seats and playful designs. Spotless. Utterly quiet (except for tourists) creating an atmosphere of harmony, whereby the individual traveler defers to the collective good. You’ll experience the same sense of we’re in-this-together at mind-boggling, sacred, bright-orange Shinto shrines, towering Buddhist temples, and the peacefulness of ancient stone gardens, parks, trees, flowers, public places.
Yoda explains Harmony from a different lens, using the metaphor of a choir. Distinct voices welcomed and blended into a harmonic whole. Not meant to suppress, but to be inclusive. No boundaries, hierarchies. Fostering goodwill, a sense of being valued, feeling a part of something bigger than ourselves. Like Shinto. As well as ancient traditions not tossed out for the new and the newest. Instead, continuously “unfolding,” creating anew.
Yoda is a widely-read, independent thinker. Broaching topics others might not go, such as the norm of “Funeral Buddhism” even though most Japanese don’t claim to be religious. (Five out of seven, she says). Other chapters, essay-like, sharpen the whole.
Impressive how willing Yoda wants to walk with us through the grand mysteries of life.
Encouraging spirituality in everyday life (years in the making, centuries-old origins, Japan; backstory ten years in America): “The irony is that while few Japanese identify as religious, my nation is a spiritual wonderland,” writes Hiroko Yoda on how Japan’s spiritual culture is essential to “everything that makes life worth living.”
Dispelling preconceived notions and disinformation, Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Wisdom for Inspiration and Healing from the Heart of Japan is also essential to understand a culture unlike anything familiar to Westerners since it’s a “thoroughly non-Judeo-Christian worldview.”
If you’ve been privileged to visit the ancient country up against the modern and avant-garde, you’ll be awestruck, fascinated, and disoriented by what you see since so much is unseen, hard to put into words. Yoda does this for us in this beautiful, inviting book. A beautiful spirit who expresses herself beautifully.
Last year, my family and I took the trip-of-a-lifetime spending six stunning weeks in some of Japan’s biggest and smaller cities, and rural countryside. Bowled-over by nearly everything, trying to understand from our American eyes, getting some things right, much missed and lacking multiple perspectives. Primarily not grasping the complexities of traditional values foundational to the culture called Shinto.
Shinto is not a religion, nor a set of rules to be adhered to. That’s why Yoda calls it “flexibility spirituality.” There’s at least eight million perspectives to view Shinto beliefs – spirits, deities, “avatars” derived from all things natural in the world. Spirits known as kami, endowed with almighty powers that recognize, honor, respect, and celebrate what’s rooted in Japan’s ways of life.
Shinto differs from Buddhism, an ancient religion based on sacred texts. Shinto doesn’t draw from any texts as “every aspect of the natural world” is believed to possess a spirit. Not a one-size-fits-all way of thinking, but a “method for grappling with the never-ending cycles of life, birth, and death, and everything that came before, and everything that will come after.”
Even the title of this unusual book refers to the ancient kami. In Yoda’s clear-eyed, elegant prose, she explains it means there’s least eight million perspectives on what’s happiness as in “there’s always room for more.” Limitless. Adaptable.
The book’s purpose is also made clear. The happiness, wisdom, inspiration, and healing the subtitle implies are takeaways that take into account a Western mindset based on:
Years of studying, researching, travels in Japan, the US (Indiana, Maryland, Washington, DC), and places around the world. Yoda’s credentials earned in Japan as a “certified Shinto cultural historian” (passing the Shinto Cultural Exams in 2012 administered by the Japanese Association of Shinto Shrines). Attending a Midwest elementary school interestingly named for Yoda’s passion, Youth for Understanding. Graduating from the University of Maryland with a majority of its students people of color. Receiving her master’s degree from American University in Washington, DC in International and Peace Resolution studying different religions including visiting other countries. Marrying an American, co-founding a company in Tokyo where they live with a mission quite similar to the one that led to this book: “To research stories, build worlds, bridge business cultures, or educate and inspire.”
For all these reasons, Yoda says she’s one of only a handful who could write this type of book. Having been unable to find anything like it before we left for Japan in 2025, she doesn’t come across as boasting. To the contrary, she’s honest about her learning curve and regrets.
The Prologue reads like a mini-memoir, describing what triggered her quest: grief. Her mother’s death twenty years ago still haunting her, her father’s years later. The contentious relationship she had with her mother, the deep bond with her father, an “unusually forward-thinking man for his time.” Overall, though, it’s the fond, appreciative, nostalgic memories of times spent with her parents that enrich her depictions of Japan’s natural landscape while enlightening us on Shinto, Buddhism, and a third, important practice in the country’s “spiritual toolbox”: Shugendo, “much less talked about but no less influential.”
Described as a “form of spirituality rooted in the mountains,” a combination of Shinto and Buddhism and other beliefs, Shugendo is “more mystical,” folkloric, characterized as “wild gods.” While it’s “incredibly difficult to explain to outsiders,” in “Angry Ghosts: Onryo” made a bit easier in terms of destructive natural disasters and negative, harmful emotions. What also resonates is how impossible it is to truly fathom “things as profound as the mysteries of the universe.” Yoda isn’t claiming to, attesting to the “great unknowables.”
The rest of the “now-me” versus the “then-me” is integrated throughout the chapters. Each introduced by a black-and-white photograph, suggesting symbolically that spirituality is all about seeing the “light.”
The chapter I went looking for was “The Invisibles: Shinto.” Enhanced by “The Harmony of Conflict: Buddhism chapter, described by non-Japanese as Zen, who may think of Japan as a Buddhist country. “In a certain sense, this isn’t wrong – but neither, as I was about to learn, is it right.”
One way to reflect on Shinto is through the concept of forest bathing that’s caught on like wildfire since COVID it seems. Being outdoors in Nature is a balm to de-stress, numerous studies have shown. A way to clear the mind. A form of mental health therapy. Meditation. Find truth in the cliché of seeing the forest through the trees. Or, other benefits depending on your perspective.
An example of a cultural concept more complicated than I thought is Harmony. You sense it in Japan nearly everywhere. Remarkably in its vast, extraordinary transportation system that almost always runs like clockwork. Local, regional, special, and bullet trains speeding at 200 miles an hour, decorated with velvet-like, colorful, ergonomic seats and playful designs. Spotless. Utterly quiet (except for tourists) creating an atmosphere of harmony, whereby the individual traveler defers to the collective good. You’ll experience the same sense of we’re in-this-together at mind-boggling, sacred, bright-orange Shinto shrines, towering Buddhist temples, and the peacefulness of ancient stone gardens, parks, trees, flowers, public places.
Yoda explains Harmony from a different lens, using the metaphor of a choir. Distinct voices welcomed and blended into a harmonic whole. Not meant to suppress, but to be inclusive. No boundaries, hierarchies. Fostering goodwill, a sense of being valued, feeling a part of something bigger than ourselves. Like Shinto. As well as ancient traditions not tossed out for the new and the newest. Instead, continuously “unfolding,” creating anew.
Yoda is a widely-read, independent thinker. Broaching topics others might not go, such as the norm of “Funeral Buddhism” even though most Japanese don’t claim to be religious. (Five out of seven, she says). Other chapters, essay-like, sharpen the whole.
Impressive how willing Yoda wants to walk with us through the grand mysteries of life.
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.
February 9, 2026
I started this when I was doing a January in Japan reading challenge and I went in skeptical, expecting a self-help style book with small windows into Japanese culture. This book was so much more and thankfully not at all a 'self-help' book. In style, it's much more akin to Katherine May's 'Wintering', with the author sharing her personal journey with loss and her ever-changing relationship with spirituality. It offers deep insight into Japanese culture and how it intertwines with spirituality without committing to formal religion.
I learnt so much, particularly about Shinto, which the author notes hasn't often been explored well in Western texts. The book also offers an elegant exploration into some of the issues with organised religious practises. In contrast, it showcases how different spiritualities (secular, evangelical or something in-between) can coexist and intertwine. In exploring differences between cultures it had some wonderful psychological insights, such as the exploration of harmony as something that is born out of difference. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't recommend it enough to anyone interested in learning more about Japanese spirituality and/or culture.
I learnt so much, particularly about Shinto, which the author notes hasn't often been explored well in Western texts. The book also offers an elegant exploration into some of the issues with organised religious practises. In contrast, it showcases how different spiritualities (secular, evangelical or something in-between) can coexist and intertwine. In exploring differences between cultures it had some wonderful psychological insights, such as the exploration of harmony as something that is born out of difference. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't recommend it enough to anyone interested in learning more about Japanese spirituality and/or culture.
January 29, 2026
Read this for bookclub and I'm glad I did. I don't know how much will stick with me from it, but overall the messages of adaptability and modifying things to better fit your life and needs are good for anyone to hear. The author provides very interesting insights into the spirituality of Japan and the three main religions that make that up and I found myself constantly sharing tidbits with those around me.
A friend noted that it does feel as if the author is a bit disconnected from the events she describes, as she's telling us what she's learned from events rather than describing how she actually feels about things. It is more of a clinical tone and I think that plus the way the book tended to repeat itself a fair bit made it a bit hard for me to get through, but those are my only main critiques.
A friend noted that it does feel as if the author is a bit disconnected from the events she describes, as she's telling us what she's learned from events rather than describing how she actually feels about things. It is more of a clinical tone and I think that plus the way the book tended to repeat itself a fair bit made it a bit hard for me to get through, but those are my only main critiques.
February 14, 2026
I am someone who has felt a lifelong connection to Japan. This book has brought me closer to understanding some of the more ingrained elements of spirituality of Japan and its culture. The book resonated with me on many levels.
From understanding my own spirituality a little better, to experiencing the connection with a larger humane spirituality, to discovering new ways of finding a deep connection with one’s life, one’s ancestors, one’s world and to being open and grateful for all of it. On a personal level, it has taught me new ways of processing the grief and loss that comes from the passing of a loved one.
The book has created a new hunger to revisit Japan again. To see it in a new light.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the author for all of the above.
Arigato gozaimasu! 🙏🏻
From understanding my own spirituality a little better, to experiencing the connection with a larger humane spirituality, to discovering new ways of finding a deep connection with one’s life, one’s ancestors, one’s world and to being open and grateful for all of it. On a personal level, it has taught me new ways of processing the grief and loss that comes from the passing of a loved one.
The book has created a new hunger to revisit Japan again. To see it in a new light.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the author for all of the above.
Arigato gozaimasu! 🙏🏻
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.
March 9, 2026
I enjoyed this enough. I upped it from 3 to 4 stars because I think if I was reading this as research prior to going to Japan or something I would enjoy it more? But also I found the author so likeable. As in, I kid of wish I'd bump into her in real life and have a chat because I think her aura would be really soothing.
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.
February 7, 2026
Це глибоко особиста історія про те, як смерть матері відкр��ла авторці шлях до переосмислення духовних традицій власної батьківщини, які, попри їхню всюдисущість, часто залишаються невидимими навіть для самих японців.
March 8, 2026
I had about 100 pages left but just couldn’t go on. It’s a well-written book full of really interesting facts and insights but it’s SO repetitive I didn’t think the remaining pages would have anything mind blowing to offer. If it has been edited down a bit more I probably would’ve given four stars.
February 10, 2026
A lovely, gentle, uplifting book about the spiritual traditions of Japan and their impact on Japanese society today.
February 14, 2026
Very interesting subject matter. The book kept me engaged! Learned so much about Japan culture.
February 27, 2026
A generous 4 stars. So many times I wanted to table this one, but then there would be a very interesting educational story to justify my reading. I learned a bit which will come in useful for me, I needed to understand Shinto and kami and now at least I know more. I learned interesting history, and my need to travel to Japan has intensified. This was a book club read, not sure I would have finished it if not for that fact, (my focus hasn't been that great in these troubled world times) but I am glad I did.
ETA: We are having a good book club discussion with this book. My fellow participants (one person born in Japan) and I are docents at a Japanese Garden. During our off season, we discuss books. I'm loving this book more after these discussions and insights. It deserves more than my "generous" rating, it is a solid 4.5 stars.
ETA: We are having a good book club discussion with this book. My fellow participants (one person born in Japan) and I are docents at a Japanese Garden. During our off season, we discuss books. I'm loving this book more after these discussions and insights. It deserves more than my "generous" rating, it is a solid 4.5 stars.
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!
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