Eight Million Ways to Happiness

Wisdom from the Heart of Japan

Hiroko Yoda

$44.99

Hardback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

Bloomsbury Tonic
01 January 2026

Memoirs; Shintoism; Self-help & personal development

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

In Eight Million Ways to Happiness, Hiroko Yoda invites readers on a deeply personal and transformative journey into the spiritual heart of Japan. While millions have found inspiration in ideas like ikigai or The Courage to Be Disliked, Hiroko reveals the deeper traditions that quietly shape Japan’s culture, drawn from Shinto, Buddhism, and the mountain mysticism of Shugendo.

These aren’t abstract philosophies. They are living practices that integrate so seamlessly with modern secular life, even natives can forget they are there. Reconnecting with them helped Hiroko find light after profound loss – and realise that they offer powerful tools for anyone seeking meaning, connection or peace in their own life.

Through vivid storytelling and immersive experiences – dancing at Shinto shrines, climbing sacred peaks, and meeting mystics – Hiroko shows how Japan’s flexible approach to spirituality helps kindle gratitude, connection and kinship with nature. What emerges are practical insights and gentle guidance to spark joy, find balance, and discover what truly matters.

Whether you're grieving, searching, or simply curious, this book is a reminder: there are millions of ways to be happy. You just have to find yours.

By: Hiroko Yoda
Imprint: Bloomsbury Tonic
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 220mm, Width: 144mm, Spine: 36mm
Weight: 475g
ISBN: 9781526672162
ISBN 10: 1526672162
Pages: 368
Publication Date: 01 January 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Hiroko Yoda was born and raised in Tokyo. She is a certified cultural historian, a former Tokyo editor for CNN Go and a field producer for National Geographic TV. Over two decades she has assisted countless Japanese creators in the video game, manga, anime, toy and film industries convey their artistic visions abroad. She has written popular pieces for the New Yorker, Vice and Wired, and has also appeared on CNN, PBS, BBC, and 99% Invisible. She lives in Tokyo.

Reviews for Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Wisdom from the Heart of Japan

A timely and moving pilgrimage through Japan's ancient spiritual traditions -- RUTH OZEKI, Booker Prize-shortlisted author of A Tale for the Time Being A fascinating dive through hidden layers of the Japanese worldview -- KATHERINE MAY, author of Wintering A beautiful exploration of Japanese spirituality. With wise insights and meditative personal stories, Yoda inspires us all to be more intimately connected with nature – and with ourselves -- SHUNMYO MASUNO, author of Zen: The Art of Simple Living