How Japanese spiritual traditions can make everyday life more beautiful
May 15, 2026•51 min
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Episode description
Growing up in Tokyo, Hiroko Yoda never thought of herself as religious, but after her mother died, she began exploring the spiritual traditions of Japan.
She was inspired by the Shinto idea that there are '8 million spiritual beings', animating everything we encounter.
In the different practices of Shintoism, Buddhism, and Shugendo, Hiroko found practical means of emotional support, and also ways of making her everyday life more beautiful.
Further informationHiroko's book is called Eight Million Ways to Happiness
She will be appearing at this year's Sydney Writers' Festival
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