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Spirituality in Everyday Japan ft. Hiroko Yoda
Season 6 · Episode 17

Spirituality in Everyday Japan ft. Hiroko Yoda

Japan is often described as having “spirituality without religion”, but what does that actually mean? In this episode, author Hiroko Yoda joins the Krewe to break down how spirituality quietly shapes everyday life in Japan, from nature and kami to shrines, folklore, and even anime. With personal stories and insights from her new book, Eight Million Ways to Happiness, this conversation offers a fresh look at happiness rooted in connection, not belief.

Krewe of Japan · JSNO, KOJ, Krewe of Japan, Japan Society of New Orleans, Krewe of Japan Podcast, Hiroko Yoda

December 26, 20251h 0m

Show Notes

Japan is often described as having “spirituality without religion”, but what does that actually mean? In this episode, author Hiroko Yoda joins the Krewe to break down how spirituality quietly shapes everyday life in Japan, from nature and kami to shrines, folklore, and even anime. With personal stories and insights from her new book, Eight Million Ways to Happiness, this conversation offers a fresh look at happiness rooted in connection, not belief.

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at [email protected] or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, Threads: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

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------ About Hiroko Yoda ------

Pre-Order Eight Million Ways to Happiness Today!

Hiroko's Blog "Japan Happiness"

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------ Past KOJ Traditional Japan Episodes ------

Japanese Tea Ceremony: A Living Tradition ft. Atsuko Mori of Camellia Tea Ceremony (S6E16)

Rakugo: Comedy of a Cushion ft. Katsura Sunshine (S6E1)

The Castles of Japan ft. William de Lange (S5E19)

Foreign-Born Samurai: William Adams ft. Nathan Ledbetter (Guest Host, Dr. Samantha Perez) (S5E17)

Foreign-Born Samurai: Yasuke ft. Nathan Ledbetter (Guest Host, Dr. Samantha Perez) (S5E16)

The Thunderous Sounds of Taiko ft. Takumi Kato (加藤 拓三), World Champion Taiko Drummer (S5E13)

The Real World of Geisha ft. Peter Macintosh (S5E7)

Inside Japanese Homes & Architecture ft. Azby Brown (S5E6)

Kendo: The Way of the Sword ft. Alexander Bennett, 7th Dan in Kendo (S4E16)

The Life of a Sumotori ft. 3-Time Grand Champion Konishiki Yasokichi (S4E10)

The Intricate Culture of Kimono ft. Rin of Mainichi Kimono (S4E7)

Shamisen: Musical Sounds of Traditional Japan ft. Norm Nakamura of Tokyo Lens (S4E1)

Henro SZN: Shikoku & the 88 Temple Pilgrimage ft. Todd Wassel (S3E12)

Exploring Enka ft. Jerome White Jr aka ジェロ / Jero (S3E1)

The Chrysanthemum Throne ft. Dr. Hiromu Nagahara [Part 2] (S2E18)

The Chrysanthemum Throne ft. Dr. Hiromu Nagahara [Part 1] (S2E17)

Yokai: The Hauntings of Japan ft. Hiroko Yoda & Matt Alt (S2E5)

The Age of Lady Samurai ft. Tomoko Kitagawa (S1E12)

Talking Sumo ft. Andrew Freud (S1E8)

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