Genzaburo Yoshino

Kimitachi wa dō ikiru ka

君たちはどう生きるか

Anime master Hayao Miyazaki’s favorite childhood book, in English for the first time. First published in 1937, Genzaburō Yoshino’s How Do You Live? has long been acknowledged in Japan as a crossover classic for young readers. Academy Award–winning animator Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle) has called it his favorite childhood book and announced plans to emerge from retirement to make it the basis of a final film. How Do You Live? is narrated in two voices. The first belongs to Copper, fifteen, who after the death of his father must confront inevitable and enormous change, including his own betrayal of his best friend. In between episodes of Copper’s emerging story, his uncle writes to him in a journal, sharing knowledge and offering advice on life’s big questions as Copper begins to encounter them. Over the course of the story, Copper, like his namesake Copernicus, looks to the stars, and uses his discoveries about the heavens, earth, and human nature to answer the question of how he will live. This first-ever English-language translation of a Japanese classic about finding one’s place in a world both infinitely large and unimaginably small is perfect for readers of philosophical fiction like The Alchemist and The Little Prince, as well as Miyazaki fans eager to understand one of his most important influences.

How Do You Live?

Owen Kasparian

That is why I think the first, most basic step in these mat ters is to start with the moments of real feeling in your life when your heart is truly moved, and to think about the mean- ing of those. The things that you feel most deeply, from the very bottom of your heart, will never deceive you in the slight est. And so at all times, in all things, whatever feelings you may have, consider these carefully. If you do this, then someday, somewhere, a unique, once- in-a-lifetime experience will leave a deep impression on you, and you will come to understand something that has a mean- ing that is not just limited to that one moment. That thought will be an idea that is truly your own.

It’s hard to admit our mistakes. But in the pain of our mistakes there is also human greatness. If we were not born with the ability to conduct ourselves with morality, there would be no reason for bitter tears.

taylor miles hopkins

I can become a good person and create one good person for the world.

Bring back calling people old saws again!

If you think about it, there are sayings such as “Know thyself” and “Reflect upon your past” that we have heard over and over, ever since elementary school. They may feel a bit trite or old-fashioned, and when we hear them now, we may just think, Oh, that old saw again!

And finally, there are times when one hero will do many things, some with the current and others against. In the course of history, many people arise and do many different things, but ultimately, if what they do is not consistent with the flow of that current, all the accomplishments off any one person will, finally and fleetingly, fall to ruin.

First, you might notice that the great people and heroes that loomed so large in your eyes until now were, ultimately, no more than drops of water drifting in that great stream.

Still, for the sake of discovery, I think sometimes you have to live with being scolded by the teacher.

You're correct. It's wrong for sure. We are all human beings, so if we can't all live a life that is really human, something is wrong, A society that doesn't allow that is wrong.

The first English translation of the classic Japanese novel that has sold over 2 million copies -- a childhood favorite of anime master Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle), with an introduction by Neil Gaiman. First published in 1937, Genzaburō Yoshino’s How Do You Live? has long been acknowledged in Japan as a crossover classic for young readers. Academy Award–winning animator Hayao Miyazaki has called it his favorite childhood book and announced plans to emerge from retirement to make it the basis of his final film. How Do You Live? is narrated in two voices. The first belongs to Copper, fifteen, who after the death of his father must confront inevitable and enormous change, including his own betrayal of his best friend. In between episodes of Copper’s emerging story, his uncle writes to him in a journal, sharing knowledge and offering advice on life’s big questions as Copper begins to encounter them. Over the course of the story, Copper, like his namesake Copernicus, looks to the stars, and uses his discoveries about the heavens, earth, and human nature to answer the question of how he will live. This first-ever English-language translation of a Japanese classic about finding one’s place in a world both infinitely large and unimaginably small is perfect for readers of philosophical fiction like The Alchemist and The Little Prince, as well as Miyazaki fans eager to understand one of his most important influences.

We have the power to decide on our own who we will be. Therefore, we will make mistakes.

We have the power to decide on our own who we will be. Therefore, we can also recover from mistakes.

To work from up there—no, even to be able to make the climb—you must not lose the spirit that woke you in the middle of the night, to follow your questions wherever they lead!

If it means anything at all to live in this world, it's that you must live your life like a true human being and and feel just what you feel.

Ana Robbinson

The Uplifting Japanese Classic That Has Enchanted Millions

Gelaine Trinidad

amari

im gonna start carrying this around with me like a bible

Anime master Hayao Miyazaki's favorite childhood book and a beloved Japanese classic, this uplifting coming-of-age story brings philosophy, history and wonder together, available in English for the first time. The streets of Tokyo swarm below fifteen-year-old Copper as he gazes out into the city of his childhood. Struck by the thought of the infinite people whose lives play out alongside his own, he begins to wonder, how do you live? Considering life's biggest questions for the first time after the death of his father, Copper turns to his dear uncle for heart-warming wisdom. As the old man guides the boy on a journey of philosophical discovery, a timeless tale unfolds, offering a poignant reflection on what it means to be human. But when Copper betrays one of his new friends, how will he ask for forgiveness -- and how can he forgive himself? How Do You Live? is the inspiring, transformative story of a young man who, like his namesake Copernicus, looks to the stars and uses his discoveries to answer the question of what kind of person he will grow up to be.

Copper’s reflections taught me to see the world differently, to embrace positivity, and to approach life with curiosity and heart. It filled a void I didn’t know existed, injecting my life with a sense of vitality and purpose. This book is a timeless reminder of what it means to grow, learn, and live meaningfully. I wholeheartedly believe its wisdom can touch anyone willing to open their heart to it. 

🏹

really wished i was able to read this when i was younger 🥺 

i've been thinking about the boy and the heron ever since i watched it and after reading the book it was based on, it just made me want to rewatch and experience the movie all over again... i feel nostalgic for a time in my life that doesn't exist...

I found this book review passing by on my timeline last week and decided to read it right away. It's a short reading that I can finish in one little sitting, like any other childhood classic book, the author drove us to our childhood memories when we always sit under the tree while hearing our uncle's stories; which probably aren't true at all. However, I can see how this book goes to and teach me a bit about the life goes on by little analogy and perspective. The language is so light and well-carry.

diya

more like a 3.25 / 5. 

FInished this a day before the movie from Studio Ghibli drops, I do feel I expected something completely different than what I came face to face with. Personally, I found it extremely didactic for my taste, while the stories of Copper and his friends were very inspiring and could show the actual messageit could be leading up to, the uncle's diary notes made me skip multiple paragraphs. This isnt to say though one shouldnt pick this up, there have been raving reviews for this, there were a lot of things I was unawarae of and it turned out to be a good learning curve for me.

It's difficult for me to express how this book made me feel. Exploring all facets of life to better understand the world and yourself through the eyes of Jun'ichi, as he navigates life in his early school years. With help from his friends, his uncle, and his mother. I feel like if I read this annually I would get something different out of it each time. 

Hyde F

It's an insightful book that makes you reflect on life. Hard to think that a child would make such reflections, but sometimes children surprise us with their sense of wonder.

Naomi P

rumbledethumps

I could see how this book could have been incredibly formative for me if I read it in high school. It has an interesting structure, many interesting ideas, and is a nearly perfect YA read. But I have read many books with similar ideas, that were less in-your-face about it.

But I am looking forward to the movie coming out.

charisa

really wanted to like this but found it way too didactic and also uncomfortably imperialistic?? copper’s voice was a lot more palatable than that of his uncle, who basically functioned as a self-help manual lmao. you know i’ll still be watching the miyazaki adaptation though!!

A wise and beautiful book. That such a kind and generous view of the world was buried a few years later under the rubble of Japan makes it all the more poignant. Cannot wait to see Miyazaki’s vision of Copper and his friends! 

Ronan

Okay soooo it’s currently 5 minutes pas me finishing this book & I just don’t know how to feel. I’m honestly a bit disappointed. I picked this up because a bookseller at B&N said it was going to be the last Ghibli film so naturally I picked it up 

 . It was a great read up until the second to last chapter to be honest. The last uncle’s notebook chapter really just didn’t fit to me & left me a bit confused as to why it was there in the first place. If that chapter were taken out it would probably be a 4.5/5 star for me. I feel ashamed writing this but I have to be honest! I do though think it would be a great book with so many great lesson for all ages, just skip that last notebook chapter 🙋🏽‍♀️

Mariah crawford

Okay soooo it’s currently 5 minutes pas me finishing this book & I just don’t know how to feel. I’m honestly a bit disappointed. I picked this up because a bookseller at B&N said it was going to be the last Ghibli film so naturally I picked it up DUH . It was a great read up until the second to last chapter to be honest. The last uncle’s notebook chapter really just didn’t fit to me & left me a bit confused as to why it was there in the first place. If that chapter were taken out it would probably be a 4.5/5 star for me. I feel ashamed writing this but I have to be honest! I do though think it would be a great book with so many great lesson for all ages, just skip that last notebook chapter 🙋🏽‍♀️

a stockpile of lessons i'd like to carry with me forever. this is a one heartwarming, relatable, and wise story filled with journey on self discovery and reflection of a boy and his uncle—who writes him advice about life in a maroon journal.

Rachel ✨

Gaby

This book will make me think about somethings for a while. It was an slow read for me because every chapter was a life lesson and I save them as much as I could. 
And it can't have a better title.

Clara Jo

This tale is very, very heartwarming, and very wise. All else I can say is that when I have children, this will be read aloud to them, probably multiple times.

Paige Green

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: How Do You Live?

Author: Genzaburo Yoshino , Bruno Navasky (Translator)

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 4/5

Diversity: Japanese MC, side characters, and culture

Recommended For...: young adult readers, historical fiction

Publication Date: October 26, 2021

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Recommended Age: 13+ (parent death mentioned)

Explanation of CWs: Parent death is mentioned.

Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers

Pages: 288

Synopsis: How Do You Live? is narrated in two voices. The first belongs to Copper, fifteen, who after the death of his father must confront inevitable and enormous change, including his own betrayal of his best friend. In between episodes of Copper’s emerging story, his uncle writes to him in a journal, sharing knowledge and offering advice on life’s big questions as Copper begins to encounter them. Over the course of the story, Copper, like his namesake Copernicus, looks to the stars, and uses his discoveries about the heavens, earth, and human nature to answer the question of how he will live.

Review: For the most part this was a great read. The book was so sweet and charming, as it focused on the questions a curious child might have at a young age. I thought the book was well written and that it had great character development.

However, I did think that some of the topics discussed (not mature ones, but like about philosophy and astrology) would be a bit over the head of some young audience members, but if they want to give it a shot who am I to judge?

Verdict: It’s good!

La pobreza, el acoso escolar, la valentía, los estudios... UN CLÁSICO DE LA LITERATURA JAPONESA UNA OBRA MAESTRA PARA APRENDER A VER LA VIDA Koperu tiene 15 años y muchas ganas de saberlo todo. ¿Qué es ser valiente? ¿Por qué hay cosas tan injustas? ¿Quiénes somos en este mundo? Son preguntas un poco difíciles de responder... ¡suerte que su tío puede ayudarlo! Un clásico de la literatura japonesa que nos enseña a ver el mundo con otros ojos. Y tú, ¿cómo vives? ENGLISH DESCRIPTION Poverty, bullying, bravery, school... A classic in Japanese literature. A masterpiece to learn how to look at life. Koperu is fifteen and wants to know everything. What does it mean to be brave? Why is there injustice? Who are we in the world? These are difficult questions to answer... Fortunately he has his uncle to help him! A Japanese literary classic that teaches us how to look at the world under a different light. And how do you live?

Kimitachi wa dō ikiru ka

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