Author

Héctor García (Kirai)

A former software engineer at CERN and IT professional who moved to Japan over two decades ago. He is a leading expert on Japanese culture and co-author of the global bestseller Ikigai.

Lifespan: Born 1981
Birthplace: Spain
Nationality: Spanish

Happiness is in the doing, not in the result.

Biography

Héctor García is a Spanish-born author and citizen of Japan who has lived in Tokyo for over two decades. Originally a software engineer with a background in complex systems, he worked at the prestigious CERN research center in Switzerland before transitioning into the tech industry in Japan. There, he played a key role in developing voice recognition software and helping international tech giants establish their presence in the Japanese market.

His journey into writing began with his widely popular blog, Kirainet, which served as a cultural bridge for Westerners fascinated by Japan. This passion for cultural exploration eventually led to his international bestseller, A Geek in Japan, and the global phenomenon Ikigai. Today, Héctor is dedicated to sharing Japanese wisdom—from Zen philosophy to minimalist living—helping a global audience find balance and purpose in the modern world.

Notable works

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
A Geek in Japan
The Book of Ichigo Ichie

In the collection · 1 book(s)

Ikigai

Héctor García (Kirai) & Francesc Miralles

The word Ikigai is a Japanese concept that roughly translates to "the happiness of always being busy." The book argues that everyone has an ikigai—a unique reason for living—and finding it is the key to a long, healthy, and satisfied life.

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Cat. 018

Ikigai

Héctor García (Kirai) & Francesc Miralles

$3.32