Happy on Her Own at 102: A guide to living a long and happy life

‘When I was a little girl, I thought that a one-hundred-year-old lady was someone who only appeared in fairy tales, but here I find myself past that landmark. It’s quite the surprise.’

In 2020, at the age of 100, Tetsuyo Ishii was interviewed by her local paper in Hiroshima. Her positive outlook, wholesome lifestyle and connection to her community instantly captured the hearts of readers. In this charming book, Granny Tetsuyo shares the optimistic principles by which she lives her life, and the simple daily rituals that sustain her.

After retiring from her job as a local teacher and sadly losing her husband, Granny Tetsuyo has learned to live a fulfilling life in solitude. Whether she’s attending the friendship club she has held for nearly twenty-five years, or tending to her garden, Granny Tetsuyo continues to share her generosity with the world.

Filled with personal stories, advice, traditional Japanese recipes and photo diary entries, this is a snapshot of a life well-lived and a guide to finding joy in every day.