“At my age, reading can be tough on the eyes. This book was an easy read that made me chuckle—I had a wonderful time. Dementia or death… once you make peace with it, there’s no point dwelling on things. Just enjoy it.”
—Reader review, June 11, 2026

“This resonates with those in their 60s. I used to read lots of Hayashi Mariko’s books back when she was at the height of her popularity. I hadn't picked one up in a while, but when I stumbled upon this new title, I bought it immediately. Her signature phrases made me laugh out loud—so nostalgic, I read it in one sitting. She's a bit older than me, but it felt like a preview of what's to come.”
—Reader review, June 7, 2026

★ Reached #2 on Rakuten Books Daily Bestseller List (New Books) and #3 on Kumazawa Shoten Weekly Bestseller List (General). Reported as a bestseller by Japanese media.
★ Author Hayashi Mariko has won nearly every major literary award in Japan, including the Naoki Prize and the Yoshikawa Eiji Literary Prize. Her works have sold over 30 million copies. She is often called “the female Junichi Watanabe”.
★ At 72, one of Japan's most beloved writers shares her unfiltered thoughts on health, fashion, work, money, and relationships. No preaching, no platitudes—just the honest truths you can only speak at this age.
★ “Don’t just hang out with people your own age.” “Don’t quit your job too easily.” “Don’t skip funerals.” A witty, thought-provoking guide to navigating life after 70—and making every minute count.

At 70, your mind and body are still holding up well. You've managed to save a bit of money, too. But you can't keep living the same way you always have. Let go of what you can no longer do. Prioritize what brings you joy. Step onto a new stage in life.

Don't only surround yourself with people your own age. Don't bother with dieting. Learn the art of boasting without being disliked. Master the graceful way to treat others without looking flashy.

At 72, beloved writer Hayashi Mariko speaks from the heart about health, fashion, work, money, relationships, and hobbies. Facing the approaching “that day” with clear eyes, she shows us how to savor every single moment of the present. An unflinchingly honest philosophy for living well in later life.

HAYASHI Mariko

Born in Yamanashi Prefecture in 1954. In 1982, her essay collection Let's Buy Some Good Cheer and Go Home became a massive bestseller. In 1986, she won the Naoki Prize for If You Can Catch the Last Flight and To Kyoto. She received the Shibata Renzaburo Prize in 1995 for Lotus White, the Yoshikawa Eiji Literary Prize in 1998 for Everybody's Secret, and the Shimazu Literary Prize in 2013 for The Lover of Asclepius. In 2020, she was awarded the Kikuchi Kan Prize, and in 2022, the Noma Publishing Culture Award. She was decorated with the Purple Ribbon Medal of Honor in 2018. Since 2022, she has served as the Chairperson of the Board of Nihon University.

Chapter 1: Health Comes First (Don't walk just for the sake of your health / Never let go of hand cream / etc.)
Chapter 2: Beware of "Tacky" Items (Don't wear fast fashion to formal occasions / Never wear sleeveless tops / etc.)
Chapter 3: Enjoy Relationships Without Overdoing It (Don't take everything on alone / Choose friends ten years younger. Don't only hang out with people your own age / etc.)
Chapter 4: It's Too Early to Dip into Your Savings (Don't quit your job too easily / Don't take everything business leaders write at face value / etc.)
Chapter 5: We Don't Have Time (Don't skip funerals / Think about your own funeral with a light heart / etc.)