Héctor García
Author and thinker
Héctor García holds dual citizenship in Japan and Spain, which enriches his writing with a multicultural perspective. After immersing himself in Japanese culture for over 21 years, he has gained a profound appreciation for its philosophies, which play a significant role in shaping his literary works.
Beginning his career as a software engineer, García initially worked at CERN in Switzerland. Despite a successful career in technology, he discovered his true calling in writing, particularly in the realm of Japanese cultural exploration, leading to a fulfilling career transition that aligns with the essence of ikigai.
As a prolific author, García has made significant contributions to literature on Japanese culture. His first major work, "A Geek in Japan," became a global bestseller and reflects his extensive knowledge of Japanese society. This career shift stemmed from a desire for deeper fulfillment as he pursued the written word over technical work.
García’s unique combination of technical expertise and cultural knowledge enables him to present complex Japanese concepts in an accessible manner for international readers.
In addition to "A Geek in Japan," he co-authored the bestselling book "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life," with Francesc Miralles, which has been translated into 70 languages, making it the most translated book originally written in Spanish.
This partnership effectively melded García's extensive understanding of Japanese culture with Miralles' background in personal development.
In their pursuit of creating "Ikigai," the authors undertook in-depth research in various longevity hotspots across Japan, with a notable focus on Okinawa. They drew from their own journeys toward fulfilment after career transitions, intertwining their personal narratives with insights gained from interviews with centenarians and keen observations of their culture.
The distinct backgrounds of García, with his transition from technology to cultural exploration, and Miralles, who pivoted from a corporate career to wellness writing, enabled them to examine the concept of ikigai from various perspectives. This collaboration resulted in a work that harmonises Eastern philosophical principles with Western approaches to personal growth, making the insights both relevant and accessible to a worldwide audience.
He has authored ten books to date, with his latest English release being "The Book of Ichigo Ichie."