Finding a 'Good-Enough' Way of Life in Portugal

Cross Media Publishing released the book 'Finding a 'Good-Enough' Way of Life at the End of the West' (Nishi no hate de mitsuketa Porutogarujin no hodo-yoi ikikata) on May 22, 2026. This book captures the essence of a 'good-enough' way of life, discovered by photojournalist Yuki Inui through her experience living between Portugal and Japan after reporting in over 60 countries. Aimed at modern Japanese people driven by efficiency, the book introduces 12 small habits deeply rooted in daily Portuguese life, such as not rushing or overworking while still living a full life.

◆ 12 Small Habits Taught by Portugal
The book explores habits that prevent one from rushing through life, including:
- Prioritizing the person in front of you.
- Embracing inconvenience positively.
- Going to the sea and aligning with nature's rhythm.
- Assuming that things will not go according to plan.
- Placing 'cuteness' at the center of judgment.
- 'Saudade': A sensibility for living without forgetting what has been lost.
- Not needing to constantly update one's life.
- Enjoying sweets as a reward for oneself.
- Greeting neighbors.
These habits are practical and provide a psychological anchor for anyone in their 20s to 50s who feels the need to pause.

◆ Social Trust Born from Proximity
With Porto being named the world's friendliest city by Time Out, the book examines why such closeness exists, looking at history, Catholic culture, cafe socialization, and the 'Merceria' shop structure. Simple greetings like 'Bom dia!' serve as a starting button for social trust, offering clues for reconnecting people in a society increasingly marked by isolation.

◆ 'A Avó' (Grandmothers) Illuminating Society
Another pillar of the book is the story of 'A Avó Veio Trabalhar' (Grandma came to work) in Lisbon. These elderly women combine traditional skills with modern design to create unique art. Moving away from welfare-based 'support,' the project focuses on affirming the unmined potential of aging. For Japan, a country with one of the world's highest aging rates, the book offers a message of hope: when the elderly are active, society as a whole becomes brighter.

◆ Author Profile: Yuki Inui
A photojournalist and editor active between Portugal and Japan. After covering media in over 60 countries for magazines such as 'Tsubasa no Oukoku' and 'Sotokoto,' she currently serializes columns on Portuguese trends in 'Pen'. Through her journalism and her operation of 'Sakaya Lisboa' in Lisbon, she serves as a bridge between Japan and Portugal.