Talking about 'Death' makes 'Life' shine: Author of 'Reverse Life Design' to speak at 'Death Fes 2026', host book sale & signing
Inami Akita, author of 'Reverse Life Design', will appear on April 16 at 'Death Fes 2026' in Shibuya Hikarie. She will hold a workshop and book signing based on her experience of finding 'Ikigai' by backcasting from life's end.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 9, 2026 at 23:04
- 🔍 Collected: April 11, 2026 at 00:30 (25h 26m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 22:26 (213h 55m after Collected)
## "Have you ever thought about your own death?"
"Death Fes 2026", an event that re-questions this in a pop, serious, and fun way, will be held at Shibuya Hikarie 8F from Saturday, April 11 to Thursday, April 16, 2026. Under the concept of "making death pop and redefining end-of-life planning," this noteworthy festival attracted over 4,200 visitors ranging from teens to 90-somethings during its previous iteration in 2025.
On the final day, Thursday, April 16, Inami Akita, author of *Reverse Life Design: How to find "Ikigai" learned during the final 73 days with my father*, will take the stage. This book re-examines how to live the present by backcasting from "death," based on her real-life experience of caring for her father at home. On the day of the event, in addition to a free workshop, there will be a book sale and signing session at the venue. It will be an opportunity to directly experience the worldview of the book alongside the author's own words.
## The 73 days of caring for a father became a book
One of the speakers, Inami Akita (Representative Director of Hifumi Coach Co., Ltd.), published *Reverse Life Design: How to find "Ikigai" learned during the final 73 days with my father* (Seiryu Publishing) in July 2025. In 2024, Akita cared for her father at home during his final days. Surprisingly, what welled up amidst the sorrow was "gratitude."
"Three gratitudes for life: being born into this world, being able to live up to this day, and meeting you. Parting with my father taught me about 'Ikigai' more deeply than any textbook." (Akita)
The author, who has popularized the "backcasting" method in the business world, applied this thinking to the "end of life." **By backcasting from "death," what is truly important in this very moment becomes clear**—this book is a collection of diary-style essays detailing that real-life experience. It particularly resonates with those who have experienced nursing care or the passing of a parent, as well as those who just get through the days despite wishing to "live true to themselves." The book goes beyond being a record of caregiving; it is a practical guide to re-evaluating how to use the remaining time in life, and includes worksheets for readers to organize their own ikigai after reading.
## 'Ikigai Mitori' gains empathy overseas as well
"Ikigai" is currently a keyword attracting attention not only in Japan but also overseas. Akita's workshops feature many participants from abroad, sparking dialogue in a relaxed atmosphere in various locations.
"Death Fes 2026", an event that re-questions this in a pop, serious, and fun way, will be held at Shibuya Hikarie 8F from Saturday, April 11 to Thursday, April 16, 2026. Under the concept of "making death pop and redefining end-of-life planning," this noteworthy festival attracted over 4,200 visitors ranging from teens to 90-somethings during its previous iteration in 2025.
On the final day, Thursday, April 16, Inami Akita, author of *Reverse Life Design: How to find "Ikigai" learned during the final 73 days with my father*, will take the stage. This book re-examines how to live the present by backcasting from "death," based on her real-life experience of caring for her father at home. On the day of the event, in addition to a free workshop, there will be a book sale and signing session at the venue. It will be an opportunity to directly experience the worldview of the book alongside the author's own words.
## The 73 days of caring for a father became a book
One of the speakers, Inami Akita (Representative Director of Hifumi Coach Co., Ltd.), published *Reverse Life Design: How to find "Ikigai" learned during the final 73 days with my father* (Seiryu Publishing) in July 2025. In 2024, Akita cared for her father at home during his final days. Surprisingly, what welled up amidst the sorrow was "gratitude."
"Three gratitudes for life: being born into this world, being able to live up to this day, and meeting you. Parting with my father taught me about 'Ikigai' more deeply than any textbook." (Akita)
The author, who has popularized the "backcasting" method in the business world, applied this thinking to the "end of life." **By backcasting from "death," what is truly important in this very moment becomes clear**—this book is a collection of diary-style essays detailing that real-life experience. It particularly resonates with those who have experienced nursing care or the passing of a parent, as well as those who just get through the days despite wishing to "live true to themselves." The book goes beyond being a record of caregiving; it is a practical guide to re-evaluating how to use the remaining time in life, and includes worksheets for readers to organize their own ikigai after reading.
## 'Ikigai Mitori' gains empathy overseas as well
"Ikigai" is currently a keyword attracting attention not only in Japan but also overseas. Akita's workshops feature many participants from abroad, sparking dialogue in a relaxed atmosphere in various locations.