Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
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Bring meaning and joy to all your days with this internationally best-selling guide to the Japanese concept of ikigai – the happiness of always being busy – as revealed by the daily habits of the world’s longest-living people.
“Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years.” (Japanese proverb)
According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai – a reason for living. And according to the residents of the Japanese village with the world’s longest-living people, finding it is the key to a happier and longer life. Having a strong sense of ikigai – the place where passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect – means that each day is infused with meaning. It’s the reason we get up in the morning. It’s also the reason many Japanese never really retire (in fact there’s no word in Japanese that means retire in the sense it does in English): They remain active and work at what they enjoy, because they’ve found a real purpose in life – the happiness of always being busy. In researching this book, the authors interviewed the residents of the Japanese village with the highest percentage of 100-year-olds – one of the world’s Blue Zones. Ikigai reveals the secrets to their longevity and happiness: how they eat, how they move, how they work, how they foster collaboration and community, and – their best-kept secret – how they find the ikigai that brings satisfaction to their lives. And it provides practical tools to help you discover your own ikigai. Because who doesn’t want to find happiness in every day?
12 reviews for Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
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Amazon Customer –
inspirational and actionable
Easy to read, applicable to real life in real time. Something anyone can connect with and apply to their lifestyle. It is never too late to change. This book inspires you to find your purpose and prioritize your health and relationships.
surenr –
Light but uplifting
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life offers a gentle, inspiring exploration of the Japanese concept of âikigaiâ â oneâs reason for being. The book blends insights from Okinawan centenarians, lifestyle practices, and philosophical reflections. Its strength lies in its simplicity: short chapters, relatable ideas, and practical reminders about balance, community, and living with purpose.
lilwun4ever1808 –
The secret to a long and happy life
I was very excited to read this book as in the recent months I discovered the concept of “ikigai”. Since then, I have been reading as much as I can on the topic. The cover art and title drew me to this book and I was excited to read it. It was a well written book and I commend the authors on their dedication to doing the research and work to bring this book to life. That said it really does focus on what the secret to a long and happy life. Not necessarily on how to determine what your ikigai is. However, it had plenty of background on how to live in the moment, what habits one should adopt in order to have a long and full life (includes even a dietary section), how to keep the mind, body and soul moving, and just good advice on how to grow old without growing old. The book talks about resilience and anti fragility and how in combination with everything else mentioned above will help in living a long life. The last few pages of the epilogue give a recap of the 10 steps and honestly are incredibly helpful. All this said, find what you love to do and do more of it. That’s really what finding your meaning/passion/ikigai is all about. As a result of making this discovery, you’ll probably unlock the ability to live a much longer life.I give this book 4 stars since it is a very easy read and doesn’t delve too deep into how you should find your ikigai, but it does demonstrate in good detail how to live a long and happy life.
Mike –
A solid addition to anyoneâs library
Nice book that summarizes a host of points you may or may not be familiar with. Like the nod to Viktor Frankl and others. Book is nicely laid out, easy to readâ¦not all pseudo-intellectual jargon, and lovely cover art to boot. A solid addition to anyoneâs library.
Dennis Møller –
Solid read.
Solid read and go back to it here and now.
Gary Moreau, Author –
As always, it depends what you’re looking for
The rather exotic sounding name of this book, ikigai, as the authors explain, is relatively straightforward. âThis Japanese concept, which translates roughly as âthe happiness of always being busy,â is, âlike logotherapy, but it goes a step beyond.â Logotherapy, they explain, ââ¦helps people find their purpose in life.âIt is a good book. My overall rating of the book has little to do with the quality of the writing or the underlying concept. The former is quite good and the latter is valid. My rating is strictly personal and relates more to who might be considering adding it to their reading list. Not a âdonât,â for sure. More like, âunderstand it for what it is.âFor those who are ardent fans of all things philosophical and psychological, as I am, this is a good book that plows relatively little new ground. Finding purpose in life, keeping busy, eating well, and finding connection to the world around you is important. Itâs ground, however, that has been covered by many authors over the years.If you havenât sampled of these past triumphs you will enjoy this book very much. It is a great and easily read introduction to the topics of longevity and the benefits of living in the moment. And it chronicles many of the philosophies and prior contributions to the topic, from Buddhism to Stoicism, with a stop at the Serenity Prayer. Eastern, and particularly Japanese, contributions are given extra attention. Wabi-sabi and ichi-go ischi-e, for example, are explained in some detail, but remain an overview. Relatively newer concepts like antifragility are also explained. It even covers the Six Healing Sounds introduced by Sun Simiao in the sixth century. (This one was new to me.)A lot of the book turns on Ogimi, in the Okinawa Prefecture in Japan, which holds the distinction of being the oldest village on the planet. (In that many of the residents have lived very long lives.) Itâs a delightful visit. Having lived in China for nine years and having visited Japan many times over the course of more than three decades, I have a deep fondness for places like Ogimi. Iâm not sure, however, that they arenât byproducts of the totality of Japanese culture. Could they take seed in places like California or Virginia, for example?Part of my ikigai is to be a nice person and not think disparagingly of anyone. And I am not here. This book was an interesting read for me, and may be a revelational read for you. I make no judgment on that. I just give you my experience as a reader.This book would, in my opinion, make an excellent gift for anyone in your life that might need a little boost or is otherwise hard to buy for. There is absolutely nothing here that could meet with controversy or resistance. It is decidedly upbeat throughout.And that is saying a lot of good things about any book.
Emmanuel Ifediba –
Ikigai: A Profound Journey to Uncover the Secret to Lasting Happiness and Fulfillment!
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life is a thought-provoking and enlightening book that offers a profound exploration into the concept of finding one’s purpose and joy in life. Through the wisdom of the people of Okinawa, who are known for their longevity and contentment, the authors beautifully illustrate the importance of discovering our own Ikigai â the intersection of what we love, what we are good at, what the world needs, and what we can be paid for. This book is a powerful reminder that true happiness lies in finding meaning and passion in our everyday lives.What sets Ikigai apart is its practical and actionable approach to finding fulfillment. The book provides valuable insights, exercises, and stories that guide readers on a journey of self-discovery and self-realization. The seamless blend of Japanese philosophy and modern research creates a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with readers from all walks of life. Ikigai is not just a book; it’s a life-changing experience that challenges us to reflect on our values, dreams, and ambitions. If you’re looking for a roadmap to a more meaningful and joyful life, Ikigai is the key that unlocks the door to lasting happiness and contentment.
Ademo Mojisola –
Amazing book ð«¶ð«¶ð«¶ð«¶ð«¶
Kyleisthebatman –
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life is a beautifully written and insightful book that explores the Japanese concept of ikigai, which translates to “a reason for being.” This book delves into how embracing this philosophy can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life, offering both wisdom and practical advice for finding your own ikigai.The book is easy to read, with a thoughtful structure that weaves together stories, insights, and lessons from Japanâs culture and philosophy. The writing is clear, engaging, and accessible, making it perfect for anyone interested in personal development or those looking to explore a new approach to happiness and well-being.What makes this book so appealing is its focus on the idea that finding purpose is a key ingredient to a long and happy life. Through interviews with centenarians from Okinawa (one of the worldâs Blue Zones), where people live longer lives, the authors explore how the concept of ikigai plays a significant role in health, happiness, and longevity. The book highlights how having a sense of purpose not only enhances oneâs mental and emotional health but also contributes to physical well-being.The authors also provide actionable steps on how readers can discover their own ikigai. Itâs about aligning what you love, what youâre good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. This combination leads to a sense of fulfilment and direction that can significantly improve the quality of life.The book encourages reflection, helping you think about what brings joy and meaning to your life. Whether itâs your career, relationships, or personal hobbies, Ikigai provides a framework to help you integrate these aspects into your daily life, so you can live with more intention and passion. The exercises and practical tips on how to identify your ikigai are thoughtful and will inspire anyone looking to find more purpose in their life.Ikigai offers incredible value for anyone seeking inspiration or looking to live a more meaningful life. Itâs an easy read that leaves you feeling motivated and thoughtful. The combination of Japanese philosophy and practical advice makes it an enriching experience thatâs worth every penny.This book is perfect for anyone who wants to find more purpose in their life, whether youâre in the middle of your career, facing a life transition, or simply looking for ways to live with more intention. Itâs especially valuable for people seeking balance, happiness, or longevity through mindful living.Overall, Ikigai is a heart-warming and practical guide to living a longer, happier, and more meaningful life. It encourages readers to slow down, reflect, and take small steps towards aligning their passions and purpose with their daily life. I highly recommend this book for anyone on the journey to self-discovery and personal fulfilment.
Heloise dos Santos –
é um livro excelente que oferece clareza para os que a procuram!
R11 –
I found inspiration and practical advice in this book. I want to live 100 years like the people in the book, donât you as well?, so read it!
Ria –
Ikigai is such a good book. Itâs easy to read, inspiring, and gives you a calm, positive perspective on life. I read it while on vacation, and it was the perfect companion- light, meaningful, and uplifting. Highly recommend it.