I’d been meaning to read this book for a while. As it was Japanese in content but told through a western mindset. A lot of ideas similar to the works of Gretchen Rubin and Stephen Covey. Even a bit of Marie Kondo’s Spark Joy philosophy.
If it’s not sparking joy - make a change.
The interesting link between purpose and longevity is a good one and easy enough to understand. Living with purpose equates to less stress and longer life.
10 steps to longevity in the end - Nothing striking or groundbreaking revolutionary but similar trains of thought.
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Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life Kindle Edition
by
Héctor García
(Author),
Francesc Miralles
(Author)
Format: Kindle Edition
Héctor García
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Francesc Miralles
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Length: 123 pages | Word Wise: Enabled | Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled |
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Product description
Book Description
2014 offered The life-changing magic of tidying2016 surrounded us with hygge In 2017, we'll discover our ikigai.Ikigai - the Japanese secret to a long and happy life from the world's longest living people.
--This text refers to the hardcover edition.
Review
Ikigai urges individuals to simplify their lives by pursuing what sparks joy for them ― Marie 'KonMari' Kondo
I love [this] book… I read it and it’s bewitched me ever since. I’m spellbound
A refreshingly simple recipe for happiness... According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai. It means your purpose – the reason you get up in the morning. The thing that fires you up and keeps you busy. Your raison d'être. ― Stylist
Curl up on the sofa with this and enjoy an insight into Japanese culture while picking up some self-care tips you may not have considered before... Ikigai offers an insight into a gentle yet focused way of life built around a sense of purpose. ― Independent
Ikigai gently unlocks simple secrets we can all use to live long, meaningful, happy lives. Science-based studies weave beautifully into honest, straight-talking conversation you won’t be able to put down. Warm, patient, and kind, this book pulls you gently along your own journey rather than pushing you from behind.
[The] Japanese art of ikigai ... Its basic message is about "authentic living". Practitioners must fill in overlapping circles that cover motivation, fulfilment, what they earn and what improves their life. The answer at the centre will be the key to a happy and long life. ― Guardian
If hygge is the art of doing nothing, ikigai is the art of doing something - and doing it with supreme focus and joy. ― New York Post --This text refers to the hardcover edition.
I love [this] book… I read it and it’s bewitched me ever since. I’m spellbound
A refreshingly simple recipe for happiness... According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai. It means your purpose – the reason you get up in the morning. The thing that fires you up and keeps you busy. Your raison d'être. ― Stylist
Curl up on the sofa with this and enjoy an insight into Japanese culture while picking up some self-care tips you may not have considered before... Ikigai offers an insight into a gentle yet focused way of life built around a sense of purpose. ― Independent
Ikigai gently unlocks simple secrets we can all use to live long, meaningful, happy lives. Science-based studies weave beautifully into honest, straight-talking conversation you won’t be able to put down. Warm, patient, and kind, this book pulls you gently along your own journey rather than pushing you from behind.
[The] Japanese art of ikigai ... Its basic message is about "authentic living". Practitioners must fill in overlapping circles that cover motivation, fulfilment, what they earn and what improves their life. The answer at the centre will be the key to a happy and long life. ― Guardian
If hygge is the art of doing nothing, ikigai is the art of doing something - and doing it with supreme focus and joy. ― New York Post --This text refers to the hardcover edition.
About the Author
Hector Garcia (Author) Hector Garcia is a citizen of Japan, where he has lived for over a decade, and of Spain, where he was born. He is the author of several books about Japanese culture, including two worldwide bestsellers, A Geek in Japan and Ikigai. A former software engineer, he worked at CERN in Switzerland before moving to Japan.Francesc Miralles (Author) Francesc Miralles is the award-winning and internationally bestselling author of books about how to live well, together with the novels Love in Small Letters and Wabi-Sabi.Alongside Hector Garcia, he was welcomed to Okinawa in Japan, where the inhabitants live for longer than in any other place in the world. There they had the chance to interview more than a hundred villagers about their philosophy for a long and happy life.
--This text refers to the hardcover edition.
Product details
- ASIN : B073D36KNM
- Publisher : Cornerstone Digital; 1st edition (7 September 2017)
- Language : English
- File size : 32853 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 123 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: 5,371 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
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Customer reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
13,567 global ratings
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Top reviews
Top reviews from Australia
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Reviewed in Australia on 5 January 2019
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2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in Australia on 3 March 2020
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It may not be the secret to a long and happy life, but it’s definitely a start in the right direction. Lots of clear simple actionable insights for changing your life for the better one step at a time.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in Australia on 31 July 2020
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Many of us are fortunate not to have gone through world war, religion related wars and what not and yet most of us are not grateful for the good that we have. Buying into meaningless social status and material needs especially in this day and age. This book makes us look into ourselves and our lives.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in Australia on 24 October 2020
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Simple read and engrossing. Definitely touches the simple things which most of us have forgotten or are forgetting during these times.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in Australia on 26 August 2019
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This book is filled with wisdom! It is very important not just to live a long time but to live well. This book indicates a path for everyone.
Reviewed in Australia on 28 August 2019
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A good short read to put things into perspectives. Simple teachings that can lead to remarkable changes. Highly recommend :)
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in Australia on 22 September 2019
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Worth every cent
Not that I'm hoping to live forever but the cultural insight is amazing
Not that I'm hoping to live forever but the cultural insight is amazing
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in Australia on 16 February 2021
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Seemed full of good advice and well researched but summary at end probably was enough for most. An easy read.
Top reviews from other countries

Short of a Century
3.0 out of 5 stars
Simple & Light Reading. May Disappoint - Dependent on Reader's Expectation.
Reviewed in India on 13 October 2018Verified Purchase
The book does a decent job of relating the concept of Ikigai to modern day psychology (with Frankl's Logotherapy from Man's Search for Meaning among others) and a few scientific references in a simple manner. It talks about how purpose plays an important role in a man's life and the different ways in which it manifests itself. It also tackles some ways to 'find your flow' and ensure that what you do receives 100% of your attention and that you enjoy whatever you are creating.
The book also discusses certain other Japanese concepts like takumi (specialized workers) and moai (connections with community or friend-circle). The brief discussions have the benefit of being to the point and simple but also pose the risk of trivializing them into regular self-help advice. The book also delves into Japanese perspectives on living life and persevering without getting caught up in artificially-created urgency. But again, maybe the authors wished for the readers to research more or meditate more on the content given the concise treatment of the same.
The chapters on diet and exercises have more details and thus, may be more useful. Certain foods are dealt with in greater detail as is the concept of 'hara hachi bu' wherein one eats only 80% of what would actually assuage his hunger. The chapter on exercises includes illustrations and steps. While they may suffice for some of the purposes mentioned in the book - the philosophy behind them, progressive increments and other essential details are missing or insufficient.
I was interested in the concept of Ikigai and wanted to read more about it. Despite being well-written and presenting modern applications, the book did not fulfill my requirements at all. Some of the condensed content made me think that the extended research, including on-site interviews, done by the authors for writing this book was clearly lost in translation or presentation in certain parts.
The hardcover is pretty and soothing with its matte texture. Inner pages are smooth and heavy with a cream tinge. The font size is good. The spine as well as pages hold up well. Overall, the book is quite light and sturdy. Bought it for INR 460 against MRP of INR 499.
The book also discusses certain other Japanese concepts like takumi (specialized workers) and moai (connections with community or friend-circle). The brief discussions have the benefit of being to the point and simple but also pose the risk of trivializing them into regular self-help advice. The book also delves into Japanese perspectives on living life and persevering without getting caught up in artificially-created urgency. But again, maybe the authors wished for the readers to research more or meditate more on the content given the concise treatment of the same.
The chapters on diet and exercises have more details and thus, may be more useful. Certain foods are dealt with in greater detail as is the concept of 'hara hachi bu' wherein one eats only 80% of what would actually assuage his hunger. The chapter on exercises includes illustrations and steps. While they may suffice for some of the purposes mentioned in the book - the philosophy behind them, progressive increments and other essential details are missing or insufficient.
I was interested in the concept of Ikigai and wanted to read more about it. Despite being well-written and presenting modern applications, the book did not fulfill my requirements at all. Some of the condensed content made me think that the extended research, including on-site interviews, done by the authors for writing this book was clearly lost in translation or presentation in certain parts.
The hardcover is pretty and soothing with its matte texture. Inner pages are smooth and heavy with a cream tinge. The font size is good. The spine as well as pages hold up well. Overall, the book is quite light and sturdy. Bought it for INR 460 against MRP of INR 499.

3.0 out of 5 stars
Simple & Light Reading. May Disappoint - Dependent on Reader's Expectation.
Reviewed in India on 13 October 2018
The book does a decent job of relating the concept of Ikigai to modern day psychology (with Frankl's Logotherapy from Man's Search for Meaning among others) and a few scientific references in a simple manner. It talks about how purpose plays an important role in a man's life and the different ways in which it manifests itself. It also tackles some ways to 'find your flow' and ensure that what you do receives 100% of your attention and that you enjoy whatever you are creating.Reviewed in India on 13 October 2018
The book also discusses certain other Japanese concepts like takumi (specialized workers) and moai (connections with community or friend-circle). The brief discussions have the benefit of being to the point and simple but also pose the risk of trivializing them into regular self-help advice. The book also delves into Japanese perspectives on living life and persevering without getting caught up in artificially-created urgency. But again, maybe the authors wished for the readers to research more or meditate more on the content given the concise treatment of the same.
The chapters on diet and exercises have more details and thus, may be more useful. Certain foods are dealt with in greater detail as is the concept of 'hara hachi bu' wherein one eats only 80% of what would actually assuage his hunger. The chapter on exercises includes illustrations and steps. While they may suffice for some of the purposes mentioned in the book - the philosophy behind them, progressive increments and other essential details are missing or insufficient.
I was interested in the concept of Ikigai and wanted to read more about it. Despite being well-written and presenting modern applications, the book did not fulfill my requirements at all. Some of the condensed content made me think that the extended research, including on-site interviews, done by the authors for writing this book was clearly lost in translation or presentation in certain parts.
The hardcover is pretty and soothing with its matte texture. Inner pages are smooth and heavy with a cream tinge. The font size is good. The spine as well as pages hold up well. Overall, the book is quite light and sturdy. Bought it for INR 460 against MRP of INR 499.
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639 people found this helpful
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Seethalakshmikshetty
2.0 out of 5 stars
Ikigai
Reviewed in India on 14 October 2019Verified Purchase
Just read a back of book and its enough dont waste like me😢

2.0 out of 5 stars
Ikigai
Reviewed in India on 14 October 2019
Just read a back of book and its enough dont waste like me😢
Reviewed in India on 14 October 2019
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404 people found this helpful
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Steve Roche
5.0 out of 5 stars
Genuinely helpful in the search for meaning
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 August 2018Verified Purchase
The negative reviewers seem to have largely missed the point. Or to have been looking for something they will not find in a book. Yes there are chapters on diet and exercise, and the content of these is not particularly new or surprising (however irritating it may be, these things are indeed features of a healthy lifestyle).
But there is a good deal more, including the sense of purpose and meaning that is common to those who have lived to an advanced age. The way this is explored and its links to, for example, logotherapy, are helpful and illuminating. Ikigai offers a genuine recipe for living a meaningful life if you are prepared to give it some time and thought.
I strongly disagree with the reviewer who wanted it to be much longer! Most books are badly overwritten and in need of editing: the value of a book is in the quality of its content, not the number of pages it fills. This one is attractively presented, says what it needs to, then stops.
But there is a good deal more, including the sense of purpose and meaning that is common to those who have lived to an advanced age. The way this is explored and its links to, for example, logotherapy, are helpful and illuminating. Ikigai offers a genuine recipe for living a meaningful life if you are prepared to give it some time and thought.
I strongly disagree with the reviewer who wanted it to be much longer! Most books are badly overwritten and in need of editing: the value of a book is in the quality of its content, not the number of pages it fills. This one is attractively presented, says what it needs to, then stops.
347 people found this helpful
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LibroReview
4.0 out of 5 stars
The best book to read during your break time.
Reviewed in India on 9 April 2019Verified Purchase
I personally believe that having a purpose on in life and then giving it your all is the most important to lead a happy life. This book validates so.
Ikigai is a short but not very short book based on a Japanese concept. According to this concept, we find the deeply sown purpose of our lives from within ourselves by defining our passion, mission, vocation and profession. It gives you tips as to how the simplest things in our life, like sometimes, taking a pause, are what will give us a long and happy life.
I bought a hardcover because of it’s extremely pretty cover. The cover itself will soothe your mind whenever you look at it. The title does go with the book but personally for me, not as I thought it would.
If you are expecting it to help you find your Ikigai, give you step by step solution as to how you can find it and reward it with millions of dollars, you’ll be disappointed. This book is full of facts, real life experience from Japan’s Okinawa and compels you to focus more on you : your health, your choices, your focus and your inner happiness. It will probably be the only book you’ll come across that tells you to take it, relax, but also burn in your passion.
The language is as simplistic and beautiful as the cover and it’s content. Not many tough words and very beginner-friendly in the reading world. The structure to is great with a prologue, 9 chapters, an epilogue and a list of more suggestions for you to explore in the end.
Coming to the overall feel of the book, it’s very cozy. In it’s own way, it also does help you slightly to find your own Ikigai.
I thought it would be a full on hustle kind of book but I felt relaxed after this read. I was ready to take on my tasks stress-free. Though it is not something extremely crazy and different, it definitely is a one-time read for all the hustlers or non-hustlers out there who think they have to punish themselves to get what they want.
Ikigai is a short but not very short book based on a Japanese concept. According to this concept, we find the deeply sown purpose of our lives from within ourselves by defining our passion, mission, vocation and profession. It gives you tips as to how the simplest things in our life, like sometimes, taking a pause, are what will give us a long and happy life.
I bought a hardcover because of it’s extremely pretty cover. The cover itself will soothe your mind whenever you look at it. The title does go with the book but personally for me, not as I thought it would.
If you are expecting it to help you find your Ikigai, give you step by step solution as to how you can find it and reward it with millions of dollars, you’ll be disappointed. This book is full of facts, real life experience from Japan’s Okinawa and compels you to focus more on you : your health, your choices, your focus and your inner happiness. It will probably be the only book you’ll come across that tells you to take it, relax, but also burn in your passion.
The language is as simplistic and beautiful as the cover and it’s content. Not many tough words and very beginner-friendly in the reading world. The structure to is great with a prologue, 9 chapters, an epilogue and a list of more suggestions for you to explore in the end.
Coming to the overall feel of the book, it’s very cozy. In it’s own way, it also does help you slightly to find your own Ikigai.
I thought it would be a full on hustle kind of book but I felt relaxed after this read. I was ready to take on my tasks stress-free. Though it is not something extremely crazy and different, it definitely is a one-time read for all the hustlers or non-hustlers out there who think they have to punish themselves to get what they want.
298 people found this helpful
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hala
2.0 out of 5 stars
Misleading Title
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 September 2018Verified Purchase
I thought this book was going to go in depth into this Japanese philosophy called 'ikigai'. It was sadly, mostly about centenarians and how to live a healthy life (which constituted of all the cliche advice that you can read in an online article. I had to skip through the entire chapter that explains all the yoga and Tai Chi poses with pictures (seriously?). I was very excited about this purchase, luckily for me it was only 1.99. Had I paid 9 pounds for this, I would have been massively disappointed.
108 people found this helpful
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