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Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life
THE MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLERFind purpose, meaning and joy in your work and lifeWe all have an ikigai. It's the Japanese word for 'a reason to live' or 'a reason to jump out of bed in the morning'. The place where your needs, ambitions, skills and satisfaction meet. A place of balance.This book will help you unlock what your ikigai is and equip you to change your life. There is a passion inside you - a unique talent that gives you purpose and makes you the perfect candidate for something. All you have to do is discover and live it.Do that, and you can make every single day of your life joyful and meaningful.'A refreshingly simple recipe for happiness' Stylist'Ikigai gently unlocks simple secrets we can all use to live long, meaningful, happy lives' Neil Pasricha, bestselling author of The Happiness Equation
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2016
About the author
Héctor García
24 books1,262 followersI'm the author of several Japanese culture books: The Magic of Japan, Ikigai the Japanese Secret for a Long and Happy Life, The Book of Ichigo Ichie, Shinrinyoku, The Ikigai Journey and A Geek in Japan.
I LOVE reading and writing.
Autor de los libros sobre cultura japonesa: La Magia de Japón, Ikigai, Ichigo Ichie, Shinrinyoku, Un Geek en Japón.
http://amazon.com/author/hectorgarcia
I LOVE reading and writing.
Autor de los libros sobre cultura japonesa: La Magia de Japón, Ikigai, Ichigo Ichie, Shinrinyoku, Un Geek en Japón.
http://amazon.com/author/hectorgarcia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,986 reviews
September 29, 2017
I kind of feel bad panning this book, because I think helping people find their ikigai -- or their purpose in life -- is a worthwhile goal.
The problem is, I have to think that the author and his publisher know that this book doesn't come anywhere close to achieving that goal.
Instead, this book is a jumbled mess. It borrows heavily from the work of others, from Victor Frankl to the guys studying flow states, slaps on a thin veneer of received wisdom from Japanese octogenarians and attempts to pass the whole thing off as a guide for living.
And when I say the veneer of Japanese culture is thin, I mean it is THIN. The author took a trip to Okinawa at some point and has some quotes from old folks there. He makes references to big cultural figures like Miyazaki and Murakami, does some hand-waving at tai-chi and green tea and calls it a day.
And the whole package isn't even put together well. It repeats itself several times (did you know old people on Okinawa tend vegetable gardens? because you will hear about it!) and the structure is just a jumbled mess.
Stay away.
The problem is, I have to think that the author and his publisher know that this book doesn't come anywhere close to achieving that goal.
Instead, this book is a jumbled mess. It borrows heavily from the work of others, from Victor Frankl to the guys studying flow states, slaps on a thin veneer of received wisdom from Japanese octogenarians and attempts to pass the whole thing off as a guide for living.
And when I say the veneer of Japanese culture is thin, I mean it is THIN. The author took a trip to Okinawa at some point and has some quotes from old folks there. He makes references to big cultural figures like Miyazaki and Murakami, does some hand-waving at tai-chi and green tea and calls it a day.
And the whole package isn't even put together well. It repeats itself several times (did you know old people on Okinawa tend vegetable gardens? because you will hear about it!) and the structure is just a jumbled mess.
Stay away.
May 30, 2017
This book has nothing to do with Ikigai. Honestly it should've been titled How to Live a Long Life like an Okinawan.
June 3, 2023
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means your reason for being.
Iki' in Japanese means' life,' and 'gai' describes value or worth. It gives a person a reason for living.
This book, written by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia, tells us the Ten rules of Ikigai, which are, distilled from the wisdom of the long-living residents of Ogimi:
They are
1) Stay active; don't retire.
2) Take it slow.
3) Don't fill your stomach.
4) Surround yourself with good friends.
5) Get in shape for your next birthday.
6) Smile
7) Reconnect with nature.
8)Give thanks.
9) Live in the moment.
10) Follow your ikigai.
My favorite three lines from this book.
This book will be a good choice if you are someone who is interested in increasing productivity in your life.
—————————————————————————
You can also follow me on
Instagram ID - Dasfill | YouTube Channel ID - Dasfill | YouTube Health Channel ID - Dasfill - Health | YouTube Malayalam Channel ID - Dasfill - Malayalam | Twitter ID - Dasfill1 | Snapchat ID - Dasfill | Facebook ID - Dasfill | TikTok ID - Dasfill1
Iki' in Japanese means' life,' and 'gai' describes value or worth. It gives a person a reason for living.
This book, written by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia, tells us the Ten rules of Ikigai, which are, distilled from the wisdom of the long-living residents of Ogimi:
They are
1) Stay active; don't retire.
2) Take it slow.
3) Don't fill your stomach.
4) Surround yourself with good friends.
5) Get in shape for your next birthday.
6) Smile
7) Reconnect with nature.
8)Give thanks.
9) Live in the moment.
10) Follow your ikigai.
My favorite three lines from this book.
“He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how.”
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
“The happiest people are not the ones who achieve the most. They are the ones who spend more time than others in a state of flow.”
This book will be a good choice if you are someone who is interested in increasing productivity in your life.
—————————————————————————
You can also follow me on
Instagram ID - Dasfill | YouTube Channel ID - Dasfill | YouTube Health Channel ID - Dasfill - Health | YouTube Malayalam Channel ID - Dasfill - Malayalam | Twitter ID - Dasfill1 | Snapchat ID - Dasfill | Facebook ID - Dasfill | TikTok ID - Dasfill1
October 1, 2017
I could live with the fact that every idea about the Western approach to finding a purpose in life is taken from Frankl, Taleb and a few others. With no personal contribution from the authors. But to claim that you interviewed 100 people from Okinawa and to present your readers with no more than 5 pages of random (and in no way revealing, profound or even interesting) quotes from these interviews...that is just disrespectful. To the reader and to the interviewees.
January 21, 2024
Ahh look, another self help book that told me to 'not worry' and 'have a healthy lifestyle'.
I might as well throw my psychology degrees out the window when there are self-help books with just advices like these.
I might as well throw my psychology degrees out the window when there are self-help books with just advices like these.
April 30, 2023
Bring meaning and joy to every day with ikigai.
IKIGAI is a distinguish read for me. I learn a lot of things from this book. This book is about the life and culture of the people living at Okinawa island in Japan. This island is famous for the longevity of its people. There are almost 22.55 people over the age of 100 for every 100,000 inhabitants—which is far more the the global average.
This book is categorized into NINE short chapters, each with its unique and profound nature. In these chapters, the author very intelligently describe the secret of longevity along with the diet, culture, jobs, living styles and hobbies of the Super-Centurions of the Okinawa island. A little section deals with the interviews of these amazing people with 100+ age.
The people in Japan believe that everyone has an ikigai - a reason to jump out of bed each morning.
The book further tells the exercises and techniques these long living and happiest people used in their daily routines/tasks to keep them stay active for a long time even in very old age. Now, I will share the TEN rules of ikigai which is described in the book are:
1. Stay active, don't retire
2. Take it slow
3. Don't fill your stomach
4. Surround yourself with good friends
5. Get in shape for your next birthday
6. Smile
7. Reconnect with nature
8. Give thanks
9. Live in the moment
10. Follow your ikigai
I enjoy this book a lot. I concluded this with the famous Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr which is mentioned in the book:
Highly recommended.
IKIGAI is a distinguish read for me. I learn a lot of things from this book. This book is about the life and culture of the people living at Okinawa island in Japan. This island is famous for the longevity of its people. There are almost 22.55 people over the age of 100 for every 100,000 inhabitants—which is far more the the global average.
This book is categorized into NINE short chapters, each with its unique and profound nature. In these chapters, the author very intelligently describe the secret of longevity along with the diet, culture, jobs, living styles and hobbies of the Super-Centurions of the Okinawa island. A little section deals with the interviews of these amazing people with 100+ age.
The people in Japan believe that everyone has an ikigai - a reason to jump out of bed each morning.
The book further tells the exercises and techniques these long living and happiest people used in their daily routines/tasks to keep them stay active for a long time even in very old age. Now, I will share the TEN rules of ikigai which is described in the book are:
1. Stay active, don't retire
2. Take it slow
3. Don't fill your stomach
4. Surround yourself with good friends
5. Get in shape for your next birthday
6. Smile
7. Reconnect with nature
8. Give thanks
9. Live in the moment
10. Follow your ikigai
I enjoy this book a lot. I concluded this with the famous Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr which is mentioned in the book:
God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.
Highly recommended.
April 3, 2018
Beklentimi hiçbir açıdan karşılamayan bir kitap oldu Ikigai. İçerisinde birçoğumuzun bilmediği çok az şey barındırıyordu ki onlarda Japonlara has şeylerdi zaten. Diğer anlatılan her şey bir şekilde kulağımıza gelmiş olan, okuduğumuz ya da büyüklerimiz tarafından bize söylenen şeylerdi. Bu açıdan bana bir şeyler katan bir kitap olmadı.
Kitap boyunca devamlı başka kitaplardan alıntılama, o kitaplardan verilen örnekler üzerinden ilerleme vardı. Ve bu beni bi yerden sonra rahatsız etti çünkü başka kitaplardan kırpılan bilgilerin derlemesini okuyor gibi hissetmeme sebep oldu.
Üstelik kitap Japonların uzun yaşam sırrını bir şekilde bize aktarmaya çalışsa da mutlu yaşam sırrını aktaramamıştı. Bu tarz bir şeyi okuduğum zaman hayatıma nasıl uygulayacağımı da bana örneklendirmesini isterim, bu kitapta bunu bulamadım ben.
Yani işin özü biraz şişirilmiş bir kitap olduğunu düşünüyorum.
Güzel reklamı yapıldı, helal olsun.
Kitap boyunca devamlı başka kitaplardan alıntılama, o kitaplardan verilen örnekler üzerinden ilerleme vardı. Ve bu beni bi yerden sonra rahatsız etti çünkü başka kitaplardan kırpılan bilgilerin derlemesini okuyor gibi hissetmeme sebep oldu.
Üstelik kitap Japonların uzun yaşam sırrını bir şekilde bize aktarmaya çalışsa da mutlu yaşam sırrını aktaramamıştı. Bu tarz bir şeyi okuduğum zaman hayatıma nasıl uygulayacağımı da bana örneklendirmesini isterim, bu kitapta bunu bulamadım ben.
Yani işin özü biraz şişirilmiş bir kitap olduğunu düşünüyorum.
Güzel reklamı yapıldı, helal olsun.
October 13, 2019
Αγόρασα αυτό το βιβλίο πιο πολύ από περιέργεια και ίσως λίγο για χαβαλέ. Σκέφτηκα ότι στην χειρότερη θα το έβρισκα επιφανειακό και αδιάφορο και στην καλύτερή μπορεί να υπήρχαν κάποια πράγματα που θα άξιζαν να σκεφτώ και, γιατί όχι, να εντάξω στη ζωή μου. Αυτό που δεν περίμενα σε καμία περίπτωση είναι να γίνω τόσο έξαλλη με ένα βιβλίο.
Αρχικά δεν καταλαβαίνω για ποιο λόγο το νόημα της ζωής του καθενός (όποιο κι αν είναι αυτό) θα πρέπει να συνδέεται με την μακροζωία. Μια τόσο ανεπτυγμένη στάση ζωής και ιδεολογία απορώ πως μένει σε κάτι τόσο επιφανειακό όπως είναι το να ζεις μέχρι τα 100. Κι όμως, αφιερώνει σχεδόν το μισό βιβλίο να μοιράζεται μαζί μας μυστικά διαφορών αιωνόβιων της Ιαπωνίας. Spoiler alert: πράσινο τσάι, λαχανικά κι αισιοδοξία είναι μερικά από αυτά τα μυστικά. Ωστόσο αν ήταν μόνο αυτό δεν θα ασχολιόμουν. Αν μη τι άλλο όλα αυτά συμβάλουν σε μια καλύτερη ποιότητα ζωής, αλλά το ξέραμε ήδη.
Πάμε τώρα στα σοβαρά φάουλ. Σε μια προσπάθεια να μας εισάγουν σε μία μέθοδο γνωστή ως νοηματοθεραπεία (κοινώς να βρεις το νόημα της ζωής σου) κατακρίνουν, ανοιχτά κατά την γνώμη μου, διάφορες μεθόδους δυτικές , μεταξύ αυτών η ψυχανάλυση. Η ψυχανάλυση δεν είναι δυτική μέθοδος, είναι επιστήμη αρχικά. Ακόμα και να υπήρξα ανοιχτή στη νοηματοθεραπεία ως συμπληρωματική μέθοδο αντιμετώπισης κάποιων θεμάτων, ο τρόπος που την προμοτάρει το βιβλίο σε βάρος της ψυχανάλυσης, είχε ακριβώς τα αντίθετα αποτελέσματα.
Τέλος και σημαντικότερο συγγραφείς ισχυρίζονται, με λίγα λόγια, ότι το να αφιερώνεσαι σε κάποιες εργασίας ρουτίνας μπορεί να έχει θετικά αποτελέσματα αν το δεις ως μια μορφή διαλογισμού. Ως ένα σημείο ακούω το επιχείρημα τους και αν κάποιους τους βοηθάει, καλώς. Αλλά για να ενισχύσουν αυτό το επιχείρημα φέρουν ως παράδειγμα τους εργάτες στο εργαστήριο της Toyota! Είναι δυνατόν να φέρεις σαν παράδειγμα εργοστάσια που όλοι ξέρουμε τις απάνθρωπες συνθήκες και να λες ότι ο εργάτης που κάνει την ίδια μονότονη δουλειά (πολλές φορές για 12 ή 16 ώρες όπως υπάρχουν μαρτυρίες) να βρίσκει σε αυτό ευτυχία? Το ικιγκάι μου μέσα! Η άλλη λέει ήταν ευτυχισμένη γιατί όλη μέρα ξεκαθάριζε τρίχες από ένα εξάρτημα αυτοκινήτου μόνη της σε ένα δωμάτιο. Αλλά για να ηρεμίσετε, θεωρείται από τα πιο σημαντικά στελέχη της Toyota! Η λέξη προπαγάνδα είναι το λιγότερο που μπορώ να σκεφτώ.
Δεν θα έμπαινα ποτέ στον κόπο να ασχοληθώ τόσο με ένα βιβλίο που απλά σου προτείνει μια άλλη οπτική της ζωής αν απλά διαφωνούσα με αυτή την οπτική. Αλλά το συγκεκριμένο είναι απαράδεκτό και αν σκεφτούμε την απήχηση που έχει θα τολμούσα να πω κι επικίνδυνο.
Ας ξυπνήσουμε λίγο.
Αρχικά δεν καταλαβαίνω για ποιο λόγο το νόημα της ζωής του καθενός (όποιο κι αν είναι αυτό) θα πρέπει να συνδέεται με την μακροζωία. Μια τόσο ανεπτυγμένη στάση ζωής και ιδεολογία απορώ πως μένει σε κάτι τόσο επιφανειακό όπως είναι το να ζεις μέχρι τα 100. Κι όμως, αφιερώνει σχεδόν το μισό βιβλίο να μοιράζεται μαζί μας μυστικά διαφορών αιωνόβιων της Ιαπωνίας. Spoiler alert: πράσινο τσάι, λαχανικά κι αισιοδοξία είναι μερικά από αυτά τα μυστικά. Ωστόσο αν ήταν μόνο αυτό δεν θα ασχολιόμουν. Αν μη τι άλλο όλα αυτά συμβάλουν σε μια καλύτερη ποιότητα ζωής, αλλά το ξέραμε ήδη.
Πάμε τώρα στα σοβαρά φάουλ. Σε μια προσπάθεια να μας εισάγουν σε μία μέθοδο γνωστή ως νοηματοθεραπεία (κοινώς να βρεις το νόημα της ζωής σου) κατακρίνουν, ανοιχτά κατά την γνώμη μου, διάφορες μεθόδους δυτικές , μεταξύ αυτών η ψυχανάλυση. Η ψυχανάλυση δεν είναι δυτική μέθοδος, είναι επιστήμη αρχικά. Ακόμα και να υπήρξα ανοιχτή στη νοηματοθεραπεία ως συμπληρωματική μέθοδο αντιμετώπισης κάποιων θεμάτων, ο τρόπος που την προμοτάρει το βιβλίο σε βάρος της ψυχανάλυσης, είχε ακριβώς τα αντίθετα αποτελέσματα.
Τέλος και σημαντικότερο συγγραφείς ισχυρίζονται, με λίγα λόγια, ότι το να αφιερώνεσαι σε κάποιες εργασίας ρουτίνας μπορεί να έχει θετικά αποτελέσματα αν το δεις ως μια μορφή διαλογισμού. Ως ένα σημείο ακούω το επιχείρημα τους και αν κάποιους τους βοηθάει, καλώς. Αλλά για να ενισχύσουν αυτό το επιχείρημα φέρουν ως παράδειγμα τους εργάτες στο εργαστήριο της Toyota! Είναι δυνατόν να φέρεις σαν παράδειγμα εργοστάσια που όλοι ξέρουμε τις απάνθρωπες συνθήκες και να λες ότι ο εργάτης που κάνει την ίδια μονότονη δουλειά (πολλές φορές για 12 ή 16 ώρες όπως υπάρχουν μαρτυρίες) να βρίσκει σε αυτό ευτυχία? Το ικιγκάι μου μέσα! Η άλλη λέει ήταν ευτυχισμένη γιατί όλη μέρα ξεκαθάριζε τρίχες από ένα εξάρτημα αυτοκινήτου μόνη της σε ένα δωμάτιο. Αλλά για να ηρεμίσετε, θεωρείται από τα πιο σημαντικά στελέχη της Toyota! Η λέξη προπαγάνδα είναι το λιγότερο που μπορώ να σκεφτώ.
Δεν θα έμπαινα ποτέ στον κόπο να ασχοληθώ τόσο με ένα βιβλίο που απλά σου προτείνει μια άλλη οπτική της ζωής αν απλά διαφωνούσα με αυτή την οπτική. Αλλά το συγκεκριμένο είναι απαράδεκτό και αν σκεφτούμε την απήχηση που έχει θα τολμούσα να πω κι επικίνδυνο.
Ας ξυπνήσουμε λίγο.
December 27, 2018
The book's title is a little misleading: while it does talk about ikigai, it also talks about what things are connected to it, and the main point is on having a long, happy, healthy(ish) life, as seen from the (mostly) Okinawan way of life. The authors traveled to Ogimi, which is in Okinawa, Japan, and spent time there interviewing and observing the oldest people, who all seemed to have this ikigai (the reason to get up in the morning), a joy of life and very active daily activities.
The chapters talk about things like the state of flow, logotherapy and morita-therapy which both can well connect to the ikigai-concept, on being active, what one should eat, exercises, and facing problems and change. Each chapter seems to add and/or comment something to the main idea, and one chapter focuses on the people of Ogimi itself.
The three stars were mainly because I didn't agree with everything, but then not everything needs to be agreed on. Also many of the things were familiar to me already. That said, neither point made me angry or make me regret buying/reading the book, and the book was a quick read. I think the majority of the information was still great, and made the book absolutely worth reading and keeping. Buettner's "Blue Zones" book might be more worth to read (and to read first), but just reading this might be inspiring enough - or make a good adding to the book mentioned.
The chapters talk about things like the state of flow, logotherapy and morita-therapy which both can well connect to the ikigai-concept, on being active, what one should eat, exercises, and facing problems and change. Each chapter seems to add and/or comment something to the main idea, and one chapter focuses on the people of Ogimi itself.
The three stars were mainly because I didn't agree with everything, but then not everything needs to be agreed on. Also many of the things were familiar to me already. That said, neither point made me angry or make me regret buying/reading the book, and the book was a quick read. I think the majority of the information was still great, and made the book absolutely worth reading and keeping. Buettner's "Blue Zones" book might be more worth to read (and to read first), but just reading this might be inspiring enough - or make a good adding to the book mentioned.
December 27, 2019
This book has a lot of things going for it - it is concise, packages best known & appreciated theories on a long life & happiness and provides examples from Japan on a fulfilling life.
Ikigai is the Japanese concept of a purposeful life where what you love, are good at intersects with what the world really needs and is willing to pay for making it a winning combination which you as an individual enjoy pursuing. The authors start with Logotherapy pioneered by Victor Frankl, who after a painful period of internment at a Nazi concentration camp, outlines this concept of finding purpose to life. In contrast to traditional psychotherapy which is concerned with finding a problem, Logotherapy offers a positive outlook.
The book later explores the concept of Ikigai with a narrative on how the longest living communities in Japan spend their lives. There is a common pattern among those who live long - they mostly eat plant based food, have strong community bonds, are physically very active (primarily with light exercises like walking) and pursue hobbies or careers they are passionate about. Most of them do not have a concept of retirement and continue these practices well into old age. There is material devoted to yoga, meditation, and other practices which help strengthen the mind and lend balance to life.
This is a book which summarizes important concepts very well. Only, I did not find too much new information, except for the descriptions and voices of a few communities in Japan.
A recommended read for the importance of the subject it covers.
Ikigai is the Japanese concept of a purposeful life where what you love, are good at intersects with what the world really needs and is willing to pay for making it a winning combination which you as an individual enjoy pursuing. The authors start with Logotherapy pioneered by Victor Frankl, who after a painful period of internment at a Nazi concentration camp, outlines this concept of finding purpose to life. In contrast to traditional psychotherapy which is concerned with finding a problem, Logotherapy offers a positive outlook.
The book later explores the concept of Ikigai with a narrative on how the longest living communities in Japan spend their lives. There is a common pattern among those who live long - they mostly eat plant based food, have strong community bonds, are physically very active (primarily with light exercises like walking) and pursue hobbies or careers they are passionate about. Most of them do not have a concept of retirement and continue these practices well into old age. There is material devoted to yoga, meditation, and other practices which help strengthen the mind and lend balance to life.
This is a book which summarizes important concepts very well. Only, I did not find too much new information, except for the descriptions and voices of a few communities in Japan.
A recommended read for the importance of the subject it covers.
January 23, 2022
This book was a little hit and miss for me. The primary reason I picked it up was due to my interest in Japanese culture, but also because I wanted to find out more about 'Ikigai.' I found this to be a fairly straightforward read, and could be read fairly quickly if one had the time.
I appreciated that the author gives some practical advice on how find ones 'flow' and how to do this with diet and exercise. Also, snippets in Japanese culture were scattered throughout the book which made it more of a worthwhile read.
There were some rather long-winded descriptions of Tai Chi and yoga poses nearing the middle of the book, which I feel were unnecessary, and I felt like they did that just to bulk out the book.
Overall though, this was a short, but interesting read, but if you're after something deeper, look elsewhere.
I appreciated that the author gives some practical advice on how find ones 'flow' and how to do this with diet and exercise. Also, snippets in Japanese culture were scattered throughout the book which made it more of a worthwhile read.
There were some rather long-winded descriptions of Tai Chi and yoga poses nearing the middle of the book, which I feel were unnecessary, and I felt like they did that just to bulk out the book.
Overall though, this was a short, but interesting read, but if you're after something deeper, look elsewhere.
May 23, 2017
I expected more but this book disappoints. It doesnt seem to follow a clear thread but rather jumps randomly around from one fact to another (which the authors thought relevant) such as stress and what it does to the body, and then short profiles on some of the longest lived persons on the planet. These don't have much to do with the Ogimi folk of Okinawa that the researchers were going to visit and interview. I though they were going to write about them and their entire time spent with them, but this is only a small feature in the book. The other thing that annoys me is when scientists try to interpret something abstract and philosophical using an outsider's point of view and quantitative methods. Already when they wrote in the beginning chapter that they couldn't believe that only the Okinawan diet and some other 'lesser' important activities could help the population live long, I thought, ok, here we go. Basically what this book told me was that they hadn't understood anything. And were coming quite late to the party with facts about health, holism and nature, that can be read and explored much better in other books. Not worth the read.
February 7, 2022
4.75 ⭐
GENRE - SPIRITUALITY / SELF HELP.
What a wonderful book to read this season!! Ikigai The Japanese secret to a long and happy life focuses on finding a meaning and purpose in life. The book captures life's of most of the people who have gone on to live for 100+ years of age mostly from Okinawa region of Japan.
The author has interviewed people who have gone on to live long asking them questions about their schedule, hobbies, exercises, food consumption, habits etc.Most of the conversations are interesting and shows that people who live longer have a lot of things that they do in common to know more you should read the book and I am sure you would definitely enjoy the book.
A highly highly highly recommended Book.
Thank you 🙂🙏♥️
GENRE - SPIRITUALITY / SELF HELP.
What a wonderful book to read this season!! Ikigai The Japanese secret to a long and happy life focuses on finding a meaning and purpose in life. The book captures life's of most of the people who have gone on to live for 100+ years of age mostly from Okinawa region of Japan.
The author has interviewed people who have gone on to live long asking them questions about their schedule, hobbies, exercises, food consumption, habits etc.Most of the conversations are interesting and shows that people who live longer have a lot of things that they do in common to know more you should read the book and I am sure you would definitely enjoy the book.
A highly highly highly recommended Book.
Thank you 🙂🙏♥️
September 20, 2020
"Life is not a problem to be solved, just remember to have something that keeps you busy doing what you love while being surrounded by the people who love you."Ikigai is a beautiful little read about the simple ways of life and the peace of mind. About happiness, appreciation and connecting with nature. If you are looking for some great revelation after reading this little book, then just know... it's not happening. It's only meant to slow you down, rethink, focus, and live a long happy life.
The 10 rules of Ikigai:
1. Stay active, dont retire...
2. Take it slow...
3. Fill your belly to 80%...
4. Surround yourself with good friends.
5. Get in shape for your next birthday.
6. SMILE!
7. Reconnect with nature.
8. Give thanks...
9. Live in the moment. Stop regretting the past and fearing the future.
10. Follow your Ikigai, your passion, your purpose.
This book isn't meant to change your life, however, it may very well, it depends on how you take it. Its a short read and definitely worth checking out.
November 5, 2018
Δεν ξέρω αν διαβάζοντας κανείς αυτό το βιβλίο θα βγει πολύ σοφότερος, δηλαδή δε νομίζω ότι προσθέτει πραγματικά πολλές καινούριες πληροφορίες για μια πιο ευτυχισμένη ζωή που μέχρι τώρα δε γνωρίζαμε και προφανώς δε νομίζω ότι πρέπει να αρχίσουμε να τρώμε φύκια όπως αναγράφεται για καλύτερη ποιότητα ζωής, όμως πιστεύω ότι δεν είναι ποτέ κακό να ξαναβλέπεις γραπτά κάποια πράγματα που ήδη τα γνωρίζεις και είναι και για σένα κοινώς αποδεκτά συστατικά μιας ευτυχισμένης ζωής. Σε αυτό το κομμάτι προσωπικά το βιβλίο με έπεισε να τα ξαναδιαβάσω με ευχαρίστηση, να τα ξαναθυμηθώ και ν’ αναλογιστώ πόσα από αυτά έχω εντάξει στην καθημερινότητα μου. Υπήρχαν κάποια κεφάλαια που σίγουρα με άφησαν αδιάφορη, αν όμως ήθελα να κρατήσω ένα πράγμα θα ήταν ότι μου δημιούργησε αν θέλετε την επιθυμία να ψάξω, ν’ αναρωτηθώ ποιο είναι το δικό μου ικιγκάι. Στο βιβλίο το ικιγκάι παρουσιάζεται ως το λόγο υπάρξης μας, ως ο λόγ��ς που σηκωνόμαστε από το κρεβάτι. Κάθε άνθρωπος έχει το δικό του ξεχωριστό ικιγκάι και σίγουρα δε μπορεί να περιμένει κανείς να του υποδείξει ένα βιβλίο για το ποιο είναι όμως μπορεί να του δώσει την ώθηση να το αναζητήσει όπως έκανε και με μένα.
May 28, 2018
Meh. It's really just a recap of The Blue Zones of Happiness with emphasis on the Okinawa aspect. The quote I find most disconcerting, after reading the entire book, is "There is no perfect strategy to connecting with our ikigai"....but (what we learn from the Okinawans) is "don't worry too much about finding it." But then, in the next and final page, they say, "if you don't know what your ikigai is yet, as Viktor Frankl says, your mission is to discover it."
So which is it? And aside from exercising and eating vegetables, how do we find this elusive purpose? "Do stuff that gives you Flow"...I don't believe ikigai/purpose necessarily provide an inclination toward Flow. But if that is the case, read Csikszentmihalyi's book rather than this one.
So which is it? And aside from exercising and eating vegetables, how do we find this elusive purpose? "Do stuff that gives you Flow"...I don't believe ikigai/purpose necessarily provide an inclination toward Flow. But if that is the case, read Csikszentmihalyi's book rather than this one.
October 14, 2017
I literally inhaled this book. Ikigai is a beautiful book about Japanese culture and discusses the secret to a long and happy life. If you're interested in Japanese culture and self-development this gorgeous book is for you. Just reading this had a calm and centering effect on me. "Happiness is always determined by your heart." 💙
January 22, 2022
أحببتُ أن تكون القراءة الأولى في هذا العام لكتابٍ كان بمثابة الذكرى الأخيرة لي في سوريا، حيث تلقيتهُ كهدية من أحد الأصدقاء المُلهمين، وكم كانت مناسبة للوداع الأخير والحياة الجديدة التي تنتظرني ! فالكتاب يتركز موضوعه حول عيش حياة مديدة من خلال اكتشاف دافع وسبب للبقاء على قيد الحياة والذي يُطلق عليه اليابانيين "إيكيجاي"، وبالحقيقة، البحث عن معنى، هو أفضل ما تفعله لبدء صفحة جديدة من كتاب حياتك .
واقتداءً بالتجربة اليابانية لعيش حياة مديدة، يمدك الكاتب بنصائح عشر، مستقاة من نمط حياة سُكان بلدة أوجيمي في جزيرة أوكيناو اليابانية والتي تُلقب بـ(قرية العمر الطويل) نسبةً لارتفاع متوسط عمر ساكنيها :
١ - لا تتوقف عن ممارسة النشاطات التي تجد فيها نفسك، لأنك بفقدانها تفقد الهدف والرغبة بالاستمرار.
٢ - ابتعد من التوتر والقلق والسعي المحموم خلف الحياة، واعمل بمقولة "سر ببطء وستذهب بعيداً"
٣ - لصحة أفضل، اكتفِ بالقليل من الطعام ولا تملأ معدتك بأكثر من ٨٠٪ من حجمها .
٤ - الأصدقاء خير دواء، فأبقهم في متناول قلبك .
٥ - تكون المياه في أفضل حالاتها عندما تتدفق، لا حين تكون راكدة، كذلك جسدك فحافظ على لياقته البدنية .
٦ - "الضحك يطيل العمر" ، تذكر هذه المقولة دائماً وابتسم .
٧ - حافظ على صِلة قوية مع الطبيعة، فالتفاعل معها هو وسيلة لإعادة شحن النفس بالطاقة الإيجابية .
٨ - لا تُبقي مشاعرك في صندوق مغلق، أظهر امتنانك وشكرك لمن يستحق .
٩ - لا تشغل نفسك بالماضي والمستقبل، اليوم هو كل ما تملك فاجعله يستحق التذكر .
١٠ - اذا لم تجد الإيكيجاي الخاص بك حتى الآن، فاجعل هدفك الحالي هو اكتشافه .
وبغض النظر عن الاستفاضة والتكرار، وبعيداً عن الشتات العام الذي يعانيه الكتاب في فصوله، أجد في النصائح بعض الواقعية التي تفتقر لها كتب التنمية وتطوير الذات عادةً، فبعضها سهل التطبيق والممارسة، لا سيما ما يُصرّ منها على بشريّتك و احتمالية فشلك وانهيارك مراراً، ثم فرصك في النهوض والبدء من جديد …
واقتداءً بالتجربة اليابانية لعيش حياة مديدة، يمدك الكاتب بنصائح عشر، مستقاة من نمط حياة سُكان بلدة أوجيمي في جزيرة أوكيناو اليابانية والتي تُلقب بـ(قرية العمر الطويل) نسبةً لارتفاع متوسط عمر ساكنيها :
١ - لا تتوقف عن ممارسة النشاطات التي تجد فيها نفسك، لأنك بفقدانها تفقد الهدف والرغبة بالاستمرار.
٢ - ابتعد من التوتر والقلق والسعي المحموم خلف الحياة، واعمل بمقولة "سر ببطء وستذهب بعيداً"
٣ - لصحة أفضل، اكتفِ بالقليل من الطعام ولا تملأ معدتك بأكثر من ٨٠٪ من حجمها .
٤ - الأصدقاء خير دواء، فأبقهم في متناول قلبك .
٥ - تكون المياه في أفضل حالاتها عندما تتدفق، لا حين تكون راكدة، كذلك جسدك فحافظ على لياقته البدنية .
٦ - "الضحك يطيل العمر" ، تذكر هذه المقولة دائماً وابتسم .
٧ - حافظ على صِلة قوية مع الطبيعة، فالتفاعل معها هو وسيلة لإعادة شحن النفس بالطاقة الإيجابية .
٨ - لا تُبقي مشاعرك في صندوق مغلق، أظهر امتنانك وشكرك لمن يستحق .
٩ - لا تشغل نفسك بالماضي والمستقبل، اليوم هو كل ما تملك فاجعله يستحق التذكر .
١٠ - اذا لم تجد الإيكيجاي الخاص بك حتى الآن، فاجعل هدفك الحالي هو اكتشافه .
وبغض النظر عن الاستفاضة والتكرار، وبعيداً عن الشتات العام الذي يعانيه الكتاب في فصوله، أجد في النصائح بعض الواقعية التي تفتقر لها كتب التنمية وتطوير الذات عادةً، فبعضها سهل التطبيق والممارسة، لا سيما ما يُصرّ منها على بشريّتك و احتمالية فشلك وانهيارك مراراً، ثم فرصك في النهوض والبدء من جديد …
August 29, 2023
Ikigai este un concept japonez si inseamna "fericirea de a fi mereu ocupat". Recunosc ca am cumparat cartea pentru recomandarile pe care le face in ceea ce priveste anti-aging-ul, pentru sfaturile culinare pe care le contine, dar mai ales pentru a invata despre rezilienta (capacitatea de a lupta si de a face fata dificultatilor), pentru wabisabi (frumusetea lucrurilor trecatoare si acceptarea lor) si pentru conceptul de ichi-go ichi-e (Carpe diem). Mereu am vrut sa lucrez la intarirea mentalului si la crearea unei stari de invulnerabilitate sau, cum se numeste in literatura de specialitate, antifragilitate in fata greutatilor.
Cartea are desigur si parti mai slabe, cum ar fi faptul ca abordeaza o multitudine de subiecte pe care nu le aprofundeaza si astfel aflam multe dar nu suntem experti in nimic. Un alt lucru care m-a deranjat este optimismul exacerbat pe care-l promoveaza in general cartile de genul acesta. Eu tinzand sa fiu cat se poate de realista, ma enerveaza uneori acest optimism uneori fara temei.
Am retinut totusi urmatoarele idei de baza:
- ichariba chode - adica sa-i tratam pe toti ca si cum ar fi fratii nostri, chiar daca ii intalnim pentru prima data.
- yuimaaru - este foarte importanta munca in echipa.
- hara hachi bu - nu manca pana la satietate. Doar 80% din stomac sa fie plin.
- este foarte importanta apartenenta la un moai - adica un grup cu interese comune.
- gimnastica creierului este vitala.
- cuvinte cheie: meditatie, miscare, dieta echilibrata.
- bihaku - adica pielea alba - protectia impotriva ultra-violetelor este esentiala.
- alege logoterapia si nu psihanaliza.
- mantra lui Shoma Morito: "Ce trebuie sa fac acuma?"
- propozitia lui Bruce Lee: "Fii apa, draga prietene."
- cauta simplitatea sofisticata.
- in Okinawa guvernul a implementat recomandarea a se folosi sub 10 grame de sare pe zi.
- este important consumul de ceai verde, alb sau iasomie.
- trebuie avuta in vedere practicarea de Yoga, Tai-Chi, Qiyong, Radio Taiso, Shiatsu.
- dezvoltarea rezilientei - continua sa lupti orice ar fi si este foarte importanta nanakorobi yaoki, ceea ce inseamna cand 'cazi de 7 ori ridica-te de 8'.
- sa cautam frumusetea in imperfect si in incomplet.
Recomand aceasta carte, este o lectura agreabila, merita citita, meditat asupra ei, selectate si aplicate unele dintre sfaturi. Coperta este superb realizata cu flori de cires si poate reprezenta un cadou dragut oferit unui prieten.
Sa incheiem cu poezia profesorului Roberto Abadie Soriano:
"Sanatos si ordonat,
La mancare cumpatat,
Viata fara de-abuz de leacuri,
Sa nu te enervezi din fleacuri,
Sa nu-ti pierzi din interes,
Recreere si mult mers,
Nu lua nimic de-a gata,
Stai cu lumea, fii deschis,
Si ocupatia continua
Iti va fi de fapt rasplata."
Cartea are desigur si parti mai slabe, cum ar fi faptul ca abordeaza o multitudine de subiecte pe care nu le aprofundeaza si astfel aflam multe dar nu suntem experti in nimic. Un alt lucru care m-a deranjat este optimismul exacerbat pe care-l promoveaza in general cartile de genul acesta. Eu tinzand sa fiu cat se poate de realista, ma enerveaza uneori acest optimism uneori fara temei.
Am retinut totusi urmatoarele idei de baza:
- ichariba chode - adica sa-i tratam pe toti ca si cum ar fi fratii nostri, chiar daca ii intalnim pentru prima data.
- yuimaaru - este foarte importanta munca in echipa.
- hara hachi bu - nu manca pana la satietate. Doar 80% din stomac sa fie plin.
- este foarte importanta apartenenta la un moai - adica un grup cu interese comune.
- gimnastica creierului este vitala.
- cuvinte cheie: meditatie, miscare, dieta echilibrata.
- bihaku - adica pielea alba - protectia impotriva ultra-violetelor este esentiala.
- alege logoterapia si nu psihanaliza.
- mantra lui Shoma Morito: "Ce trebuie sa fac acuma?"
- propozitia lui Bruce Lee: "Fii apa, draga prietene."
- cauta simplitatea sofisticata.
- in Okinawa guvernul a implementat recomandarea a se folosi sub 10 grame de sare pe zi.
- este important consumul de ceai verde, alb sau iasomie.
- trebuie avuta in vedere practicarea de Yoga, Tai-Chi, Qiyong, Radio Taiso, Shiatsu.
- dezvoltarea rezilientei - continua sa lupti orice ar fi si este foarte importanta nanakorobi yaoki, ceea ce inseamna cand 'cazi de 7 ori ridica-te de 8'.
- sa cautam frumusetea in imperfect si in incomplet.
Recomand aceasta carte, este o lectura agreabila, merita citita, meditat asupra ei, selectate si aplicate unele dintre sfaturi. Coperta este superb realizata cu flori de cires si poate reprezenta un cadou dragut oferit unui prieten.
Sa incheiem cu poezia profesorului Roberto Abadie Soriano:
"Sanatos si ordonat,
La mancare cumpatat,
Viata fara de-abuz de leacuri,
Sa nu te enervezi din fleacuri,
Sa nu-ti pierzi din interes,
Recreere si mult mers,
Nu lua nimic de-a gata,
Stai cu lumea, fii deschis,
Si ocupatia continua
Iti va fi de fapt rasplata."
February 18, 2022
"He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how."
Everyone has there own ikigai:
A reason to jump out of the bed every morning, a reason to live happily, a reason to keep following your heart instead of the arms of a clock. The book is not just informative and motivational but also comforting and soothing. Written about passionate people, by passionate people. Full of information, researches, case studies.
There are some interview answers of the Okinawans which can influence many people around the world. The description of the Okinawan lifestyle left me wonderstruck about how little things we do everyday can make a huge contribution to a better life. The people in Ogimi do not tell you to do intense workouts or spend hours at the gym; the secret is to keep moving no matter what. The next important thing discussed in this book is diet to stay slim and fit. No intermittent fasting. Only a proportionate, small size and highly nutritious diet is recommended. Diet really plays an important role in our lives. And the Okinawans have got one of the best diets.
I absolutely loved that the thoughts and ideas written in the book are pragmatic. Goals are achievable and practical living in a busy world. The writing not being very idealistic can be applied in our daily lives. The reader also gets a peek at the Japanese culture and lifestyle through this book.
There is also a small collection of Japanese proverbs and Haikus which have a very deep meaning and are inspirational at the same time.
I had a calm time reading this quick book and now have got a lot of motivation to try out new things.
七転び八起き
Fall seven times, rise eight.
Everyone has there own ikigai:
A reason to jump out of the bed every morning, a reason to live happily, a reason to keep following your heart instead of the arms of a clock. The book is not just informative and motivational but also comforting and soothing. Written about passionate people, by passionate people. Full of information, researches, case studies.
There are some interview answers of the Okinawans which can influence many people around the world. The description of the Okinawan lifestyle left me wonderstruck about how little things we do everyday can make a huge contribution to a better life. The people in Ogimi do not tell you to do intense workouts or spend hours at the gym; the secret is to keep moving no matter what. The next important thing discussed in this book is diet to stay slim and fit. No intermittent fasting. Only a proportionate, small size and highly nutritious diet is recommended. Diet really plays an important role in our lives. And the Okinawans have got one of the best diets.
I absolutely loved that the thoughts and ideas written in the book are pragmatic. Goals are achievable and practical living in a busy world. The writing not being very idealistic can be applied in our daily lives. The reader also gets a peek at the Japanese culture and lifestyle through this book.
There is also a small collection of Japanese proverbs and Haikus which have a very deep meaning and are inspirational at the same time.
I had a calm time reading this quick book and now have got a lot of motivation to try out new things.
七転び八起き
Fall seven times, rise eight.
March 21, 2022
This goes without saying that the book was well written and researched. The hard work behind the interviews and the surveys can easily be detected. Although, in my opinion, the title of the book i.e. IKIGAI, is a little trickery. The novel tells us a lot of meaningful and insightful things but the only thing it forgot to tell us is how we can uncover the dilemma of searching our ikigai. No doubt there were topics like flow indicating how a person gets so involved in a specific activity that nothing else seems to matter, not even a person’s surroundings. But, to reach that stage where you infer what that “thing” exactly is, is not mentioned. I just wish that the way they have interpreted concepts like resilience and Wabi-Sabi, they could have done the same with ikigai. Otherwise, the book taught me plenty about the route that should be picked to lead this monotonous life.
Although, it did get me hooked up with the term ikigai and that is why in the hope of reaping the sense of unanswered questions regarding this I will be starting with ‘The Ikigai Journey’.
Although, it did get me hooked up with the term ikigai and that is why in the hope of reaping the sense of unanswered questions regarding this I will be starting with ‘The Ikigai Journey’.
April 5, 2022
کتاب ابداً شامل چیزای رازگونه و عجیب و غریب برای افزایش طول عمر نیست و صرفن همون چیزایی که هر انسان سالمالعقلی میدونه طول عمر رو زیاد میکنه تحت عنوان راز ژاپنیها و با الفاظ ناآشنای ژاپنی بیان میکنه -دیگه همه میدونن ورزش کردن و هدف داشتن و سالم خوردن و گشتن با آدمای خوب عمرو زیاد میکنه! 🙄🤦🏾♀️
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فارغ از اینها خود کتاب دو تا نکتهی مثبت داره:
اول اینکه مثل کتابای دیگه از این دست، شلوغ پلوغ نمیکنه و با یک بکگراندی از آرامشِ روستاییِ ژاپنی حرفهاشو -هر چند همگی تکراری🦦- میزنه
و دوم اینکه هر چیزی که میگه مبنای علمی داره و به یه تحقیق و آمار رجوع میکنه یا از مباحث روانشناسی کمک می گیره.
▪︎
فارغ از اینها خود کتاب دو تا نکتهی مثبت داره:
اول اینکه مثل کتابای دیگه از این دست، شلوغ پلوغ نمیکنه و با یک بکگراندی از آرامشِ روستاییِ ژاپنی حرفهاشو -هر چند همگی تکراری🦦- میزنه
و دوم اینکه هر چیزی که میگه مبنای علمی داره و به یه تحقیق و آمار رجوع میکنه یا از مباحث روانشناسی کمک می گیره.
November 10, 2021
Over Hyped.
September 9, 2018
Όποιος είναι έτοιμος να κερδίσει κάτι από ένα βιβλίο θα βγει σίγουρα κερδισμένος και με αυτό το βιβλίο! Η επανάληψη δεν έβλαψε κανένα!
July 28, 2024
Expectations were set in specifically naming, defining, and focusing on Japanese culture. Most of the book sounds like a regurgitation of general blue zone info and lifestyle wisdom not ikigai specifics.
If you have zero experience with Japanese culture beyond a Godzilla movie or Monster Week or what history class mentions in High-school about World War ll and mostly westernized culture with zero experience of other lifestyle choices beyond American might find this book a treasure trove of ideas.
If you’re shopping for a deep dive into Japanese culture on purpose based on this cool now trending word ikigai will be disappointed.
It appears the authors Googled random not specific facts not related to Japan much less ikigai. Tossing in a few renown quotes or stories from whomever or where ever. Filling out their summary of a visit to Japan. After stopping by a few neighborhoods or chatting with a handful of people. Believing more authenticity would exude.
Granted the book does touch on notable points a Google search could offer. What makes me chuckle is for a book about purpose or ikigai the focus is lost.
These articles share a better overview of ikigai 👇🏼
https://positivepsychology.com/ikigai/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/...
The recent Netflix documentary “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” has more specific info on Japanese culture than the book. Including western culture influence here is reducing lifespans and quality of life compared to those living traditional ikigai are aging well.
Often appears that the chapter heading is the primary Japanese concept. But much of each section has Willy Nilly any old examples.
Remember making an outline of topics for a book report in school, or a blog. Then, filling in with added examples?
This book does similar. Though the examples are mostly not involving Japanese meaning. Does not translate well to the title. Or its literal definition.
I don’t get the impression the authors have lived or experienced extensive Japanese culture. They mentioned stopping by to speak with people. This doesn’t translate to experiencing the culture. Reads more like a research paper from a college student. Pulling foreign examples to fill enough pages to sell for a profit.
One disadvantage to my read is previous experience. I’ve read extensively about Japanese culture concerning lifestyle. Decades ago was introduced through interviews of Japanese people in Okinawa. Fascinated with their longevity. Perspective. Nutrition.
From here added more pieces to expand adaptable concepts. Including a love of a few symbols, lotus, dragon fly, and more recently Koi when my son gifted me with a special charm meaning love, prosperity, and friendship.
Upon watching the Netflix special learned the five primary Blue Zones globally each have a word for purpose toward longevity. Japan’s being Ikigai.
Each culture shares commonalities that are adaptable to living a wholesome happy life. The book does touch on this. Though lost its exploration of purpose absent cultural specifics, in my view.
My son and Daughter in Law recently returned from Japan. Spent years researching and immersing themselves. They do a better job sharing Japanese specifics than the authors.
By doing extra research realize what my problem is with the book. I wanted to like. Feeling discouraged by my review. Nailed my need for deeper comprehension of Ikigai is a focus of purpose. The book misses the mark and felt distracting. With chunks not Japanese related.
Hector Garcia and Francesca Miralles’s Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life is not a focus but a generalization of a blue zone lifestyle with a sprinkle of Japanese culture and it almost feels like name dropping if a crumb of context shows up in order to keep things ‘authentic’.
Of all the books I’ve read, and it’s quite a bit, this is the least authentic. EVER.
Having a purpose does include lifestyle choices. But ikigai itself is not a generalization. As this book asserts through its winding off topic examples. It’s specifically targeting with a title meaning ‘life purpose’.
Recommend you save money. Don’t buy. If you do not believe my perspective and the many five star reviews have convinced you to go for it ask the library for an audio, ebook, or print borrow. The Libby app is an easy way to use your library card and reserve a turn.
For reference and discovering specifics try the articles enclosed. The reason I added Wiki and Positive Psch articles is to demonstrate value can be found in westernized searches deeper than this glorified research paper with a search engine and a community contribution via Wiki.
The master class link does the best with translation of meaning specifics. Mentions this book. Then does the job the authors did not. Gives me a better relationship to the Japanese meaning through their pursuit of purpose and how to create this for myself.
There’s many articles that give a better version of the subject with focus than the authors.
Being a person who does what I can to find meaning from a read to share via review. Admit this is my least favorite review written ever.
Hoping Beth Kempton’s Wabi Sabi: Japanese wisdom for a perfectly imperfect life is better.
A why for my read:
One of my greatest joys is learning more about things special people I care about enjoy.
Example, learning my son’s love interest during courtship, now Daughter in Law is a scientist and loves coffee, so my son bought her a coffee molecule charm necklace as his first gift to her. She’s serious about her ikigai or passion for the bean 😂
I learned about quality coffee, the process, attended cupping events, and found some of the best in the world to gift her.
When learning my family enjoys Japanese culture and how important this is to them I began to learn more, too. It helps to understand and opens interesting discussions. Fun activities.
Unfortunately this book didn’t benefit my goals for myself understanding ikigai or learning something new to share in relationship with my family. Was a disappointment.
This said, anyone with little or no experience looking to find ideas for improved lifestyle and health will benefit. But if you wanna know more specifics about how Japanese live their purpose for health, and apply this … read the articles. Do a little research. Save your money. If you must, borrow for free from the library, as mentioned.
How it started, ⭐️⭐️⭐️. By books end downgrade. Not enough juice to satiate the purpose of the read.
The authors could have published the ending in a blog post to make their point. The epilogue has a few examples of ikigai and summary of the book. The list they share does not summarize ikigai but topics most people have heard throughout their life like smile or reconnect with nature.
Ugh 😑 squeezed out one star because I elected to get to the end. Rather then DNF on book two for the year and reading goal. Hoping to discover a few crumbs rather than yawn. Skipped examples at times already heard elsewhere and had zero to do with ikigai. Sped up the reader to 2x faster than normal speed to shorten the yawn.
If you’re shopping for a regurgitation of repeated lifestyle choice suggestions you’ve probably heard or read somewhere this expanded blog of examples might be for you.
If you’re shopping for examples of Blue Zone lifestyle info visit the new Netflix special. It features five film segments on the locations with the most centurions. Including Okinawa. Keep in mind not all Japan has these margins as western culture seeps in.
Breaks down the commonalities of the five top BZ’s on a pie chart that’s more relatable than this book. In regard to remembering what is learned and can be employed.
Concluding with four primary goals featuring three unified pursuits representing all the communities that each assisting in a healthy long life.
1- Connect
2- Move Naturally
3- Outlook
4- Eat Wisely
Influence within Okinawa culture representing longevity and traditional Japanese lifestyle is summarized in six points:
1- Medicinal Foods
2- Caloric density meaning consume best nutrients
3- Hara Hachi Bu or 80% full
4- Balance
5- Moai meaning social support
6- Ikigai combines two words,
‘Iki’ meaning alive or life and ‘gai’ meaning benefit or worth. This equals purpose.
For better depth of meaning see this segment on the special.
If you’re shopping for a deep dive of ikigai this resource falls flat.
Chapter segment attributes to this specific topic are so far and few it is easy to get lost. Forget the purpose of the book.
Losing one’s ikigai for the read in the first place 😂
If you ignore everything in the review hope you find reasons to like the book. May it spring board a better vibe for living the best happiest life possible. Including discovering your ikigai. With more research. Hoping the article links provided support this endeavor
⭐️
If you have zero experience with Japanese culture beyond a Godzilla movie or Monster Week or what history class mentions in High-school about World War ll and mostly westernized culture with zero experience of other lifestyle choices beyond American might find this book a treasure trove of ideas.
If you’re shopping for a deep dive into Japanese culture on purpose based on this cool now trending word ikigai will be disappointed.
It appears the authors Googled random not specific facts not related to Japan much less ikigai. Tossing in a few renown quotes or stories from whomever or where ever. Filling out their summary of a visit to Japan. After stopping by a few neighborhoods or chatting with a handful of people. Believing more authenticity would exude.
Granted the book does touch on notable points a Google search could offer. What makes me chuckle is for a book about purpose or ikigai the focus is lost.
These articles share a better overview of ikigai 👇🏼
https://positivepsychology.com/ikigai/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/...
The recent Netflix documentary “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” has more specific info on Japanese culture than the book. Including western culture influence here is reducing lifespans and quality of life compared to those living traditional ikigai are aging well.
Often appears that the chapter heading is the primary Japanese concept. But much of each section has Willy Nilly any old examples.
Remember making an outline of topics for a book report in school, or a blog. Then, filling in with added examples?
This book does similar. Though the examples are mostly not involving Japanese meaning. Does not translate well to the title. Or its literal definition.
I don’t get the impression the authors have lived or experienced extensive Japanese culture. They mentioned stopping by to speak with people. This doesn’t translate to experiencing the culture. Reads more like a research paper from a college student. Pulling foreign examples to fill enough pages to sell for a profit.
One disadvantage to my read is previous experience. I’ve read extensively about Japanese culture concerning lifestyle. Decades ago was introduced through interviews of Japanese people in Okinawa. Fascinated with their longevity. Perspective. Nutrition.
From here added more pieces to expand adaptable concepts. Including a love of a few symbols, lotus, dragon fly, and more recently Koi when my son gifted me with a special charm meaning love, prosperity, and friendship.
Upon watching the Netflix special learned the five primary Blue Zones globally each have a word for purpose toward longevity. Japan’s being Ikigai.
Each culture shares commonalities that are adaptable to living a wholesome happy life. The book does touch on this. Though lost its exploration of purpose absent cultural specifics, in my view.
My son and Daughter in Law recently returned from Japan. Spent years researching and immersing themselves. They do a better job sharing Japanese specifics than the authors.
By doing extra research realize what my problem is with the book. I wanted to like. Feeling discouraged by my review. Nailed my need for deeper comprehension of Ikigai is a focus of purpose. The book misses the mark and felt distracting. With chunks not Japanese related.
Hector Garcia and Francesca Miralles’s Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life is not a focus but a generalization of a blue zone lifestyle with a sprinkle of Japanese culture and it almost feels like name dropping if a crumb of context shows up in order to keep things ‘authentic’.
Of all the books I’ve read, and it’s quite a bit, this is the least authentic. EVER.
Having a purpose does include lifestyle choices. But ikigai itself is not a generalization. As this book asserts through its winding off topic examples. It’s specifically targeting with a title meaning ‘life purpose’.
Recommend you save money. Don’t buy. If you do not believe my perspective and the many five star reviews have convinced you to go for it ask the library for an audio, ebook, or print borrow. The Libby app is an easy way to use your library card and reserve a turn.
For reference and discovering specifics try the articles enclosed. The reason I added Wiki and Positive Psch articles is to demonstrate value can be found in westernized searches deeper than this glorified research paper with a search engine and a community contribution via Wiki.
The master class link does the best with translation of meaning specifics. Mentions this book. Then does the job the authors did not. Gives me a better relationship to the Japanese meaning through their pursuit of purpose and how to create this for myself.
There’s many articles that give a better version of the subject with focus than the authors.
Being a person who does what I can to find meaning from a read to share via review. Admit this is my least favorite review written ever.
Hoping Beth Kempton’s Wabi Sabi: Japanese wisdom for a perfectly imperfect life is better.
A why for my read:
One of my greatest joys is learning more about things special people I care about enjoy.
Example, learning my son’s love interest during courtship, now Daughter in Law is a scientist and loves coffee, so my son bought her a coffee molecule charm necklace as his first gift to her. She’s serious about her ikigai or passion for the bean 😂
I learned about quality coffee, the process, attended cupping events, and found some of the best in the world to gift her.
When learning my family enjoys Japanese culture and how important this is to them I began to learn more, too. It helps to understand and opens interesting discussions. Fun activities.
Unfortunately this book didn’t benefit my goals for myself understanding ikigai or learning something new to share in relationship with my family. Was a disappointment.
This said, anyone with little or no experience looking to find ideas for improved lifestyle and health will benefit. But if you wanna know more specifics about how Japanese live their purpose for health, and apply this … read the articles. Do a little research. Save your money. If you must, borrow for free from the library, as mentioned.
How it started, ⭐️⭐️⭐️. By books end downgrade. Not enough juice to satiate the purpose of the read.
The authors could have published the ending in a blog post to make their point. The epilogue has a few examples of ikigai and summary of the book. The list they share does not summarize ikigai but topics most people have heard throughout their life like smile or reconnect with nature.
Ugh 😑 squeezed out one star because I elected to get to the end. Rather then DNF on book two for the year and reading goal. Hoping to discover a few crumbs rather than yawn. Skipped examples at times already heard elsewhere and had zero to do with ikigai. Sped up the reader to 2x faster than normal speed to shorten the yawn.
If you’re shopping for a regurgitation of repeated lifestyle choice suggestions you’ve probably heard or read somewhere this expanded blog of examples might be for you.
If you’re shopping for examples of Blue Zone lifestyle info visit the new Netflix special. It features five film segments on the locations with the most centurions. Including Okinawa. Keep in mind not all Japan has these margins as western culture seeps in.
Breaks down the commonalities of the five top BZ’s on a pie chart that’s more relatable than this book. In regard to remembering what is learned and can be employed.
Concluding with four primary goals featuring three unified pursuits representing all the communities that each assisting in a healthy long life.
1- Connect
2- Move Naturally
3- Outlook
4- Eat Wisely
Influence within Okinawa culture representing longevity and traditional Japanese lifestyle is summarized in six points:
1- Medicinal Foods
2- Caloric density meaning consume best nutrients
3- Hara Hachi Bu or 80% full
4- Balance
5- Moai meaning social support
6- Ikigai combines two words,
‘Iki’ meaning alive or life and ‘gai’ meaning benefit or worth. This equals purpose.
For better depth of meaning see this segment on the special.
If you’re shopping for a deep dive of ikigai this resource falls flat.
Chapter segment attributes to this specific topic are so far and few it is easy to get lost. Forget the purpose of the book.
Losing one’s ikigai for the read in the first place 😂
If you ignore everything in the review hope you find reasons to like the book. May it spring board a better vibe for living the best happiest life possible. Including discovering your ikigai. With more research. Hoping the article links provided support this endeavor
⭐️
April 14, 2019
Este libro era justo lo que necesitaba en este momento. Un cambio de perspectiva, un nuevo rumbo y ganas de avanzar.
En épocas de cambio me gusta buscar inspiración en este tipo de libros, más didácticos y que te enseñan cosas nuevas.
Además estoy obsesionada con todo lo que esté relacionado con Japón y su cultura, así que este libro me venía que ni pintao🤓
En este libro se presentan ideas y filosofías que han ayudado a la población japonesa a llegar a cumplir más de cien años. Analiza desde la dieta, el ejercicio, el sentimiento de comunidad y diversos pensamientos sobre el aquí y ahora. Muy, muy interesante, ameno y rápido de leer☺️
Le doy un diez, soy súper fan de Kirai (ya tengo su otro libro sobre el Ichigo Ichie listo para leérmelo😌).
En épocas de cambio me gusta buscar inspiración en este tipo de libros, más didácticos y que te enseñan cosas nuevas.
Además estoy obsesionada con todo lo que esté relacionado con Japón y su cultura, así que este libro me venía que ni pintao🤓
En este libro se presentan ideas y filosofías que han ayudado a la población japonesa a llegar a cumplir más de cien años. Analiza desde la dieta, el ejercicio, el sentimiento de comunidad y diversos pensamientos sobre el aquí y ahora. Muy, muy interesante, ameno y rápido de leer☺️
Le doy un diez, soy súper fan de Kirai (ya tengo su otro libro sobre el Ichigo Ichie listo para leérmelo😌).
August 18, 2019
ايكيگاي دليلي ست كه صبح ها به خاطر آن از خواب برمي خيزيم.
همين معني زيبايش آدم را وسوسه به خواندن مي كند؛ و عجب كتاب خوبي بود.
همين معني زيبايش آدم را وسوسه به خواندن مي كند؛ و عجب كتاب خوبي بود.
January 2, 2021
I'm glad to complete my 2020 with such a great book. It didn't really make me feel like I was reading a self-help book it was more like I was reading about Japanese culture. And, now I want to visit Japan. Well, maybe after this COVID is done 😷
It's so inspiring how people in Japan and Okinawa's centenarians live their life. How they are so active both mentally and physically even after they have lived 100 years by following their ikigai. I liked all the chapters, especially "Masters of Longevity" and The Ikigai Diet.
Very good points are given in this book be it on health, Longevity, antifragility, financial crisis, exercises, purposeful life, and many more.
This is one such book where I'll definitely come back if I feel low. ☺️😍
It's so inspiring how people in Japan and Okinawa's centenarians live their life. How they are so active both mentally and physically even after they have lived 100 years by following their ikigai. I liked all the chapters, especially "Masters of Longevity" and The Ikigai Diet.
Very good points are given in this book be it on health, Longevity, antifragility, financial crisis, exercises, purposeful life, and many more.
This is one such book where I'll definitely come back if I feel low. ☺️😍
January 19, 2022
Could've been an article.
April 23, 2023
I just got my Japanese pension book in the mail today, but won't be able to use it for a good 20 years yet, so staying alive for a long time suddenly just became a bit more real for me: to get all my pension payments back I'll need to be around for a good 30 more years at least. And the advice presented here seems irrefutable: eat more fruit and veg; drink less alcohol; do a bit of exercise everyday; don't sweat the small stuff; don't sweat the big stuff; hang out with your loved ones everyday; and find a pursuit, however large or small, that gives meaning to your life. Stay active doing that. And push yourself doing it, but just a little. Oh, and get plenty but not too much sleep, and don't eat too much. Is it that simple and obvious to live to a ripe old age? Probably. Sounds reasonable to me, but you could hardly call this book a thorough analysis of why the Japanese live such a long and happy life, as the subtitle proclaims, or even if they do. One cherry-picked scientific quotation here, one Nassim Nicholas Taleb theory there, sprinkled with a couple of anecdotes from old folks in Okinawa do not constitute scientific evidence. I'm sure regular, high quality healthcare plays the most significant role too. But still. It's a nice, pretty hardback to own and won't take more than a couple of hours to read, especially if you skip the exercise sections and flip to the 10-point summary on page 184.
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newsletter with book recommendations galore for the Japanophile, crime-fiction-lover in all of us.
Download my starter library for free here - http://eepurl.com/bFkt0X - and receive my monthly
newsletter with book recommendations galore for the Japanophile, crime-fiction-lover in all of us.
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