Ikigai

Book by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles (2016)

A charming look at the Japanese concept of ikigai, which roughly translates to “a reason for being”, the thing that gets you up in the morning. The authors interview elders in Okinawa (one of the world’s longevity hotspots) and distill 10 principles of ikigai, such as staying active, fostering friendships, taking it slow, and pursuing your passion with joy. An example: a 101-year-old Okinawan woman still weaves traditional textiles each day, her ikigai giving her purpose and vigour. The book combines these life stories with advice for finding your own ikigai at the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and (optional) what can pay you, though the emphasis is more on fulfillment than income. Gentle is the feeling you get from this book. It’s full of wisdom from people who lead long, contented lives by following natural rhythms (work in the garden, chat with neighbours) and not retiring from what gives them meaning. For a Western reader, it’s a refreshing antidote to both aimlessness and achievement-chasing: ikigai is often found in humble, everyday passions. This aligns well with ancestral wisdom and “nature rhythms,” encouraging, for instance, a forgotten love for painting or caring for plants as a valid life purpose. It’s also practical, with exercises to identify your ikigai. In spirit, it bridges Blue Zones research with a soulful perspective on purpose as key to wellness. Learn more about the authors and their work here and here.