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Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life Hardcover – 29 August 2017
by
Héctor García
(Author),
Francesc Miralles
(Author)
Enhance your purchase
Los Angeles Times bestseller • More than 1.5 million copies sold
“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
Bring meaning and joy to all your days with this internationally bestselling guide to the Japanese concept of ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy)—the happiness of always being busy—as revealed by the daily habits of the world’s longest-living people.
*And from the same authors, don’t miss The Book of Ichigo Ichie—about making the most of every moment in your life.*
* * *
What’s your ikigai?
“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?
A PENGUIN LIFE TITLE
“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
Bring meaning and joy to all your days with this internationally bestselling guide to the Japanese concept of ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy)—the happiness of always being busy—as revealed by the daily habits of the world’s longest-living people.
*And from the same authors, don’t miss The Book of Ichigo Ichie—about making the most of every moment in your life.*
* * *
What’s your ikigai?
“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?
A PENGUIN LIFE TITLE
- Print length208 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication date29 August 2017
- ISBN-100143130722
- ISBN-13978-0143130727
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Review
“Ikigai urges individuals to simplify their lives by pursuing what sparks joy for them. . . . Much in the same way that The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up emphasizes ‘choosing what we want to keep, and not what we want to get rid of,’ [Ikigai] demonstrates that aging could be an opportunity to keep working, keep smiling, keep active, and keep being social.” —KonMari Newsletter
“Want to live longer? Keep super busy. If hygge is the art of doing nothing, ikigai is the art of doing something—and doing it with supreme focus and joy. . . . Pack up those cozy blankets and candles you purchased in last year’s hygge-fueled Ikea spree. Fall’s biggest imported lifestyle trend is ikigai, and it might help you live to 100.” —New York Post
“Busy-ness is a concept I’m familiar with and fascinated by, especially living in New York City. . . . The Japanese concept of ikigai (the happiness of being busy) [is] attainable and even an important key to living longer.” —Mia Feitel, Elle.com
“Discovering your ikigai, or passion, can be one of the greatest journeys you will embark on.” —Forbes
“Definitely worth the time it will take you to enjoy a cup or two of green tea as you digest this small, charming book.” —Minneapolis Star Tribune
“A must-follow lifestyle hack, ikigai makes hygge look like a trip to Ikea. . . . Think feng shui with Venn diagrams—although this time there is no need to move the front door.” —The Guardian
“You’ve tried hygge and lagom—but it turns out ikigai is the key to happiness.” —The Independent (London)
“Forget hygge. It’s all about ikigai.” —The Times (London)
“Ikigai is what allows you to look forward to the future even if you’re miserable right now. . . . It might just help you live a more fulfilling life.” —BBC
“Originating from a country with one of the world’s oldest populations, ikigai is becoming popular outside of Japan as a way to live longer and better. . . . [It] is helping people live longer on Okinawa as it gives them purpose.” —World Economic Forum
“Ikigai. Ick-ee-guy. It’s a word you’ll be hearing quite often come autumn. . . . It’s Japanese, and it means something like ‘purpose in life,’ or ‘thing that you live for,’ or ‘thing that gets you out of bed in the morning.’ . . . An extended lifespan, according to the long-life expert Dan Buettner, is what awaits havers-of-ikigai.” —The Sunday Telegraph
“A refreshingly simple recipe for happiness.” —Stylist
“The most eye-catching autumn lifestyle trend is the Japanese concept of ikigai, which translates as ‘reason to live.’ . . . An attractive and absorbing book.” —The Bookseller
“A Japanese concept that offers a new perspective on finding happiness.” —The Debrief
“Persuasively shows that small changes can help readers find more joy and purpose in their lives [with] clear, succinct information . . . skillfully compiled . . . into an engaging, easily accessible format with lists, charts, and illustrations.” —Publishers Weekly
“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.” —Neil Pasricha, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Awesome and The Happiness Equation
“Want to live longer? Keep super busy. If hygge is the art of doing nothing, ikigai is the art of doing something—and doing it with supreme focus and joy. . . . Pack up those cozy blankets and candles you purchased in last year’s hygge-fueled Ikea spree. Fall’s biggest imported lifestyle trend is ikigai, and it might help you live to 100.” —New York Post
“Busy-ness is a concept I’m familiar with and fascinated by, especially living in New York City. . . . The Japanese concept of ikigai (the happiness of being busy) [is] attainable and even an important key to living longer.” —Mia Feitel, Elle.com
“Discovering your ikigai, or passion, can be one of the greatest journeys you will embark on.” —Forbes
“Definitely worth the time it will take you to enjoy a cup or two of green tea as you digest this small, charming book.” —Minneapolis Star Tribune
“A must-follow lifestyle hack, ikigai makes hygge look like a trip to Ikea. . . . Think feng shui with Venn diagrams—although this time there is no need to move the front door.” —The Guardian
“You’ve tried hygge and lagom—but it turns out ikigai is the key to happiness.” —The Independent (London)
“Forget hygge. It’s all about ikigai.” —The Times (London)
“Ikigai is what allows you to look forward to the future even if you’re miserable right now. . . . It might just help you live a more fulfilling life.” —BBC
“Originating from a country with one of the world’s oldest populations, ikigai is becoming popular outside of Japan as a way to live longer and better. . . . [It] is helping people live longer on Okinawa as it gives them purpose.” —World Economic Forum
“Ikigai. Ick-ee-guy. It’s a word you’ll be hearing quite often come autumn. . . . It’s Japanese, and it means something like ‘purpose in life,’ or ‘thing that you live for,’ or ‘thing that gets you out of bed in the morning.’ . . . An extended lifespan, according to the long-life expert Dan Buettner, is what awaits havers-of-ikigai.” —The Sunday Telegraph
“A refreshingly simple recipe for happiness.” —Stylist
“The most eye-catching autumn lifestyle trend is the Japanese concept of ikigai, which translates as ‘reason to live.’ . . . An attractive and absorbing book.” —The Bookseller
“A Japanese concept that offers a new perspective on finding happiness.” —The Debrief
“Persuasively shows that small changes can help readers find more joy and purpose in their lives [with] clear, succinct information . . . skillfully compiled . . . into an engaging, easily accessible format with lists, charts, and illustrations.” —Publishers Weekly
“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.” —Neil Pasricha, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Awesome and The Happiness Equation
About the Author
Héctor García and Francesc Miralles are the coauthors of The Book of Ichigo Ichie: The Art of Making the Most of Every Moment, the Japanese Way. Héctor is a citizen of Japan, where he has lived for over a decade, and is the author of A Geek in Japan, a #1 bestseller in Japan. Francesc is the author of a number of bestselling self-help and inspirational books and of the novel Love in Lowercase, which has been translated into twenty languages.
Product details
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 208 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0143130722
- ISBN-13 : 978-0143130727
- Best Sellers Rank: 5 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 1 in Happiness
- 1 in Anger Management
- 1 in Philosophy
- Customer reviews:
Customer reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
33,216 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we do not use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyses reviews to verify trustworthiness.

1.0 out of 5 stars
Edges are dented, plastic ripped apart, finger nail dent. What more can I say?
Reviewed in Singapore on 22 June 2022
The plastic packaging was ripped apart by someone, finger nail dents on the top of the book, edges of the book are dented also. Would rate this a 0 star if I could. Content of the book is probably still good. First time buying a book hoping to get a good read but am disappointed by how badly the book was treated.
Reviewed in Singapore on 22 June 2022
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Reviewed in Singapore 🇸🇬 on 16 January 2023
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It is relax read and well organized
Helpful
Reviewed in Singapore 🇸🇬 on 30 November 2022
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This a wonderful book to read for those searching for what we need to do after our professional life begins to end.
Reviewed in Singapore 🇸🇬 on 18 March 2022
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The content
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Reviewed in Singapore 🇸🇬 on 4 November 2022
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Printing disoriented, paper quality is so bad. I have this book before I gave it to my friend and planning to get this one for myself. Thankfully amazon give me refund
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in Singapore 🇸🇬 on 22 June 2022
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The plastic packaging was ripped apart by someone, finger nail dents on the top of the book, edges of the book are dented also. Would rate this a 0 star if I could. Content of the book is probably still good. First time buying a book hoping to get a good read but am disappointed by how badly the book was treated.

1.0 out of 5 stars
Edges are dented, plastic ripped apart, finger nail dent. What more can I say?
Reviewed in Singapore 🇸🇬 on 22 June 2022
The plastic packaging was ripped apart by someone, finger nail dents on the top of the book, edges of the book are dented also. Would rate this a 0 star if I could. Content of the book is probably still good. First time buying a book hoping to get a good read but am disappointed by how badly the book was treated.
Reviewed in Singapore 🇸🇬 on 22 June 2022
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One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in Singapore 🇸🇬 on 3 January 2023
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Crap quality
Reviewed in Singapore 🇸🇬 on 15 November 2022
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Really very bad quality of printing. Faded color imprints. Don’t waste money buying it
Top reviews from other countries

𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗿
2.0 out of 5 stars
And this is why I hate self help books.....
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 13 February 2021Verified Purchase
Okay. So, I normally balk at purchasing self help books and try to find some other way of gleaning the often infinitesimally small bit of useful information that they actually impart. Free months on kindle unlimited etc.
If this book has done one thing, it is to reinforce that rule and remind me not to be so foolish in the future.
For those of you that are considering buying this book but do not want to waste precious time, sifting through the 95% of this book that is, bulking, waffle, irrelevant, endless repetition of the work Ikigai and theories as to why people on Okinawa live longer than most on the planet....
** There are two things that you need to know.
1. Write down the activities, hobbies, work, that you do, that make you happy (you are half way through the book before they ask you to do this!). Things that not only make you smile and feel fulfilled but where the time passes noticeably more quickly because you are focussed on the enjoyable task at hand.
2. Incorporate those activities as much as you can in your daily life.
The answers are pretty much in front of you on the Amazon web page for this book. Just take a look at the pictures provided and work it out for yourself from there. It’s not rocket science.
Good luck and live a happy and long life with an extra £10 in your pocket. The Scottish secret to a long marriage and happy wife.
I do not receive any payment or free goods for writing these reviews. I am just happy to share my views on my purchases with fellow like minded Amazonians in the hope that you may find it helpful.
If this book has done one thing, it is to reinforce that rule and remind me not to be so foolish in the future.
For those of you that are considering buying this book but do not want to waste precious time, sifting through the 95% of this book that is, bulking, waffle, irrelevant, endless repetition of the work Ikigai and theories as to why people on Okinawa live longer than most on the planet....
** There are two things that you need to know.
1. Write down the activities, hobbies, work, that you do, that make you happy (you are half way through the book before they ask you to do this!). Things that not only make you smile and feel fulfilled but where the time passes noticeably more quickly because you are focussed on the enjoyable task at hand.
2. Incorporate those activities as much as you can in your daily life.
The answers are pretty much in front of you on the Amazon web page for this book. Just take a look at the pictures provided and work it out for yourself from there. It’s not rocket science.
Good luck and live a happy and long life with an extra £10 in your pocket. The Scottish secret to a long marriage and happy wife.
I do not receive any payment or free goods for writing these reviews. I am just happy to share my views on my purchases with fellow like minded Amazonians in the hope that you may find it helpful.
376 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😢
703 people found this helpful
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Short of a Century
3.0 out of 5 stars
Simple & Light Reading. May Disappoint - Dependent on Reader's Expectation.
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on 12 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.
904 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 19 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.
403 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 8 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.
467 people found this helpful
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