Ikigai book review

Ikigai (ee-key-guy) is a Japanese concept that combines the words iki (alive or life) and gai (benefit or worth). When these terms are combined, they signify doing things that add value, meaning, or purpose to your life. Ikigai is similar to the French phrase ‘raison d’être,’ which means ‘cause for being.’ The concept of ikigai has evolved from traditional Japanese medicine’s basic health and wellness concepts. According to this medical system, physical well-being is influenced by one’s mental-emotional health and sense of purpose in life. You will find this and many other topics from the book in this Ikigai book review.

What is ikigai?

According to Japanese psychologist Michiko Kumano (2017), ikigai is a state of well-being that results from devotion to activities that one enjoys, which also offers a sense of fulfillment.

Michiko differentiates ikigai from fleeting pleasure (hedonia in the old Greek meaning) and links it with eudaimonia – the ancient Greek concept of a well-lived life leading to the highest and most permanent type of happiness.

Ikigai also agrees with cognitive-behavioral therapy’s emphasis on engaging in activities that provide satisfaction and a sense of mastery, specifically as a means of treating depression.

The term ‘Ikigai’ is defined in a variety of ways. You can summarize it as the reason you get out of bed in the morning. It is the reason you are here. ‘Raison d’être,’ as the French would say.

There are more centenarians on the  Japanese island called Okinawa than anywhere else in the world. They are not only ancient, but they are also active and cheerful till they are quite old. The term Ikigai is translated as ‘the happiness of continually being busy’ in this book. Ikigai is a synthesis of your passion, mission, and vocation.

About the author

Francesc Miralles Contijoch has worked in collaboration with Hector Garcia to write Ikigai

Francesc Miralles Contijoch (born August 27, 1968) is a writer, essayist, translator, and musician from Spain. He worked as an editor for a publishing business that specialized in self-help books after earning his degree. He was in charge of many collections and wrote a variety of works under a pen name.

Hector Garcia is a dual citizen of Spain and Japan, where he has lived for over a decade. He has written several books about Japanese culture, including two international best-sellers, ‘A Geek in Japan’ and ‘Ikigai’. He worked as a software developer at CERN in Switzerland before going to Japan.

Book content

Blue Zones

Once you have understood the concept of Ikigai, the book attempts to convey the profound art of remaining young despite becoming old. It provides references to five Blue Zones around the world, where residents live longer lives than the average, as well as the secrets to their longevity.

Little stress is always good for you

The book then goes on to describe how stress and a lot of sitting add up to your age and shorten your life. Interestingly, it also emphasizes that a little stress is beneficial for you since it keeps you going. Being aware of your daily routine can lead to a better life.

Find the true meaning of life

The following chapter guides you through a deep dive into discovering the meaning of your life. The authors place a greater emphasis on developing your purpose in life rather than following someone else.

Work by the flow

The author helps you find the purpose of your existence. You must completely immerse yourself in the experience without being distracted by your surroundings to achieve the flow.

Practicing the techniques

The final section discusses a variety of approaches that might help you keep your mind and body in good working order.

It discusses –

-Meditation

– Yoga

– Surya Namaskara

– Tai Chi, etc.

Wabi-Sabi

The book concludes with the introduction of another Japanese technique known as Wabi-Sabi. This approach is about discovering beauty in the broken and incomplete.

In this case, imperfection is favored over perfection. Only imperfect, incomplete, and transitory objects, according to the Japanese, are lovely because they reflect nature.

Final thoughts

This is a wonderful, engaging book that you can read quickly and simply and may undoubtedly push you to live a healthier lifestyle. There are some useful hints and tips that you can apply in your daily lives too. However, if you want to learn more about centenarians and their way of life, the book ‘Blue Zones’ is highly recommended.

We can’t go so far as to state that this book will assist you in finding your ikigai. The effects of applying ikigai depend more on personal experience, but this book still is a compelling read. 

Key takeaways

• Ikigai (ee-key-guy) is a Japanese term that combines the terms iki (life) and gai (alive, benefit, or worth). These terms are used together to describe actions that add value, meaning, or purpose to your life.
• Once you have grasped the idea of ikigai, you will learn the profound art of being young despite becoming old. The book also mentions five Blue Zones around the world where people live longer lives than the average.
• The impacts of ikigai are more dependent on personal experience. when a reader applies it to their own life, then they will see for themselves.

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FAQs

Q1. What are the 4 elements of ikigai?

Ans- Ikigai is the combination of four areas of life, such as what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

Q2. Is Ikigai a bestseller?

Ans- The book Ikigai is an international bestseller, and it is one of the most sold books in India.

Q3. How do I practice ikigai?

Ans- Steps to incorporate ikigai in your life-

1. Be kind to others. Change your perspective so that you are more concerned with others than with yourself.
2. Mindfulness and meditation should be practiced. Even a minor commitment of time and effort might have positive results.
3. Increase your time spent with family and friends.
4. Determine and set goals.