Book Review on Ikigai

Questions like why do we exist? What do we live for? What is my purpose in life? These questions are always hard to answer and exhibit our continuous search for the meaning of life both at a personal level and at a collective level. Few interesting dimensions that open up to answer these questions when you immerse in this book. Essentially, it is a compilation of various aspects to live a long and happy life.

Book describes, about an island in Japan called Okinawa, where you can find the maximum number of people who have lived for more than 100 years, in other words, it is home to the largest population of centenarians in the world. Therefore, the question arises what is the secret of these people living for such a long period and what makes these people live so actively to the very end. The purpose of this book is to bring the secret of Japan’s centenarians to you and give you essential tools to find your own Ikigai. Because those who have discovered their Ikigai have everything, they need to live a long and happy life. Indeed, the name itself is very engrossing and interesting that hooks you from the start. It means your reason for being, a reason to jump out of the bed, something that gives you a sense of purpose and feeling of well-being. The literal translation of the word Ikigai, Iki means life and Gai means result/effect. Interesting book of 190 pages are about the art of youthful aging.In the golden words of Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act its a habit”. A Japanese concept, which implies “thing that you live for”. Every individual’s Ikigai is personal to them and specific to their lives. It comes based on what they value the most and what is their belief structure. In this book, the term Ikigai is expressed as the bliss of always being engaged.

Well, the book has many prospective and the goal is to live the philosophy in real life First, is finding what is that you love to do? This would help you answer your reason for being. Look for the passion that drives you to perform and you can do that all day without looking at the clock. If you find activities that you love to do and are extremely good at then that is your passion area. Something that you are good at and what you get paid for is your profession. Largely, the intersection of passion, mission, profession, and vocation is where you can find your Ikigai.

Second is to eat enough that it fills only 80% of your body. Don’t overeat and exhaust your body! When one overeats, your body has to work more to digest the food and store it in the form of extra fat. Furthermore, there are scientific reasons behind not overstuffing yourself, that you can find in this book.

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Third is to put effort into creating a strong bond with people! Take the time to spend with your family and friends. It encourages us to find something where the heart is and that would get you in the flow. When you talk to your family or open up to friends it reduces your stress in their body.

Fourth, always stay active! Even in this lockdown find things to do that make you productive and creative. I always try to bring new ideas to my workplace, for instance in this lockdown we are finding new ways to engage our employee base with new initiatives. 

My recommendation is that the book is inspiring, comforting, and a light-read that can help you comprehend your actions and behaviors better. It certainly motivates one to live life to our fullest and in present. By the virtue of this book, I found essential tools to find my Ikigai and so can you!