Ikigai

The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

By: Héctor García, Francesc Miralles

Narrated by: Walter Dixon

Length: 3 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Bring meaning and joy to all your days with this internationally best-selling guide to the Japanese concept of ikigai - the happiness of always being busy - as revealed by the daily habits of the world's longest-living people.

"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?

©2017 Héctor García and Francesc Miralles (P)2017 Gildan Media LLC

Well Worth While, Calming Listen

The narrator sounds like he's almost whispering, sharing a delicious secret! The book is well-organized, maybe not long enough, or we will be wanting to pursue aspects of food, exercise or lifestyle that are only touched on in the book. The descriptions of movement need pictures -- or in-person lessons. There was no mention of gluten-free or keeping a sharp mind, only happiness in old age. It sounded like the old people were doing a lot of crafts, which is fine, but in some cultures crafts are hardly well paid. Most of us are NOT designated national treasures with our pots and cross-stitched kiss the cook pictures. I'm retired now and love to knit and sew and do seed beadwork. That said, I went to a lot of horrible, boring, uncomfortable jobs. I learned that gratitude helps, as well as accepting a challenge, like inputting the damned document super fast and getting out by Wednesday instead of lingering in a toxic place. Looking back, I realize I did use my crafts for a second income, as the book recommends. My beadwork sold in a boutique on Haight Street. My knitting at Obiko, a boutique on Sutter Street. The hourly average for this work was $6; however, I truly enjoyed the work and was proud of it. The people in the book sound grateful. And the book tells of cooking for a living, with love. I don't see that happening in American fast food. I do know a sweet Japanese man who owned two successful New Age vegetarian restaurants in Bay Area California. I guess that was love. Akiko, his partner, told me he loved to go into someone's kitchen and make a meal from what he found. Oh, dear! And I'm remembering a Spanish-born janitor who worked in San Francisco office buildings and was buying a house, a happy grateful family man. It's possible if we can get off social media and stop comparing and competing. Several times the book suggests just relaxing about the future, things we can't control anyway, just calm down. . . . I will listen to this and take notes several times more. Yesterday I was stressed over an impending HUD housing inspection, anxious and riding off in all directions. This wonderful book with its special narration really helped me calm down as I knitted on a pretty pullover. Of course it helps to have a circle of friends, a tradition of simple food served in many small dishes, reasons to take walks, and a good strong constitution. Muchisimas gracias, merci, and a big thank you, guys!

Inspiring!

A lot of good ideas well presented to consciously make choices that make us happier healthier and more at peace.

Worth listening. Many useful ideas. great presen

Many useful ideas and great presentation. Will definitely apply some of the principles to my everyday life.

One of those good reads.

I loved the way you travel with the narrator. The book is a feel good. Without being so preachy, I felt like whispers from the author did a great job.

It was inspiring

I have been looking for positive books that will help me live a better life. Ikigai gave me a direction to find a purpose. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to others who are trying to read positive and uplifting books. You will walk away better.

Wasn't impressed

It reads (or rather listens) like a long definition, that go on and on but don't really clarify the concept, followed by examples of a lifestyle that's totally removed from modern life. According to the book you need to completely change your "western lifestyle" or wait until you retire and have the time for the "real important things" in order to live your life according to your ikigai. In the end you feel like you don't know how to live and you have no idea how to "find" your ikigai.

Best book I listened to in Jan 2023

Have put Ikigai practices the second I started the Audible book. Lots of accelerated positive growth and appreciation for discipline balanced with joy in hard work and quality of life.

I loved it!

I loved the research and tips that this book offered. I learned so much from it that I can apply to my own life. A Big Thank You to the authors!

Nice little book, but wish it went deeper

I enjoyed this but felt they could have gone deeper into a lot of the topics.

Good but not Great

This book was a good rehash of similar books. There seemed to be too much about longevity and the diet and exercise sections really didn't seem to be related to the psychological concepts. Better stories might have been valuable.