Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

by Francesc Miralles, Héctor García

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$24.00

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$24.00

Book Overview: Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER – 2 MILLION+ COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE

“Workers looking for more fulfilling positions should start by identifying their ikigai.” ―Business Insider

“One of the unintended–yet positive–consequences of the [pandemic] is that it is forcing people to reevaluate their jobs, careers, and lives. Use this time wisely, find your personal ikigai, and live your best life.” ―Forbes

Find your ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy) to live longer and bring more meaning and joy to all your days.

“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–where what you love, what you’re good at, what you can get paid for, and what the world needs all overlap–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?

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Editorial Reviews

“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

“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

“The Japanese concept of ikigai (the happiness of being busy) [is] attainable and even an important key to living longer.” — Elle.com

“Discovering your ikigai, or passion, can be one of the greatest journeys you will embark on.” — Forbes

“Enjoy a cup or two of green tea as you digest this small, charming book.” — Minneapolis Star Tribune

“A must-follow lifestyle hack . . . Think feng shui with Venn diagrams–although this time there is no need to move the front door.” — The Guardian

” 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

“A refreshingly simple recipe for happiness.” — Stylist

“An attractive and absorbing book.” — The Bookseller

“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.” — Neil Pasricha, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Awesome and The Happiness Equation

About the Authors

Francesc Miralles

Francesc Miralles is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning author hailing from Barcelona, Spain. He holds a degree in German Philology and Journalism, and draws upon these skills to weave narratives that captivate audiences worldwide. Miralles is renowned for his extensive body of work spanning various genres such as novels, essays, self-help books, and song lyrics, demonstrating his broad range as a writer. His works have been translated into more than 30 languages, reflecting his global appeal.

Miralles’ notable works include “Love in Lowercase” and “Wabi-sabi”, both building upon his unique storytelling prowess. However, his real claim to fame lies in the international bestseller “Ikigai”, co-authored with Hector Garcia. This seminal book combines philosophy and self-help to investigate the Japanese secret to a long and happy life, enchanting readers and critics alike. In addition to his writing, Miralles has also directed, produced, and scripted several short films, showcasing his versatility in the narrative arts.

A passionate writer, Francesc Miralles infuses each piece of his writing with a deep understanding of the human condition and an innate ability to connect with readers on a profound level. A recipient of numerous prestigious awards, Miralles continuously challenges himself to explore new dimensions as an author, contributing constantly to the literary field with his unique insights and engaging narratives. His contribution to literature and his ability to touch the hearts of readers regardless of their language or culture affirm his position as a prominent figure in the literary world.

Héctor García

Héctor García is a critically acclaimed author, widely celebrated for his insightful explorations of Japanese philosophy and culture. Born in Valencia, Spain, and raised with a spirit of global curiosity, García’s journey led him to Japan, where he has resided for more than a decade. Armed with a profound appreciation for Asian aesthetics and an astute understanding of global dynamics, García seamlessly integrates his rich insights into compelling narratives.

García’s best-selling work, “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life,” co-written with Francesc Miralles, has been translated into more than forty languages, having captivated readers worldwide with its fascinating discourse on finding purpose and joy in life. This publication is but one example of García’s intellectually invigorating ability to delve into complex cultural motifs and present them in an accessible and engaging format.

In addition to being an author, García is a technologist with a career in business consulting, providing him a unique perspective in correlating philosophical concepts with the demands of our modern technologically-driven world. Known for his ability to deeply engage with readers through his thought-provoking works, Héctor García’s contributions extend beyond literature—offering a roadmap to understand and implement elements of Japanese culture into everyday life.