The Little Book of Ikigai

Discover how to live a long and happy life thanks to the miracle of ikigai, a Japanese philosophy that helps you find contentment, joy, and awareness in everything you do.

It's surprising that Japanese men rank fourth in the world for longevity, while Japanese women rank second. But perhaps this isn't surprising when you realize that the Japanese understanding of ikigai is ingrained in their daily lives and everything they do—in their careers, in their relationships with family members, and in the hobbies they meticulously cultivate. Ken Mugi identifies five fundamental pillars of ikigai:
Pillar 1: Start small
The second pillar: self-liberation
Pillar 3: Harmony and Sustainability
Pillar 4: The Joy of Little Things
Pillar 5: Being in the Present Moment

The Japanese speak of ikigai as "a reason to get up in the morning." It's something that keeps one motivated for life, whether you're a cleaner on the famous Shinkansen bullet train, a mother to a newborn, or a Michelin-starred sushi chef. The five pillars are at the core of everything they do.

But how do you find your ikigai? How does ikigai contribute to happiness? Japanese neuroscientist and bestselling author Ken Moji offers insight into this lifestyle, combining scientific research with firsthand experience, and offering a colorful account of Japanese culture and history along the way.