Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life (2016) is a self-help book by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. The book examines the Japanese concept of ikigai, or “a reason for being,” which the authors posit as a key factor in the longevity and life satisfaction observed in certain Japanese communities, particularly in Okinawa. It has been translated into numerous languages and has become an international bestseller. García, a former software engineer with a deep interest in Japanese culture, and Miralles, a prolific novelist and nonfiction writer, combine their expertise to offer readers insights into how they can discover their own sense of purpose and apply these concepts to enhance their well-being and potentially extend their lifespan.

This guide uses the 2016 Penguin Books eBook edition.

Summary

The Prologue introduces the Japanese concept of ikigai and its connection to longevity in Okinawa, particularly in the village of Ogimi. The authors recount their first meeting in Tokyo and how their shared interest in Western psychology trends, especially logotherapy, led them to explore the Japanese concept of ikigai. They explain how Okinawa’s exceptional longevity statistics, with 24.55 centenarians per 100,000 people, intrigued them and motivated their investigation into the secrets of Japanese longevity.