Ikigai (Hardcover) by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles

Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years." — Japanese Proverb

In the wisdom of the Japanese, it is believed that every individual possesses an ikigai—a profound reason for living. According to the inhabitants of a village renowned for having the longest-lived people on Earth, discovering one’s ikigai is the key to a life filled with both joy and longevity.

Ikigai lies at the intersection of four essential elements: what you love, what you excel at, what you can be compensated for, and what the world truly needs. When these aspects converge, each day becomes imbued with purpose, creating a compelling reason to rise each morning. This sense of purpose is also the reason why many Japanese, well beyond conventional retirement age, continue to remain active and engaged. In fact, the very concept of retirement, as understood in the West, lacks a direct translation in the Japanese language, reflecting the cultural norm of enduring purpose and vitality.

In researching this work, the authors interviewed the residents of the Japanese village with the highest concentration of centenarians—one of the world’s renowned Blue Zones. Ikigai uncovers the secrets to their remarkable longevity and happiness, revealing how they eat, how they move, how they work, how they nurture collaboration and community, and most importantly, how they uncover the ikigai that brings true satisfaction to their lives.

Moreover, the book offers practical tools to guide you in discovering your own ikigai, for who does not wish to find joy in each passing day?