The Little Book of Ikigai: The secret Japanese way to live a happy and long life

AS HEARD ON THE STEVE WRIGHT SHOW 'FORGET HYGGE. IT'S ALL ABOUT IKIGAI (THAT'S JAPANESE FOR A HAPPY LIFE)' The Times Find out how to live a long and happy life thanks to the ikigai miracle, a Japanese philosophy that helps you find fulfilment, joy and mindfulness in everything you do. It is extraordinary that Japanese men's longevity ranks 4th in the world, while Japanese women's ranks 2nd. But perhaps this comes as no surprise when you know that the Japanese understanding of ikigai is embedded in their daily life and in absolutely everything that they do. In their professional careers, in their relationships with family members, in the hobbies they cultivate so meticulously. Ken Mogi identifies five key pillars to ikigai : Pillar 1: Starting small Pillar 2: Releasing yourself Pillar 3:Harmony and sustainability Pillar 4:The joy of little things Pillar 5:Being in the here and now The Japanese talk about ikigai as 'a reason to get up in the morning'. It is something that keeps one's enthusiasm for life going, whether you are a cleaner of the famous Shinkansen bullet train, the mother of a newborn child or a Michelin-starred sushi chef. The Five Pillars at the heart of everything they do. But how do you find your own ikigai ? How does ikigai contribute to happiness? Neuroscientist and bestselling Japanese writer Ken Mogi provides an absorbing insight into this way of life, incorporating scientific research and first-hand experience, and providing a colourful narrative of Japanese culture and history along the way. "Welcome to ikigai, a Japanese mindset that will change your life. Ken Mogi, a Japanese expert and bestselling writer, reveals all about this mysterious and fascinating miracle that is at the heart of Japan's record-breaking long life, astonishing appreciation of sensory beauty and inherent mindfulness. It is extraordinary that Japanese men's longevity ranks 4th in the world, while Japanese women's ranks 2nd. But perhaps this comes as no surprise when you know that the Japanese understanding of ikigai is embedded in their daily life and in absolutely everything that they do. In their professional careers, in their relationships with family members, in the hobbies they cultivate so meticulously. Ken Mogi identifies five key pillars to ikigai: Pillar 1: Starting small. Pillar 2: Releasing yourself. Pillar 3:Harmony and sustainability. Pillar 4:The joy of little things. Pillar 5:Being in the here and now. The Japanese talk about ikigai as 'a reason to get up in the morning'. It is something that keeps one's enthusiasm for life going, whether you are a cleaner of the famous Shinkansen bullet train, the mother of a newborn child or a Michelin-starred sushi chef. The Five Pillars at the heart of everything they do. But how do you find your own ikigai? How does ikigai contribute to happiness? Neuroscientist and bestselling Japanese writer Ken Mogi provides an absorbing insight into this way of life, incorporating scientific research and first-hand experience, and providing a colourful narrative of Japanese culture and history along the way." -- From Amazon.com summary Part cultural exploration, part philosophy, all inspiring, this book explores the concept of "ikigai," a Japanese word that literally translates to "reason for living". More commonly, author and neuroscientist Ken Mogi tells us that ikigai is a Japanese person's “reason to get up in the morning.” Ikigai can be small moments: the morning air, a cup of coffee, a compliment. It can also be deep convictions: a fulfilling job, lasting friendships, balanced health. Whether big or small, your ikigai is the path to success and happiness in your own life. In this book, the author introduces five pillars of ikigai to help you make the most of each day and become your most authentic self: 1. starting small → focus on the details 2. releasing yourself → accept who you are 3. harmony and sustainability → rely on others 4. the joy of little things → appreciate sensory pleasure 5. being in the here and now → find your flow. Weaving together insights from Japanese history, philosophy, and modern culture, plus stories from renowned sushi chef Jiro Ono, anime filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, and others, Mogi skillfully shows the way to awaken your ikigai. NOTE TO THE READER: The Five Pillars of ikigai CHAPTER 1: What is ikigai ? CHAPTER 2: Your reason to get up in the morning CHAPTER 3: Kodawari and the benefits of thinking small CHAPTER 4: The sensory beauty of ikigai CHAPTER 6: Ikigai and sustainability CHAPTER 7: Finding your purpose in life CHAPTER 8: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger CHAPTER 9: Ikigai and happiness CHAPTER 10: Accept yourself for who you are CONCLUSION: Find your own ikigai Written by a Japanese expert and bestselling writer, The Little Book of Ikigai reveals all about this mysterious and fascinating miracle that is at the heart of Japan's record-breaking long life, astonishing appreciation of sensory beauty and inherent mindfulness.