Book Review: IKIGAI

It is heard most often in social gathrings as a reminder that each encounter- whether with friends, family, or strangers- is unique and will never be repeated, meaning that we should enjoy the moment and not lose ourselves in worries about the past or the future.

Ikigai

What if I say ‘Ikigai’ is the only book you need over any other self-help/motivational book? Would you believe me? Well, you need not believe me. You should decide for yourself. Just give it a read and more importantly- follow it! Though this book needs no review, I’ll try to pour some light from my perspective.

Title: Ikigai– The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Author: Garcia, Hector and Frances Miralles (originally in Japanese. Translated by Heather Cleary)

Publisher: Penguin Random House, UK. First Published 2017

Genre: Self-help, Motivational

Pages: 196

Price: Ranges between Rs. 100- 400/-. I got a hardcover for 150/- on the streets of Delhi. The lowest price at the time of writing was offered by Flipkart.

Reading Tips: Read slowly, ponder over the things said, and try to follow them. You can take time to finish it. Let the book talk to you.

Most self-help books are either written way back, so much so that it doesn’t care about the present generation or elucidate the tips and tricks which are difficult to follow in everyday life. This book overcomes both limitations. Whatever is mentioned, feels like it’s the need of the hour.

It’s divided, to be more precise, weaved into 9 chapters (contents in the pictures above) along with a prologue and an epilogue. The chapters are interlinked to each other in such a way that they offer a smooth transition from one to the other. Each of them talks about the different aspects of life, aimed at enhancing longevity but not limited to that. As evident from the subtitle, it’s a Japanese secret, it takes into consideration the ‘Okinawa Island’ and related places where most of the centenarians people are found. This book is the perfect blend of non-fiction, case studies, travel accounts, poems, antecedents, motivation, and health-related tips, supported by scientific explanations to ensure a better life. The later part of the book talks in detail about the food and exercises necessary to keep oneself healthy, that too, along with graphical illustrations, charts etc. (as shown below).

The authors have tried everything to enhance the readability of the book, however, I feel that it could have been made more inclusive by considering other regions and the practices existing there such as quality of life (except longevity). Most of the food/drink mentioned in the book is exclusive to Japan and I ain’t sure whether they’re found in other regions or not. An alternative could have been given. Also, the views of the people (not authors) appear contradictory at times. One such example is the consumption of non-veg. Maria Capovilla says, “I’ve never eaten meat in life” as the reason for her healthy life whereas the other talks about eating different kinds of fish. The authors should’ve at least reached a consensus. Moreover, the origin point of exercises like Radio Taiso (Japan), Tai Chi (China), and Qigong (China) have been mentioned, but there is a conscious absence that Sun-salutation (Surya Namaskar) and Yoga originated in India.

Nonetheless, this is a must-read book for everyone.

©Shashank

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