I just finished a book called Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles.  This book is a quick read and interesting. Ikigai is the Japanese word for “the happiness of always being busy.” Each chapter goes into why the Japanese have the record for the oldest people in the world and the most centenarians. The authors went and visited the rural town of Ogimi with a population of three thousand which boasts the highest life expectancy in the world. 

The authors believe that one of the keys that shape this village is Ikigai, along with a healthy diet, simple life in the outdoors, green tea, and the subtropical climate. “An uncommon joy flows from its inhabitants and guides them through the long and pleasurable journey of their lives.” They also practice teamwork and 100% of them have their own gardens. 

The authors also throw some logotherapy (Victor Frankl) in one chapter. Each centenarian feels needed in the world, has a purpose for living, and looks forward to the future. They practice meditation and spirituality. They believe that every person has a mabui or essence. This mabui is our spirit and life force. They eat a wide variety of foods, especially vegetables. Five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, grains, and they rarely eat sugar. Their salt intake is one of the lowest in the world. They drink cane juice. There are no bars located in their village. They live by the hara hachi bu – which means 80 percent rule – when you notice you’re almost full but could have a little more…then you stop eating. 

The authors mention that if you find yourself losing focus while working, there are several strategies to increase your chances of what they call “flow”. Here they are:

The Seven Conditions for Achieving Flow

1. Knowing what to do (if you are not sure of something, then it will stop you from starting it!) 
2. Knowing how to do it (same as above).
3. Knowing how well you are doing
4. Knowing where to go
5. Perceiving significant challenges
6. Perceiving significant skills
7. Being free from distractions

The authors explore resilience. Everyone who has a clearly defined ikigai never gives up and has the ability to persevere. One chapter is devoted to some interviews the authors did with supercentenarians–people who live to 100 year of age or more. There are 300-450 in the world today.  Walter Breuning (a supercentenarian) stated: “If you keep your mind and body busy, you’ll be around a long time.” He gave many interviews in his final years, and he insisted that his habit of eating only two meals per day and working for as many years as he could helped his longevity.

“Modern life estranges us more and more from our true nature, making it very easy for us to lead lives lacking in meaning” (Garcia & Miralles).

The authors challenge each reader to find their ikigai, to find your passion and your own unique talents, which can give meaning to our days and drive us to share the very best of us.

Happy reading and writing!