This book is essentially a book on Japanese culture and tradition and it explains the concept of ikigai from this context. Ken Mogi the author is a neuroscientist.He explains the 5 pillars of Ikigai as 1) starting small 2)releasing yourself 3)harmony and sustainability 4) the joy of little things 5)Being here and now.
He describes ikigai as residing in the joy of little things eg your morning coffee,a ray of sunshine or morning air and it can be different things to different people.He gives an example of a 102 year old karate master who’s ikigai was caring for his martial arts and an elderly fisherman said it was continuing to catch fish for his family.A study called the Osaki National Health Insurance Study found that those who did not have a sense of ikigai were more likely to have poor self rated health and mental stress.The study also found that those who answered positively about ikigai exercised more.There is an old Japanese proverb “getting up early is a profit of three mon”. The writer says there is a general perception in Japan that early rising makes economic sense.The ikigai pillar of the joy of little things is practiced by having a small sweet treat first thing in the morning with green tea. In Japan Kodawari is a personal standard that the individual adheres to in a steadfast manner. Youthfulness of mind is important for ikigai and also commitment and passion “however seemingly insignificant your goal is”. He writes about the ancient Japanese book “the pillow book” in which Sei Shonagon’s approach to life can be linked to “mindfulness” and attending to “here and now“.He says in the context of the flow,the Japanese embrace work as something of positive value in itself.
Sen no Rikyu ,the founder of the Japanese tea ceremony lived in the sixteenth century during a stressful era when there were endless battles between Samurai warlords.The author says the tradition of the tea ceremony is still very much alive and is described in chapter 5 as encompassing all five pillars of ikigai,he says when you are in a state of flow ,you have the ability to pay attention to the various subtle nuances that come your way. Ikigai is something you can have even when things are not going your way.The Zen tradition encompasses mindfulness and the concept of changing the outside world by changing yourself. In order to be happy”you need to accept yourself” and that “accepting oneself is one of the easiest,simplest and most rewarding things you could do for yourself,a low budget,maintenance free formula for being happy…you need to let go of the illusory self in order to be happy”.He also says there is no good trying to be like others”there is every good reason to relax and just be oneself”.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Book-Ikigai-secret-Japanese-ebook/dp/B071NLV6TS
In my book “Health and Weight Management Teachings From The East” chapter 3 on Diet and Nutrition, I discuss the Japanese diet and Lifestyle.See https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Weight-Management-Teachings-East/dp/1913776077
Caroline Rainsford 