20251030 005823

Why You Should Read Ikigai: The Simple Secret to Finding Purpose and Joy

by

If you’ve ever felt lost in life, stuck in a monotonous routine, or unsure of what truly makes you happy, then Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life might be the perfect book for you.

The popularity of this little blue book is growing day by day among readers worldwide. Everyone connects deeply with this book because it talks about the things every human being searches for – a sense of purpose and peace in everyday life.

Let’s see why reading Ikigai is not just a good way to pass the time, but something that can genuinely change the way you live and think.

ikigai book

What Is Ikigai? An Everyday Guide to Purpose

Let me tell you, the word “Ikigai” comes from Japanese culture. “Iki” means “life” and “gai” means “value” or “worth.”
In simple words, ikigai means finding the reason for your life, the reason you wake up every morning – that feeling which gives you happiness, gives meaning to your life, and connects you to the world.

You may have read many self-help books that are too serious or theory-based, but Ikigai is different from all of them. This book shares the real stories of the people of Okinawa, a small island in Japan – whose residents are known worldwide for their exceptionally long and happy lives. Authors Héctor García and Francesc Miralles went to Okinawa, learned from these people, and transformed their experiences into simple, practical advice that anyone can follow – no matter where they live. Ikigai Is Not Just for Dreamers — It’s for Everyone

The best thing about Ikigai is that it doesn’t just talk about big dreams or life-changing goals. It reminds you that your life’s purpose doesn’t always have to be grand or complicated. Your Ikigai could be something simple – like making tea for your loved ones, tending to your garden, cooking, or teaching someone a small skill.

Its message is clear. Ikigai isn’t about chasing a perfect job or an ideal lifestyle, but rather about finding joy in the small, meaningful things that bring peace to the heart.

In today’s world, where people are constantly competing to achieve more, Ikigai encourages you to pause, breathe, and appreciate the simple joys around you. It gently shows that sometimes your true purpose is hidden within your everyday life, you just have to recognize it.

For more details about the book and its background, you can visit the official Penguin Random House page for Ikigai.

Real-Life Lessons That Actually Work

What makes Ikigai special is its practical and easy-to-follow approach. You don’t need to learn any complex techniques or follow a strict routine. This book shares some simple habits that you can easily incorporate into your daily life, such as:

  • Always keep yourself active, even after retirement.
  • Spend time with good and supportive friends.
  • Do more of what you love and what you can lose yourself in.
  • Eat simple and fresh food, and stop before you’re completely full.
  • Create small daily rituals that keep you calm and focused.

All these habits are directly taken from the Okinawan lifestyle. The authors wrote this book after meeting people there who are 80, 90, or 100 years old, yet wake up every morning with enthusiasm and purpose because they know what the meaning of their life is – even if that reason is small.

👉Also Read: Review of Chetan Bhagat’s latest novel 12 Years My Messed-Up Love Story. Click Here

The Science Behind Ikigai

Ikigai is not just a cultural concept – there’s science behind it too. Research shows that people who have a strong sense of purpose in life live longer, stay healthier, and recover faster from illness. The book also shares the findings of psychologists and doctors, who explain how purpose and community, together, create lasting happiness. The people of Okinawa are a living example of this. They rarely experience excessive stress or loneliness because they live in a closely connected community where everyone helps each other. They stay busy with their hobbies, help their neighbors, and believe that people of all ages are valuable in some way.

In today’s world, where stress and loneliness are common, their lifestyle can teach us a lot about achieving emotional balance and peace of mind.

How Ikigai Helps With Modern Struggles

Many of us today feel pressured by social media, busy work schedules, and the idea that we must constantly achieve something big to be successful. In this situation, Ikigai offers a fresh perspective. It reminds us that to find happiness, we don’t need to do everything, but rather focus on doing what truly matters to us.

You don’t need to plan your entire life all at once. Just focus on the things that make you feel alive and peaceful.

After reading about Ikigai, you’ll notice yourself worrying less and appreciating more. You’ll say “yes” only to things that align with your values, and “no” to things that waste your time and energy. Gradually, you’ll move towards a more peaceful and meaningful life.

👉 Also Read: Review of Shrijeet Shandilya’s Can We Be Strangers Again- A National Bestseller. Click Here

My Personal Take on Ikigai

Before reading Ikigai, I thought it would be just another typical self-help book with some tips and advice that I would probably forget later. But this book turned out to be so much more. It felt like a soft and warm conversation – simple, calm, and full of genuine wisdom.

ikigai book image

I myself am someone who struggles to balance work, personal life, and hobbies. This book made me realize that happiness isn’t in doing more, but in doing the right things. Sometimes happiness is simply found in sitting down with a cup of tea, talking to a friend, or taking an evening walk.

This book made me ponder some important questions:

👉 What truly makes me happy?

👉 When do I feel most like myself ?

👉 What can I do every day that will bring meaning to my life and the lives of others?

Writing down the answers to these questions helped me understand my priorities. I started choosing activities that make me feel calm and fulfilled such as reading, helping others, or spending time in nature.

Ikigai not only inspired me, but it completely changed my perspective on life.

👉 Also Read: Reivew of Alison Espach’s The Wedding People – A Classic Novel. Click Here

The Unique Japanese Wisdom of the Blue Zones

One of the most interesting parts of Ikigai is how it talks about ‘Blue Zones‘– these are places where people typically live to be over 100 years old. And Okinawa is one of those places. The book says that it’s not just their diet or exercise, but their mindset and lifestyle that keeps them healthy.

Okinawan people find joy in their connections, curiosity, and community. They live each day with a purpose, regardless of their age.

If you ever feel like life is moving too fast, Ikigai reminds you that slowing down is also important. Connecting with the people around you and finding meaning in your small daily tasks is an art. It’s not laziness, but a way to live a calm and purposeful life.

Why Ikigai Is So Popular

There’s a reason why Ikigai is still a bestseller.
The biggest reason is that it doesn’t offer any miracles or unrealistic promises. Ikigai simply teaches you how to make small but lasting changes that can improve your life.

This book is a combination of inspiring real stories, simple tips, and thoughtful reflections that you can read again and again. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or in a new phase of life, you’ll definitely find something for yourself in Ikigai.

If you ever feel lost or directionless, this book reminds you that there is already meaning in your life, you just need to recognize it.

👉 Also Read: Dan Brown’s latest novel The Secret of Secrets Review. Click Here

Simple Activities to Find Your Own Ikigai

If you want to apply the ideas discussed in the book to your life, you can try these simple activities:

  • Write down activities in which you lose track of time.
  • Ask people close to you what they think you are naturally good at.
  • Set small goals related to your interests or hobbies.
  • Spend a few minutes each day doing an activity that brings you joy – even if it’s only 10 minutes.
  • Think about what is truly important to you and what values you stand for.
  • Be patient with yourself- your ikigai may change over time.

👉 Also Read: Review of Prashant Paras’s The Curse of Letting Go. Click Here

Final Word: Should You Read Ikigai?

If you want more clarity, peace, and happiness in your daily life, Ikigai is a perfect starting point. Its stories are relatable, the advice is practical, and the lessons fit into everyone’s lifestyle.

Whether you want to find a grand purpose or simply appreciate the small joys a little more, this book helps you connect with the things that truly matter.

Ikigai teaches that happiness isn’t always found in big achievements. It’s often hidden in small daily things – a good meal, a conversation with a friend, a peaceful walk, or meaningful work.

If you’re ready to live with more calm, purpose, and contentment, this book can be the gentle reminder you’ve been waiting for.

📌 Latest Posts–

Leave a Comment