Ikigai - the Japanese secret to a long and happy life

Sep 20, 2026

Upload by Noah

Ikigai introduces a Japanese concept linking purpose in life with longevity and happiness. Drawing on logotherapy and ideas about meaning, the book explains why people thrive when they know what they want, and how ordinary habits can accumulate into a longer, more fulfilling life. Through chapters on antiaging, flow, diet, gentle movement, resilience, and wabi-sabi, it offers practical guidance for aging well while staying active and engaged.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages189

Reading Time7 h 56 min

AccessFree to download

Contents

Ikigai: A mysterious word

Prologue

I. Ikigai

II. Antiaging Secrets

III. From Logotherapy to Ikigai

IV. Find Flow in Everything You Do

V. Masters of Longevity

VII. The Ikigai Diet

VIII. Gentle Movements, Longer Life

IX. Resilience and Wabi-sabi

Epilogue

PENGUIN BOOKS An imprint of Penguin Random House LLC 375 Hudson Street New York, New York 10014 [penguin.com](penguin.com) Copyright © 2016 by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles Translation copyright © 2017 by Penguin Random House LLC Penguin supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech, and creates a vibrant culture. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of it in any form without permission. You are supporting writers and allowing Penguin to continue to publish books for every reader. Originally published in Spanish as Ikigai: Los secretos de Japón para una vida largay feliz by Ediciones Urano, Barcelona. Illustration here: Abbie/Shutterstock All other illustrations copyright © 2016 by Marisa Martínez Graphics copyright © 2016 by Flora Buki LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA Names: García, Héctor, 1981– author. | Miralles, Francesc, 1968– author. Title: Ikigai : the Japanese secret to a long and happy life / Héctor García and Francesc Miralles ; translated by Heather Cleary. Other titles: Ikigai. English Description: New York : Penguin Books, [2017] | Originally published in Spanish as “Ikigai: Los secretos de Japón para una vida larga y feliz” by Ediciones Urano in 2016." | Includes bibliographical references. | Description based on print version record and CIP data provided by publisher; resource not viewed. Identifiers: LCCN 2017005811 (print) | LCCN 2017022599 (ebook) | ISBN 9781524704551 (ebook) | ISBN 9780143130727 (hardcover) Subjects: LCSH: Longevity—Japan. | Longevity. | Happiness. | Quality of life Classification: LCC RA776.75 (ebook) | LCC RA776.75 .G3713 2017 (print) | DDC 613—dc23 LC record available at [https://lccn.loc.gov/2017005811](https://lccn.loc.gov/2017005811) Neither the publisher nor the author is engaged in rendering professional advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained in this book are not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. All matters regarding your health require medical supervision. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this book. While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers, Internet addresses, and other contact information at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors or for changes that occur after publication. Further, the publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party Web sites or their content. Cover illustration by Olga Grlic Cover art direction by Roseanne Serra Version_2 For my brother, Aitor, who’s said to me more often than anyone else,“I don’t know what to do with my life.” —HÉCTOR GARCÍA For all my past, present, and future friends, for being my home and my motivation along the way. —FRANCESC MIRALLES Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years. —Japanese proverb CONTENTS Title Page Copyright Dedication Epigraph Prologue Ikigai: A mysterious word I. Ikigai The art of staying young while growing old II. Antiaging Secrets Little things that add up to a long and happy life III. From Logotherapy to Ikigai How to live longer and better by finding your purpose IV. Find Flow in Everything You Do How to turn work and free time into spaces for growth V. Masters of Longevity Words of wisdom from the longest-living people in the world VII. The Ikigai Diet What the world’s longest-living people eat and drink VIII. Gentle Movements, Longer Life Exercises from the East that promote health and longevity IX. Resilience and Wabi-sabi How to face life’s challenges without lettin

FAQs

What is ikigai, and how does the book describe it?

Ikigai is presented as a Japanese concept roughly translated as “the happiness of always being busy,” connected to finding purpose in life.

How is logotherapy related to ikigai in the book?

The book links logotherapy’s focus on meaning to ikigai, suggesting that going beyond therapy helps explain longevity and a fulfilling life.

Which themes are covered to support a long and happy life?

The contents highlight antiaging secrets, discovering flow, longevity-focused diet, gentle exercises, and resilience practices that help manage stress and worry.

Sep 20, 2026

Upload by Noah