Awakening Your Ikigai: How the Japanese Wake Up to Joy and Purpose Every Day

Awakening Your Ikigai: How the Japanese Wake Up to Joy and Purpose Every Day guides the reader through the five central pillars of ikigai throughout the book:
1. starting small
2. releasing yourself
3. harmony and sustainability
4. the joy of little things
5. being in the here and now
Ken Mogi references examples of ikigai in Japanese history, as well as, modern civilization. Using these references the author introduces the reader to Japanese philosophy and culture.
I enjoyed reading this book. I like the window into Japanese culture, the stories referenced were a pleasurable read. It also offered me reminders of what I should be working towards each day. I personally favor a more linear format, but the author's choice of formatting might show more appeal to other readers. show less

This book was lovely! A fun read with practical advice based around the 5 pillars of ikigai. My favorite advice was about the small moments--it took away some of the pressure to come up with a profound purpose in life (at least for now). I've read a few books about ikigai recently, and while they all cover similar stories and concepts, this one is by far my favorite.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley to read in exchange for an honest review.

Not sure if it’s just me or the translation, this book is rather dry and uninteresting. I could have skipped it all and just read the conclusion which was good enough. Anyway I was flipping it a lot hence the speed in finishing it fast or else I would have glazed over. Unfortunately not my cup of tea.