IKIGAI

Opening
Good morning, everyone, at first, I would like to thank Professor S. Vishnu for allowing me
to present my views today in front of you all, as well as my worthy companions here for
giving their precious time to me. This presentation is going to be about my favourite novel –
Ikigai. It’s an award winning, International Best seller written by Hector Gracia and Francesc
Miralles. So, before I start let me summarize the topic for a better understanding.
Summery
Ikigai is at the heart of Okinawan culture and is one key to its health and prosperity.
Okinawa is an island to the south of mainland Japan, containing some of the world’s
longest-living humans. On an average, men live up to 84 years and women until 90. Héctor
García and Francesc Miralles, lived among Okinawans and gained a first-hand account of
why these people are healthier, happier and live longer than anywhere else in the world.
Researchers have identified that their diet, simple outdoor lifestyles, and subtropical
climate are three reasons for their longevity. However, it is Ikigai that shapes their lives.
Iki means “to live,” and gai means “reason.” Therefore, Ikigai is a reason to live. Every
individual’s ikigai is personal to them and specific to their lives, values, and beliefs. It
reflects the inner self and creates a mental state in which the individual feels at ease.
Introduction
This book is based on concepts from ancient Japanese technique called- IKIGAI meaning
“Reason of being alive” or in short to find purpose to live for. It provides wisdom from the
people of Okinawa, Japan which is among the blue zones with highest percentage of
centenarians (~25 people above 100 years age/100000 Population).
The Three Lessons, I learnt
These are the three lessons from this novel, I admire the most.
 Having some purpose in life is a vital component of longevity and happiness.
 If we want to live a long life, follow the advice of some of the oldest people in the
world.
 To stay healthy throughout your life, make sure that you are moving enough.
Ready to learn how to live longer, healthier, and happier? Let’s go!
Lesson I – Having some purpose in life

I’m sure most of the people here, must think that they already know the purpose of their
life, at least to some extent. But the reality is these are all assumptions and our believes
with no specific technique or method used to make a check on it.
How to find the purpose of your life?

 What are your strengths? Think of what you do better than everyone else.
 What does the world need? Imagine something you see that the world lacks.
 What are your passions? Picture the things that you could do all day without
stopping.
 What can you do to earn a living? You must make money from your craft, so how can
you do that?
These questions are needed to be answered in accord to unveil your Ikigai.
Lesson II – Advice from Okinawan centenarians
 One tip from Okinawan centenarians is to worry as little as possible. It helps to slow
down, take your time, and realize that you don’t have to have it all figured out right
away. Anxiety has a myriad of negative health effects.
 Focus on enjoying life for what you have, instead of being afraid of what might go
wrong. A great way to do this is to connect with everyone around you, even
strangers. Okinawan old-timers suggest smiling and having an open-heart towards
everybody you meet.
 Your friendliness will help you develop many friendships throughout life. Okinawan
elders recommend maintaining those relationships as well. When you become a
grandparent your replacement of worry with friends may also help your
grandchildren visit more often.
Lesson III – Importance of Body Movements
 Residents of Okinawa suggest that you don’t always need to play a sport or go
running to be healthy. Longevity and health are more about finding simple,
consistent ways to move more through the day.
 Intensity may deter consistency, so Okinawans strive for simplicity in their forms of
exercise. A walk around the neighborhood, day in the garden, or singing karaoke are
just a few simple ways they maintain movement frequently.
 Radio Taiso, a Japanese radio show, has helped Okinawans exercise for years. Large
groups of Japanese tune into the station and listen to directions on how to exercise.
 In the present day, most watch online or on the television, but the show continues
throughout the day in Japan. With simple exercises, like lifting your arms above your
head and bringing them down again, Radio Taiso is an easy to repeat form of exercise
for the Japanese.
A brief review
Ikigai is an incredible concept that can benefit many people. Whether you feel stuck in your
job, want to live longer, or just desire a deeper level of happiness and meaning, finding your
reason to live will help you. The ikigai summary seems to focus more on how to live a long
life than on ikigai itself, but some research on the topic reveals there are multiple books on
the subject to explore further. I’m excited to dive in and figure out how not to retire and
live happier and healthier!
About authors
 Héctor García is a Japanese-Spanish author who has written several books about
Japanese culture, including two worldwide bestsellers, A Geek in Japan and Ikigai. A
former software engineer, Héctor worked at CERN in Switzerland before moving to
Japan. He has now lived in Tokyo for over 16 years.
 Francesc Miralles is a Catalan international award-winning author of self-help and
inspirational books. His bestselling novel Love in Lowercase has been translated into
twenty languages. Miralles too lived in Okinawa, Japan.

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Opening

Lesson I – Having some purpose in life

How to find the purpose of your life?

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