What do you think?
Rate this book
?????? ?????????????????????????
??????????????????????????????? ??????????????????? ‘??????’
'????' ????????????? '??' ???????????? ??????????????????????????
????????????????????? ????????? ?????????????? ????????????????
=======================
????????????????????????????? '??????' ??????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????? ????????????? ?????????????????????? ????????? '??????' ??????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????
??? ???? ?????????????????????????? '??????' ??????
???????????????? ??????????
??????????????????? ??????????????
??????????????????? ??????????????????
??????????????????? ???????????????????
??????????????????? ????????????? ??????
??????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????
'????' ????????????? '??' ???????????? ??????????????????????????
????????????????????? ????????? ?????????????? ????????????????
=======================
????????????????????????????? '??????' ??????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????? ????????????? ?????????????????????? ????????? '??????' ??????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????
??? ???? ?????????????????????????? '??????' ??????
???????????????? ??????????
??????????????????? ??????????????
??????????????????? ??????????????????
??????????????????? ???????????????????
??????????????????? ????????????? ??????
??????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????
266 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2017
2,152 people are currently reading
14.4k people want to read
About the author
Ken Mogi
57?books132?followersAssociated Names:
* 茂木 健一郎 (Japanese)
* Ken Mogi (English)
* ???? ?????????? (Thai)
Kenichirō "Ken" Mogi (茂木 健一郎 Mogi Kenichirō) is a Japanese scientist. He is a senior researcher at Sony Computer Science Laboratories and a visiting professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. According to the profile posted at his personal blog, his mission is "to solve the so-called mind-brain problem."
After graduating from the University of Tokyo in 1985 with a degree in science and in 1987 with a degree in law, Mogi received in 1992 a Ph.D. with the thesis "Mathematical Model of Muscle Contraction".
Ken Mogi was Japan's first TED speaker. He presented in 2012 March.
Mogi has published over 50 books, most of which are written in Japanese. They cover not only brain science but also includes, but not limited to, philosophy, history, art, education, and linguistics. His books have been frequently used as a source of university entrance examinations. His book "Nō to Kasō" (脳と仮想, "Brain and Imagination") has received 2005 Hideo Kobayashi award, and another book "Ima Koko kara Subete no Basho e" (今ここからすべての場所へ, "From Here, to Everywhere") has received 2008 Takeo Kuwabara academic award.
* 茂木 健一郎 (Japanese)
* Ken Mogi (English)
* ???? ?????????? (Thai)
Kenichirō "Ken" Mogi (茂木 健一郎 Mogi Kenichirō) is a Japanese scientist. He is a senior researcher at Sony Computer Science Laboratories and a visiting professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. According to the profile posted at his personal blog, his mission is "to solve the so-called mind-brain problem."
After graduating from the University of Tokyo in 1985 with a degree in science and in 1987 with a degree in law, Mogi received in 1992 a Ph.D. with the thesis "Mathematical Model of Muscle Contraction".
Ken Mogi was Japan's first TED speaker. He presented in 2012 March.
Mogi has published over 50 books, most of which are written in Japanese. They cover not only brain science but also includes, but not limited to, philosophy, history, art, education, and linguistics. His books have been frequently used as a source of university entrance examinations. His book "Nō to Kasō" (脳と仮想, "Brain and Imagination") has received 2005 Hideo Kobayashi award, and another book "Ima Koko kara Subete no Basho e" (今ここからすべての場所へ, "From Here, to Everywhere") has received 2008 Takeo Kuwabara academic award.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,598 reviews
November 13, 2018
I feel this book has good potential, but it gets lost in its anecdotes. It's rich in history and facts about Japan and its culture, which are interesting to read about, but it deviates from the purpose set out in the beginning. I would have liked to see more practical examples of how to implement this practice in the reader's life.
Overall, I enjoyed reading it and learning about different Japanese rituals and its people, and it is a very easy read.
Overall, I enjoyed reading it and learning about different Japanese rituals and its people, and it is a very easy read.
March 4, 2018
Easy to read, fluent. I applaude the appreciation of the IKIGAI concept, however by its disarrayed writing, this book only partially explained and disambiguated the phenomena.
It is great that a Japanese person took on bringing of the subject closer to the rest of the world, but the content, however interesting, feels random and unstructured. Maybe that was the whole point, maybe it is just lack of deftness in bringing the point across.
It is great that a Japanese person took on bringing of the subject closer to the rest of the world, but the content, however interesting, feels random and unstructured. Maybe that was the whole point, maybe it is just lack of deftness in bringing the point across.
January 31, 2019
Es curioso, yo siempre digo que hay libros que has de leer; como si de alguna manera estuvieran enredados en tu vida. Pues bien, este libro es un claro ejemplo de lo que hablo. El otro día fui a la librería, lo vi, abrí y dejé otra vez en la estantería. Tenía otras historias que buscar. Sin embargo, por la tarde, lo tenía otra vez en las manos, gracias a un regalo inesperado.
"No se puede empezar todo a lo grande. Hagamos lo que hagamos, al mundo le importa poco. Hay que empezar con humildad".
"No se puede empezar todo a lo grande. Hagamos lo que hagamos, al mundo le importa poco. Hay que empezar con humildad".
June 18, 2018
?????????????????????????????????
???????? "????????????????????" (?????????? "???????"????)
?????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????????
?????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????
????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????
??????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????
...
??????????????????????????????????
????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????????
????????????????? ????????????????????
??????????????????? ????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????????
???????????????????????
?????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
???????????????????????????????????????????
...
?????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????
???????? "????????????????????" (?????????? "???????"????)
?????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????????
?????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????
????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????
??????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????
...
??????????????????????????????????
????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????????
????????????????? ????????????????????
??????????????????? ????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????????
???????????????????????
?????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
???????????????????????????????????????????
...
?????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????
October 24, 2020
?? ???? ??????? ?????? ????? ? ??? ?? ????? ????? ????????? ???? ???? ??? ???? ??? ??????. ?? ????? ????? ? ?? ?? ????? ?? ??????? ?????? ?? ????? ?? ???? ????? ?????? ?????? ??? ????? ????. ?? ?????? ?? ??? ????? ?? ??? ??? ??? ? ?????? ??? ? ????? ???. ???? ???????? ? ???????????. ???? ?????? ???? ?? ???? ???. ???? ?? ???? ???? ?? ????? ????? ?????????? ????????? ????? ?? ??? ??? ???? ??? ????? ?????. ?? ??? ???????? ???????? ????. ?????? ???? ????? ???? ? ???? ???????? ???? ??? ????????. ???? ??????? ??? ??????? ???? ?? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ???????? ?????.
November 15, 2019
Hace un par de semanas vi en YouTube dos videos que enunciaban cómo encontrar el propósito de vida con el Ikigai. Entonces, trataban de explicar qué es el Ikigai, y, en cuatro círculos, que se interceptaban, diligenciaban elementos como en lo que se es bueno, por lo que se podría recibir retribución económica, lo que se ama hacer y lo que necesita el mundo. A partir de los elementos comunes entre círculos, se definía la pasión, la vocación, la misión y la profesión de cada uno, y en el centro estaba el Ikigai, la razón de ser. Muy metódico, pero me sedujo la idea. Quise hacer mi Ikigai pero no antes de profundizar en el concepto, y así es como este libro del científico Ken Mogi termina acompa?ándome hasta antes de dormir.
“El mayor secreto del Ikigai, en definitiva, es la aceptación de uno mismo, no importa con qué características únicas haya nacido uno”…
El Ikigai es un concepto japonés para referirse a los placeres y el sentido de la vida, una razón para levantarse cada ma?ana . La palabra se compone de iki (vivir) y gai (razón). El ikigai se sobrepone al triunfo profesional; celebrando la diversidad de la vida. El Ikigai es un modo de vida para todos cuya esencia son el sentido de comunidad, dieta equilibrada y consciencia de la espiritualidad, dando un propósito de vida y el coraje para seguir adelante; y se soporta en cinco pilares:
1.Empezar con humildad
2.Renunciar al ego
3. Armonía y sostenibilidad
4.El placer de los detalles, y,
5. Ser consciente del momento presente, del aquí y del ahora.
Ken Mogi ha escrito un libro más que interesante, bello. Muchas cosas que yo identificaba pero que no entendía de la cultura japonesa, el autor las ha descubierto a través del Ikigai; las descubre, las lleva, las contempla para el lector de occidente, y al final, revela que ese calor que solemos buscar para so?ar está ahí, solo hay que encontrarlo y disfrutar de esa búsqueda.
…”Buscando nuestro Ikigai podemos ser nosotros mismos tanto como queramos”…
Con la lectura del libro no lograré ampliar la versión del Ikigai express de YouTube. El pragmatismo occidental está bien, pero el Ikigai es más profundo y este libro me ha antojado de más Ikigai, quizá no solo sea por la belleza y la cotidianidad que espero encontrar en futuras lecturas, sino también porque puede ser un compa?ero para esta búsqueda que es de toda la vida, porque en la vida no hay que perder la capacidad de buscar y sorprenderse.
Me gusta lo que dice Ken Mogi:
“En la vida necesitamos evolución, no revolución”…
Y yo agregaría algo que dice Pablo d’ Ors:
“Debemos hacer más biografía y menos biología”.
?Linda lectura!
“El mayor secreto del Ikigai, en definitiva, es la aceptación de uno mismo, no importa con qué características únicas haya nacido uno”…
El Ikigai es un concepto japonés para referirse a los placeres y el sentido de la vida, una razón para levantarse cada ma?ana . La palabra se compone de iki (vivir) y gai (razón). El ikigai se sobrepone al triunfo profesional; celebrando la diversidad de la vida. El Ikigai es un modo de vida para todos cuya esencia son el sentido de comunidad, dieta equilibrada y consciencia de la espiritualidad, dando un propósito de vida y el coraje para seguir adelante; y se soporta en cinco pilares:
1.Empezar con humildad
2.Renunciar al ego
3. Armonía y sostenibilidad
4.El placer de los detalles, y,
5. Ser consciente del momento presente, del aquí y del ahora.
Ken Mogi ha escrito un libro más que interesante, bello. Muchas cosas que yo identificaba pero que no entendía de la cultura japonesa, el autor las ha descubierto a través del Ikigai; las descubre, las lleva, las contempla para el lector de occidente, y al final, revela que ese calor que solemos buscar para so?ar está ahí, solo hay que encontrarlo y disfrutar de esa búsqueda.
…”Buscando nuestro Ikigai podemos ser nosotros mismos tanto como queramos”…
Con la lectura del libro no lograré ampliar la versión del Ikigai express de YouTube. El pragmatismo occidental está bien, pero el Ikigai es más profundo y este libro me ha antojado de más Ikigai, quizá no solo sea por la belleza y la cotidianidad que espero encontrar en futuras lecturas, sino también porque puede ser un compa?ero para esta búsqueda que es de toda la vida, porque en la vida no hay que perder la capacidad de buscar y sorprenderse.
Me gusta lo que dice Ken Mogi:
“En la vida necesitamos evolución, no revolución”…
Y yo agregaría algo que dice Pablo d’ Ors:
“Debemos hacer más biografía y menos biología”.
?Linda lectura!
January 5, 2020
Ikigai is a Japanese word for describing the pleasures and meanings of life. The word literally consists of ‘iki’ which means to live and ‘gai’, reason. It is sometimes expressed as the reason for getting up in the morning. In this book, Ken Mogi introduces five fundamental pillars of Ikigai to help us achieve our most authentic self:
1. Starting small
2. Releasing yourself
3. Harmony and sustainability
4. The joy of little things
5. Being in the here and now
A good read that explores the concept of Ikigai with rich insights from Japanese history, cultures, philosophy and lifestyle but I expected a little more depth about the concept. The book offers many profound wisdom that I appreciated but I don’t think there’s anything radically new in this book. This book had potential but the writing is not distinctive and lack direction, and not to mention the amount of times the same things were repeated over and over again. It’s an okay, introductory read about Ikigai but I just wish I had gotten a little more out of this book.
1. Starting small
2. Releasing yourself
3. Harmony and sustainability
4. The joy of little things
5. Being in the here and now
A good read that explores the concept of Ikigai with rich insights from Japanese history, cultures, philosophy and lifestyle but I expected a little more depth about the concept. The book offers many profound wisdom that I appreciated but I don’t think there’s anything radically new in this book. This book had potential but the writing is not distinctive and lack direction, and not to mention the amount of times the same things were repeated over and over again. It’s an okay, introductory read about Ikigai but I just wish I had gotten a little more out of this book.
April 17, 2018
???????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????? ? ?????????????? ????????????????????? ? ?????? ? ?????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????? ?????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????
February 12, 2019
?????? ????????? passion ?????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????? ????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????? ??????????? ????????????????????????????? ???????????????????... ???????????????????????? ????? ?????? ?????????? ?????????????????????
4.5/5.0
?????????????????????????? ??????????? ????????????????????????????? ???????????????????... ???????????????????????? ????? ?????? ?????????? ?????????????????????
4.5/5.0
July 18, 2019
Well, that was completely the opposite of what I'd expected it to be.
As it says on the back of the book, "This fascinating book, packed full of advice, wisdom and insight, (...) gives you the tools to make the most of every day (...). It helps you realize and discover your very own ikigai".
Now, ikigai is something that could be described as your ultimate passion or purpose in life. Your reason to get up in the morning, as the author describes it. What he doesn't describe, however, is where this concept comes from. It is not explained in detail and it's brought forward very vaguely throughout the book. After a very, very short explanation of 'ikigai' on the first two pages, all you get is examples of people who have found and pursued their own 'ikigai'.
So the book is just a long list of random examples of different people with different professions and how these people have found purpose in their job. What you notice while you read on, is that the author presents the idea that ikigai HAS to be found in your job. He makes it look as though your job should be your only reason to wake up and the only thing you should become very good at, to find meaning in your tasks. There is though, a short chapter about "individuality" and finding meaning in things outside of your job, but then he explains that you should better not express any individuality while you're working, because this could cause a competitive atmosphere in your workplace. Don't be yourself, unless it's behind closed and private doors, otherwise you might not be liked. That is basically what he says.
The "insights and wisdom and advice" that he offers throughout the book are all very cheap nuggets of useless "wisdom", of the type of Instagram-like motivational sentences like "just accept yourself" and "stay in the here and now". It all remains very much on the surface. Furthermore, he seems to contradict himself quite often, he didn't include any references to research to prove what he states,? and the five pillars on which the concept of ikigai is built are just scattered randomly throughout the book instead of being brought forward in a logical and separate manner. It feels like you're reading a text that was written by someone who just let the train of his thoughts flow uncontrollably over the paper, without making any effort to make sure it is well constructed for the reader.
So if you're looking for a book that includes advice on how to live a more mindful life, I suggest you stray far away from this one. If however, you might be interested in the translation and explanation of a bunch of random Japanese terms and you would like to learn some more about random bits of Japanese history and culture, all crammed together with contentless dreamy sentences, than this book is for you.
Oh and by the way, he mentions his "TED talk" in the book, but it was a TEDx talk. Not quite the same if you ask me, a little bit boastful to state maybe. I got quite annoyed by the author towards the end, so that might be the reason this upsets me. It just added up to his discredibility. I watched this talk and it was as weird as his book.
If you made it this far into the review, wow. Thank you.?
As it says on the back of the book, "This fascinating book, packed full of advice, wisdom and insight, (...) gives you the tools to make the most of every day (...). It helps you realize and discover your very own ikigai".
Now, ikigai is something that could be described as your ultimate passion or purpose in life. Your reason to get up in the morning, as the author describes it. What he doesn't describe, however, is where this concept comes from. It is not explained in detail and it's brought forward very vaguely throughout the book. After a very, very short explanation of 'ikigai' on the first two pages, all you get is examples of people who have found and pursued their own 'ikigai'.
So the book is just a long list of random examples of different people with different professions and how these people have found purpose in their job. What you notice while you read on, is that the author presents the idea that ikigai HAS to be found in your job. He makes it look as though your job should be your only reason to wake up and the only thing you should become very good at, to find meaning in your tasks. There is though, a short chapter about "individuality" and finding meaning in things outside of your job, but then he explains that you should better not express any individuality while you're working, because this could cause a competitive atmosphere in your workplace. Don't be yourself, unless it's behind closed and private doors, otherwise you might not be liked. That is basically what he says.
The "insights and wisdom and advice" that he offers throughout the book are all very cheap nuggets of useless "wisdom", of the type of Instagram-like motivational sentences like "just accept yourself" and "stay in the here and now". It all remains very much on the surface. Furthermore, he seems to contradict himself quite often, he didn't include any references to research to prove what he states,? and the five pillars on which the concept of ikigai is built are just scattered randomly throughout the book instead of being brought forward in a logical and separate manner. It feels like you're reading a text that was written by someone who just let the train of his thoughts flow uncontrollably over the paper, without making any effort to make sure it is well constructed for the reader.
So if you're looking for a book that includes advice on how to live a more mindful life, I suggest you stray far away from this one. If however, you might be interested in the translation and explanation of a bunch of random Japanese terms and you would like to learn some more about random bits of Japanese history and culture, all crammed together with contentless dreamy sentences, than this book is for you.
Oh and by the way, he mentions his "TED talk" in the book, but it was a TEDx talk. Not quite the same if you ask me, a little bit boastful to state maybe. I got quite annoyed by the author towards the end, so that might be the reason this upsets me. It just added up to his discredibility. I watched this talk and it was as weird as his book.
If you made it this far into the review, wow. Thank you.?
March 29, 2025
Bardzo przyjemna ksi??ka ? My?l?, ?e jeden z moich faworytów je?eli chodzi o ?rozwojówki”.
December 28, 2018
??? ????? ?????? ?? ?? ????? ?????? ???? ????? ????????? ??? ???? ?????? ?????? ????? ??????? ??????? ??? ????? ???? ????? ??????:
?????? ?????: ????? ???????? ??????
????? ?????: ????? ?????? ?????
????? ??????: ??????? ??????????
????? ??????:
???? ?????? ??? ?????? ? ????? ??????? ??????? ???????? ??? ???? ??????? ???? ??? ??????? ?? ???? ?????????? ? ??? ???? ????? ??????? ? ????? ?????? ????? ..
?????? ?? ???? ?????? ??? ????? ?????? ???? ????? ????? ???? ????? ???????? ??????? ?????? ????????? ???? ???? ????? ????? ????? ??? ??? ???? ?????? ???????? ?????? ????????? ???????? ? ???????? ????????? ??????? ???..
?????? ?????: ????? ???????? ??????
????? ?????: ????? ?????? ?????
????? ??????: ??????? ??????????
????? ??????:
???? ?????? ??? ?????? ? ????? ??????? ??????? ???????? ??? ???? ??????? ???? ??? ??????? ?? ???? ?????????? ? ??? ???? ????? ??????? ? ????? ?????? ????? ..
?????? ?? ???? ?????? ??? ????? ?????? ???? ????? ????? ???? ????? ???????? ??????? ?????? ????????? ???? ???? ????? ????? ????? ??? ??? ???? ?????? ???????? ?????? ????????? ???????? ? ???????? ????????? ??????? ???..
March 23, 2018
The Ikigai itself is a fascinating subject, and we have much to learn from the Japanese. This book gives a nice summary what is Ikigai, and how the Japanese people achieve happier life through it. However, the book was too heavy on the cultural descriptions and history side. If you like to read about culture of other nations I really suggest it, but if you're looking for something only about Ikigai, it may be too long for you.
May 24, 2020
16th book of 2020 (140 Books read overall)
Quote from the Book I Liked - 'When you take notice of small details of life, nothing is repeated. Every opportunity is special.' (Loc. 684)
Rating - 4 Stars
Plot Summary - Ikigai is a Japanese phenomenon commonly understood as “your reason to get up in the morning.” Ikigai can be small moments: the morning air, a cup of coffee, a compliment. It can also be deep convictions: a fulfilling job, lasting friendships, balanced health. Whether big or small, your ikigai is the path to success and happiness in your own life.
Author Ken Mogi introduces five pillars of ikigai to help you make the most of each day and become your most authentic self:
1.?starting small?→ focus on the details
2.?releasing yourself?→ accept who you are
3.?harmony and sustainability?→ rely on others
4.?the joy of little things → appreciate the sensory pleasure
5.?being in the here and now?→ find your flow.
Weaving together insights from Japanese history, philosophy, and modern culture, plus stories from renowned sushi chef Jiro Ono, anime filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, and others, Mogi skillfully shows the way to awaken?your?ikigai.
My Review - Finally, I got the chance to read one of the most read and full of Wisdom book 'Ikigai'. But did I read the right book I was supposed to read? I guess, both Yes and No. I was willing and planning to read 'Ikigai' by Hector Garcia Puigcerver but I ran into this the one by Ken Mogi and I guess this was the right book for me. Initially, I thought I was reading the book I intended to but later a friend of mine told me that I'm reading another book that goes by the same name. Funny right?
So, fortunately, this book didn't let me down at all. All I wanted to explore was the Zen and calmness of Japanese and that all sums up in this book 'Awakening Your Ikigai'. The book dissects the concept of Ikigai i.e. 'Reasons to Live' into 5 pillars. Thus, making it easy to understand and add into a readers life. Each Pillar of Ikigai is covered under many chapters and explained so lightly and so descriptively into the stories of actual citizens of Japan. The stories are real and they all are Heartfelt. The best t above all is that the book also talks about the very culture of Japan that always fascinated me. May it be the Famous humongous Sumo fights or the Chess game that everyone loves to play their. The author also added the stories that talk about the Architecture of Japanese buildings and temple and how the same family for many many generations take cares of it and how the same family of masons shape the exact architecture every few years for renovation in the same traditional form that was done when the temple was originally made, some that are many centuries old. I think if you're searching for a book to read more about Japanese culture which has its roots from the concept of Ikigai, you must pick this one up. It'll not only tell you about Japan but will also kindle something for the betterment of one's self.
Conclusion - Contains the basic yet the best insights of Ikigai.
Full Review on Blog.
Link to Blog -
Quote from the Book I Liked - 'When you take notice of small details of life, nothing is repeated. Every opportunity is special.' (Loc. 684)
Rating - 4 Stars
Plot Summary - Ikigai is a Japanese phenomenon commonly understood as “your reason to get up in the morning.” Ikigai can be small moments: the morning air, a cup of coffee, a compliment. It can also be deep convictions: a fulfilling job, lasting friendships, balanced health. Whether big or small, your ikigai is the path to success and happiness in your own life.
Author Ken Mogi introduces five pillars of ikigai to help you make the most of each day and become your most authentic self:
1.?starting small?→ focus on the details
2.?releasing yourself?→ accept who you are
3.?harmony and sustainability?→ rely on others
4.?the joy of little things → appreciate the sensory pleasure
5.?being in the here and now?→ find your flow.
Weaving together insights from Japanese history, philosophy, and modern culture, plus stories from renowned sushi chef Jiro Ono, anime filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, and others, Mogi skillfully shows the way to awaken?your?ikigai.
My Review - Finally, I got the chance to read one of the most read and full of Wisdom book 'Ikigai'. But did I read the right book I was supposed to read? I guess, both Yes and No. I was willing and planning to read 'Ikigai' by Hector Garcia Puigcerver but I ran into this the one by Ken Mogi and I guess this was the right book for me. Initially, I thought I was reading the book I intended to but later a friend of mine told me that I'm reading another book that goes by the same name. Funny right?
So, fortunately, this book didn't let me down at all. All I wanted to explore was the Zen and calmness of Japanese and that all sums up in this book 'Awakening Your Ikigai'. The book dissects the concept of Ikigai i.e. 'Reasons to Live' into 5 pillars. Thus, making it easy to understand and add into a readers life. Each Pillar of Ikigai is covered under many chapters and explained so lightly and so descriptively into the stories of actual citizens of Japan. The stories are real and they all are Heartfelt. The best t above all is that the book also talks about the very culture of Japan that always fascinated me. May it be the Famous humongous Sumo fights or the Chess game that everyone loves to play their. The author also added the stories that talk about the Architecture of Japanese buildings and temple and how the same family for many many generations take cares of it and how the same family of masons shape the exact architecture every few years for renovation in the same traditional form that was done when the temple was originally made, some that are many centuries old. I think if you're searching for a book to read more about Japanese culture which has its roots from the concept of Ikigai, you must pick this one up. It'll not only tell you about Japan but will also kindle something for the betterment of one's self.
Conclusion - Contains the basic yet the best insights of Ikigai.
Full Review on Blog.
Link to Blog -
May 9, 2019
This book review was first published on What's Hot? .
Hygge was last year's trend, this year it's Ikigai. It's a concept that the Japanese roughly translate as "a reason to get up in the morning". Supposedly it's the secret to their record-breaking longevity, sensory beauty and mindfulness, too. It's impossible to describe ikigai in just one sentence because it means so many different things and is likely to be interpreted a little different by every single one of us. However, there are five foundational pillars that are key to ikigai:
Pillar 1: Starting small
Pillar 2: Releasing yourself
Pillar 3:Harmony and sustainability
Pillar 4:The joy of little things
Pillar 5:Being in the here and now
It's not hard to see the connection between ikigai and the growing trend of "mindfulness". What is interesting, however, is that this concept has existed in Japan for centuries and centuries and is ingrained in their very culture.?Having just visited Japan, it was fascinating to learn more about what makes Japanese people tick. Many of the things Mogi explains are things that I noticed myself in Japan, but couldn't understand. For one, they are the most polite nation of people I have ever encountered. Another thing is that they keep their country incredibly clean - despite the lack of bins! Knowing that the five pillars ikigai drive most Japanese people, I now understand how these things may have come to be.
I didn't expect author Ken Mogi to give us such a detailed and intricate insight into Japanese history and culture. All of the examples he uses are deeply rooted in Japanese culture from sumo wrestling to Comiket, a Japanese comic book convention. He uses examples from the present day and from the 17th century, showing how the concept of ikigai is seeped into every aspect of Japanese life throughout history. This only proves that ikigai is for everyone. For every single person on this planet, regardless of age or gender. It's a movement that transcends time and I hope it is something that we in the West can learn from and adopt ourselves.
Ikigai will remind you to enjoy the little things in life. To really think about what it is that makes you happy and encourage you to work on it, little by little, with no expectation of reward. This is the true path to being happy with oneself. Many people find Ikigai leads them to success, but many will not. No matter what though, we are all equal. All aspirations are given equal importance whether it is creating a leading global business or drawing a picture that pleases you. Mogi's book reminds us that success and money aren't everything and that if we appreciate the here and now, the small moments that make up the bigger picture of life, we can find our own purpose in life and be happy.
All in all,is a really insightful and motivational read. It's quite short so you'll zip through it in a couple of hours and if you don't feel like your perspective on the little things in life has changed then go back and read it all again. For fans of Japanese culture and those that know it well, this may just give you a fresh perspective on the things you already know and love about Japan. For those that know nothing about Ikigai or Japan, this should be an enlightening and eye opening read about how others live across the seas.
Have you heard of Ikigai before? What's your reason for getting out of bed in the morning? Let me know in the comments below!
Many thanks to Quercus for providing me with a copy for review! All opinions are my own.?
Find more book reviews on What's Hot? .
April 1, 2018
I struggled mightily with this one, yet there were things about the Japanese culture that were really interesting. (Which is why I'm giving it a three instead of two.)
Mogi starts with the basic pillars of Ikigai, good, and then goes onto attempt to give examples of the pillars of Ikigai in current Japan. That is where it get's confusing, since they aren't all examples of every pillar, don't feature the pillars in any sort of order that would help, and really try to pound in the pillars by using the same words or phrases over and over again.
My issue is that if the wording of the pillars and the concept of Ikigai don't make sense in the first section, the rest isn't going to make sense either when you're using the same terms and phrases.
Now, there are some major redeeming factors as I mentioned. Learning about how certain aspects of the Japanese culture developed and why was fascinating and kept me pleasantly reading while desperately in search of a better understanding of the point of the book, Ikigai.
Lately, I've been reading a lot of books on Eastern Philosophy and Psychology and having been rewarded with many new views, I hoped to get the same from Awakening Your Ikigai. That wasn't the case, yet I did learn a lot which is one of my personal pillars of reading, you might say.
Mogi starts with the basic pillars of Ikigai, good, and then goes onto attempt to give examples of the pillars of Ikigai in current Japan. That is where it get's confusing, since they aren't all examples of every pillar, don't feature the pillars in any sort of order that would help, and really try to pound in the pillars by using the same words or phrases over and over again.
My issue is that if the wording of the pillars and the concept of Ikigai don't make sense in the first section, the rest isn't going to make sense either when you're using the same terms and phrases.
Now, there are some major redeeming factors as I mentioned. Learning about how certain aspects of the Japanese culture developed and why was fascinating and kept me pleasantly reading while desperately in search of a better understanding of the point of the book, Ikigai.
Lately, I've been reading a lot of books on Eastern Philosophy and Psychology and having been rewarded with many new views, I hoped to get the same from Awakening Your Ikigai. That wasn't the case, yet I did learn a lot which is one of my personal pillars of reading, you might say.
June 30, 2018
????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????
???????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????
??????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????
???????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????? ???????????????????
???????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????
??????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????
???????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????? ???????????????????
January 7, 2018
Awakening Your Ikagai by Ken Mogi explains that Ikigai (roughly described as the pleasures and meanings of life) has 5 Pillars:
1 - Starting small; focusing on doing a certain thing (or part of a thing) very well
2 - Releasing yourself; accepting who you are, and allowing yourself to be open to your place in the greater community
3 - Harmony & sustainability - recognizing that the permanence of anything includes getting along with and relying on others
4 - The joy of small things - appreciating the sensory pleasure of everything around you
5 - Being in the here and now - living in this moment now
The majority of the book is focused on descriptions of the Japanese culture, and is written in a rather awkward way. This made it difficult for me to pick out the little nuggets of insight into Ikigai itself. After reading the book, I'm still doubtful as to what Ikagai actually means. I wish the author was a bit more straight-forward in laying out what he wanted to get across to the reader.
Many thanks to NetGalley and The Experiment for allowing me to read an e-copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
1 - Starting small; focusing on doing a certain thing (or part of a thing) very well
2 - Releasing yourself; accepting who you are, and allowing yourself to be open to your place in the greater community
3 - Harmony & sustainability - recognizing that the permanence of anything includes getting along with and relying on others
4 - The joy of small things - appreciating the sensory pleasure of everything around you
5 - Being in the here and now - living in this moment now
The majority of the book is focused on descriptions of the Japanese culture, and is written in a rather awkward way. This made it difficult for me to pick out the little nuggets of insight into Ikigai itself. After reading the book, I'm still doubtful as to what Ikagai actually means. I wish the author was a bit more straight-forward in laying out what he wanted to get across to the reader.
Many thanks to NetGalley and The Experiment for allowing me to read an e-copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 31, 2017
Ikigai is about how the Japanese in particular have learned to enjoy the little things in life.
Thankfully, the book itself is a reading experience that flies by without any hassel. The double spaced print of the print and the easy to read writing style helps with this.
Most of the book consists of the author talking about how Japanese people in different professions and hobbies (i.e. Sushi Chefs, Sumo Wrestlers, amateur manga artists, and more) find a reason for living in the day to day, minute to minute, minutae of their lives.
I recommend it to anyone who could benefit from an intellectual vacation from the restlessly entrepreneurial sprit of the world in 2017.
Thankfully, the book itself is a reading experience that flies by without any hassel. The double spaced print of the print and the easy to read writing style helps with this.
Most of the book consists of the author talking about how Japanese people in different professions and hobbies (i.e. Sushi Chefs, Sumo Wrestlers, amateur manga artists, and more) find a reason for living in the day to day, minute to minute, minutae of their lives.
I recommend it to anyone who could benefit from an intellectual vacation from the restlessly entrepreneurial sprit of the world in 2017.
June 17, 2020
I like this book because the author explains the concept of IKIGAI in simple explanations. The author not only wrote about Japanese culture, he also related it with other cultures as well. I now know what my IKIGAI is - teaching.
July 20, 2022
Nice to learn some things about Japan and its culture :)
November 25, 2024
Ikigai ou a Raz?o de Viver
Ikigai é uma palavra japonesa que significa literalmente raz?o de viver. Quanto a mim, após a leitura deste livro, entendi o ikigai como um estado de harmonia com o todo. Exemplificando, diz-se que alcan?ou um estado de ikigai aquele que encara a sua profiss?o simultaneamente como voca??o e meta social - o trabalho é considerado um conjunto de tarefas socialmente úteis que s?o recompensadas com uma remunera??o. Porém, esta n?o passa dum corolário duma miss?o prazerosa e n?o um fim em si. Aqueles que conquistaram essa atitude encontram-se num estado de celebra??o permanente - alcan?aram o Ikigai, a sua raz?o de viver…
O Pequeno Livro do Ikigai é também uma viagem pelo Jap?o. N?o sob aquela perspectiva do “turista gafanhoto” que saltita por aí, mas sob um ponto de vista comportamental. Os nipónicos s?o um povo estranho. N?o duma forma aberrante mas racional; s?o duma estranheza que faz sentido. Conhecê-los foi uma experiência deveras enriquecedora…
Ikigai é uma palavra japonesa que significa literalmente raz?o de viver. Quanto a mim, após a leitura deste livro, entendi o ikigai como um estado de harmonia com o todo. Exemplificando, diz-se que alcan?ou um estado de ikigai aquele que encara a sua profiss?o simultaneamente como voca??o e meta social - o trabalho é considerado um conjunto de tarefas socialmente úteis que s?o recompensadas com uma remunera??o. Porém, esta n?o passa dum corolário duma miss?o prazerosa e n?o um fim em si. Aqueles que conquistaram essa atitude encontram-se num estado de celebra??o permanente - alcan?aram o Ikigai, a sua raz?o de viver…
O Pequeno Livro do Ikigai é também uma viagem pelo Jap?o. N?o sob aquela perspectiva do “turista gafanhoto” que saltita por aí, mas sob um ponto de vista comportamental. Os nipónicos s?o um povo estranho. N?o duma forma aberrante mas racional; s?o duma estranheza que faz sentido. Conhecê-los foi uma experiência deveras enriquecedora…
March 22, 2018
Yapon m?d?niyy?tind? ikiqai n? dem?kdir? B?s ikiqai insan h?yat?na n?l?r qata bil?r? Ken Moqi bütün kitab boyu bu suallar? ara?d?r?r v? oxucuya ?atd?rma?a ?al???r.
Düzü, kitab haqq?nda oxuyanda daha ?ox ikiqai f?ls?f?sinin günd?lik istifad? qaydalar?ndan b?hs ed?c?yini dü?üns?m d?, buna rast g?lm?dim. Kitab daha ?ox yapon m?d?niyy?tinin müxt?lif sah?l?rind? - sumo, su?i, inc?s?n?t, anime, ?d?biyyat - u?ur qazanm?? ??xsl?rin ikiqainin oldu?unu, yaln?z bu dü?ünc? il? qaba?a getdikl?rini v? xo?b?xt olduqlar?n? t?svir edir, yapon mentalitetinin bazas?nda duran bir m?s?l? kimi ara?d?r?l?r.
Düzü, kitab n? elmi ?s?r idi, n? d? tam ??xsi inki?af kitab?. Sanki Ken-san bütün oxudu?u, bildiyi m?lumatlar? ikiqaila ?laq?l?ndirib bir kitaba s????d?r?b, ?s?rd? büt?vlük ?atm?rd?. V? yapon m?d?niyy?ti il? yax?ndan tan??s?n?zsa, ?ox yeni bir ?ey ?yr?n? bilm?y?c?ksiniz, sad?c?, onun ikiqaila ba?lanmas?n? (b?zi yerl?rd? düzü süni g?ldi m?n? - m?s?l?n, cosplay) ?yr?n? bil?rsiz, amma birinci d?f? bu m?d?niyy?tl? ba?l? kitab oxuyursunuzsa, t?vsiy? ed?rdim.
Düzü, kitab haqq?nda oxuyanda daha ?ox ikiqai f?ls?f?sinin günd?lik istifad? qaydalar?ndan b?hs ed?c?yini dü?üns?m d?, buna rast g?lm?dim. Kitab daha ?ox yapon m?d?niyy?tinin müxt?lif sah?l?rind? - sumo, su?i, inc?s?n?t, anime, ?d?biyyat - u?ur qazanm?? ??xsl?rin ikiqainin oldu?unu, yaln?z bu dü?ünc? il? qaba?a getdikl?rini v? xo?b?xt olduqlar?n? t?svir edir, yapon mentalitetinin bazas?nda duran bir m?s?l? kimi ara?d?r?l?r.
Düzü, kitab n? elmi ?s?r idi, n? d? tam ??xsi inki?af kitab?. Sanki Ken-san bütün oxudu?u, bildiyi m?lumatlar? ikiqaila ?laq?l?ndirib bir kitaba s????d?r?b, ?s?rd? büt?vlük ?atm?rd?. V? yapon m?d?niyy?ti il? yax?ndan tan??s?n?zsa, ?ox yeni bir ?ey ?yr?n? bilm?y?c?ksiniz, sad?c?, onun ikiqaila ba?lanmas?n? (b?zi yerl?rd? düzü süni g?ldi m?n? - m?s?l?n, cosplay) ?yr?n? bil?rsiz, amma birinci d?f? bu m?d?niyy?tl? ba?l? kitab oxuyursunuzsa, t?vsiy? ed?rdim.
March 27, 2019
?????? ????????????????????? ????????????????????????? ??????????? ?????? ?? google ????????????????????????
???????????????????????? ?????? ????????????????????????
????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????? ??????????????? ????????????? 5 ??????? ????????????????? google
??????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????(???????,???????????????)
????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ??????????? ????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????
???????????????????????? ?????? ????????????????????????
????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
?????????????????????????????? ??????????????? ????????????? 5 ??????? ????????????????? google
??????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????(???????,???????????????)
????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ??????????? ????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????
July 17, 2018
Pretty neat book to read when you are relaxing. Too much examples as the book could be summarised in 10 pages or so.
Principles i learnt:
1. Harmony ib life makes things easier, work better and life happier
2. Take note of every small thing that makes life different
3. Take small steps and have full attention to detail to achieve state of flow.
Like how pottery craftsman put long hours to create intrinsic starry bowl, we too should put our attention to doing small task we set for ourself as perfect as possible. That focus and attitude achieves the state of flow.
Principles i learnt:
1. Harmony ib life makes things easier, work better and life happier
2. Take note of every small thing that makes life different
3. Take small steps and have full attention to detail to achieve state of flow.
Like how pottery craftsman put long hours to create intrinsic starry bowl, we too should put our attention to doing small task we set for ourself as perfect as possible. That focus and attitude achieves the state of flow.
June 2, 2023
It’s always interesting when a part of Japanese culture (that isn’t anime or manga) becomes really popular across the world. When I was job hunting in my last year of university, I heard the term “やりがい (yarigai)” so many times! And as it turns out, yarigai (which can be translated as “the motivation to work” or “the motivation to do” is a narrower version of “ikigai”.
In The Little Book of Ikigai, Ken Mogi introduces this Japanese concept. Mogi describes ‘ikigai’ as “a Japanese word for describing the pleasures and meaning of life” and “the reason for getting up in the morning“. In other words, it’s your purpose for living. While this is probably a world-wide concept, Mogi clearly shows how the Japanese version of ‘purpose’ is unique through the five pillars:
Start small
Release yourself
Harmony and sustainability
The joy of little things
Being in the here and now
One thing that struck me about these five pillars is how ambition or big dreams aren’t necessary for one to discover their ikigai. In fact, finding pleasure in the small joys in life is one of the pillars of ikigai. As I understand it, ikigai is about learning to forget yourself and embracing your interests, no matter how small they are or how little your chances of becoming famous through them is.
Personally, I found this to be a pretty liberating concept. I’ve talked about this obliquely on the blog before, but I find that the “hustle culture” of our times has a habit of making hobbies tiring and sometimes, performative. The concept of re-orientating my mindset so that the focus is on being the best I can, whether it’s writing a story or a blogpost, sounds very appealing, if slightly out of reach right now.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the lessons in it. I’m actually really glad that I bought a copy of this because I can see myself revisiting this book – I definitely want to continue developing my ideas about my personal standards for success/happiness (especially since we’re in the last quarter of the year!)
This review was first posted at
ETA 2/6/23: I reread the book and wrote a bit more on ikigai in the Japanese vs Western sense
In The Little Book of Ikigai, Ken Mogi introduces this Japanese concept. Mogi describes ‘ikigai’ as “a Japanese word for describing the pleasures and meaning of life” and “the reason for getting up in the morning“. In other words, it’s your purpose for living. While this is probably a world-wide concept, Mogi clearly shows how the Japanese version of ‘purpose’ is unique through the five pillars:
Start small
Release yourself
Harmony and sustainability
The joy of little things
Being in the here and now
One thing that struck me about these five pillars is how ambition or big dreams aren’t necessary for one to discover their ikigai. In fact, finding pleasure in the small joys in life is one of the pillars of ikigai. As I understand it, ikigai is about learning to forget yourself and embracing your interests, no matter how small they are or how little your chances of becoming famous through them is.
Personally, I found this to be a pretty liberating concept. I’ve talked about this obliquely on the blog before, but I find that the “hustle culture” of our times has a habit of making hobbies tiring and sometimes, performative. The concept of re-orientating my mindset so that the focus is on being the best I can, whether it’s writing a story or a blogpost, sounds very appealing, if slightly out of reach right now.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the lessons in it. I’m actually really glad that I bought a copy of this because I can see myself revisiting this book – I definitely want to continue developing my ideas about my personal standards for success/happiness (especially since we’re in the last quarter of the year!)
This review was first posted at
ETA 2/6/23: I reread the book and wrote a bit more on ikigai in the Japanese vs Western sense
September 15, 2020
????????????????? - ??????? (???????????)
??????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????? ???? "?????????????" ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????? ??????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
??????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? (????!) ???????????????????? ?????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
..???????????? ??????????????????????????????.. ??????????????????????? ??????????
????????????????, ????????????????, ??????????????????????, ??????????????????? ???????????????? ?????? ???????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????
??????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????? ???? "?????????????" ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????? ??????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
??????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? (????!) ???????????????????? ?????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
..???????????? ??????????????????????????????.. ??????????????????????? ??????????
????????????????, ????????????????, ??????????????????????, ??????????????????? ???????????????? ?????? ???????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????
June 26, 2018
So, I've joined a "Women in Leadership" programme being run by the ICAEW, and as part of that, I now have a mentor, Belinda (who is totally brilliant), and she's been talking to me about where I go next with my life, now that I am a free woman.
She recommended this book to me, while I ponder the question about what I actually like to to do and what sort of things make me happy. As it says in the title...it is quite a little book, didn't take me too long to read it. What it did do was reinforce my desire to go visit Japan (Bob and Debs went earlier in the year and it looked truly amazing from their pics).
And it did give me a bit of a reality check/a reminder to slow down and think. There is genuine happiness to be found in appreciating the small things in life.
I can heartily recommend and know a few of my friends might find it helpful to peruse.
She recommended this book to me, while I ponder the question about what I actually like to to do and what sort of things make me happy. As it says in the title...it is quite a little book, didn't take me too long to read it. What it did do was reinforce my desire to go visit Japan (Bob and Debs went earlier in the year and it looked truly amazing from their pics).
And it did give me a bit of a reality check/a reminder to slow down and think. There is genuine happiness to be found in appreciating the small things in life.
I can heartily recommend and know a few of my friends might find it helpful to peruse.
August 2, 2018
Ca s? tr?ie?ti mult, trebuie s? fii mereu activ. Poate, ?ntr-adev?r, fizic nu po?i fii activ pentru totdeauna, dar esen?ialul este ca mintea s? fie activ?, flexibil? ?i dornic? s? ?nve?e ?n continuare.
Cam asta este o parte din filosofia ikigai, aceea care spune c? dac? ai pasiuni, dac? ?i-ai stabilit un scop ?n via??, vei fi mereu alert ?i, probabil, fericit. Ken Mogi contribuie cu ?nc? o carte interesant? la descoperirea conceptului, f?c?nd multiple analogii cu via?a Japoniei ?i a japonezilor.
Este ?n acela?i timp o carte de dezvoltare personal? real? (nu prostii gen ”10 pa?i medita?ionali pentru a reu?i la burs?”) ?i o carte de ?n?elegere a culturii, filosofiei ?i istoriei Japoniei.
Cam asta este o parte din filosofia ikigai, aceea care spune c? dac? ai pasiuni, dac? ?i-ai stabilit un scop ?n via??, vei fi mereu alert ?i, probabil, fericit. Ken Mogi contribuie cu ?nc? o carte interesant? la descoperirea conceptului, f?c?nd multiple analogii cu via?a Japoniei ?i a japonezilor.
Este ?n acela?i timp o carte de dezvoltare personal? real? (nu prostii gen ”10 pa?i medita?ionali pentru a reu?i la burs?”) ?i o carte de ?n?elegere a culturii, filosofiei ?i istoriei Japoniei.
May 21, 2019
Bangsa Jepang memang mengagumkan.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,598 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.