Awakening Your Ikigai

How the Japanese Wake Up to Joy and Purpose Every Day

By: Ken Mogi

Narrated by: Matt Addis

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:

• One: starting small - focus on the details
• Two: releasing yourself - accept who you are
• Three: harmony and sustainability - rely on others
• Four: the joy of little things - appreciate sensory pleasure
• Five: 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.

©2018 Ken Mogi (P)2018 Tantor

SOMETHING I'VE HAD ALL ALONG AND NEVER REALISED.

This is a great book. It has helped me to organize some of my own thoughts and focus more on what and who I am. The authors goes on a few lengthy stories that often could be summarized or shortened, but overall a must read if you're still trying to find yourself.

Great way to center

I discovered this work Ikigai from a blog, so I wanted to find out what the deal was. This way of working on little things until you become a master immediately grabbed my attention. Since I started reading this book I have started incorporating Ikigai in my daily routine. It’s been amazing. Read it, love it, grow!

Explained the basics.

This book explaines the basics of Ikigai. It does tome illumination of the principles thru story. What i found anmoying was the constant referral to Japanese culture. It seemed more like culture worship than a real explanation of Ikigai.

The joy of little things

In a world where we have had to shift our work and personal lives amidst a pandemic, this book brings us back to our internal awareness and reminds us to start our day early in the sunlight and appreciate the little things. There is incredible depth and beauty in the meaning of Ikigai that we can all learn to practice and appreciate.

Not What I Expected

I was hoping this book would help me find my Ikigai. Instead I learned a lot about Japanese culture. Interesting but very little about Ikigai.

Interesting Perspective

Interesting philosophy from a perspective of Japanese culture and history. The bulk of the book is filled with examples and stories from Japanese society.

Ignore the Negative Reviews

This book was inspiring and helped me further understand Ikigai. He shared a lot of perspectives from the view point of individuals as well as Japanese culture at large. Each story helped explain the different ideas he was putting forth and did not detract from the main message. I actually enjoyed the different insights into people's lives. You can finish the whole book in one day, it's short and sweet. Now I'm inspired and ready to go live my Ikigai! May this review help you make the decision to purchase this book.

Not really about Ikigai

The narration is quite annoying when it comes to reading Japanese words. The subtitles tell you one thing but they do not deliver. This book is about the history of Japan, fish markets, sumo wrestlers, and the art of sushi. Not much to learn about how to find YOUR ikigai.

Very useful

Great narrator. Great book. Very useful, it gives you new insight. It has helped me a lot

A little food for thought

I enjoyed this audiobook overall. While it may have meandered a bit more than I would have preferred, I do think it is a good introduction to the ideas of Ikigai. I especially appreciated the discussion on doing things for the sake of making something beautiful or just because you enjoy it (as opposed to only pursuing interests that can bring an income). I also enjoyed the discussion of def acceptance and slowly refining your concept of self.