IKIGAI Book review

-Why did I pick up this book?

I was new to reading and wanted to get into the habit, so I looked up recommendations — and Ikigai was everywhere. I didn’t have any big expectations, just a simple curiosity and the hope of finding some wisdom through books.

The first time I read it, I was in 10th grade. Honestly? I found it boring. I couldn’t really grasp what the book was trying to say — maybe because my mind wasn’t fully ready to process that kind of information yet.

But when I revisited it later, it felt different. The same book that once bored me now felt like a little piece of bliss. Peaceful. Thoughtful. It started making sense in a quiet, beautiful way.

I’m sharing this little story to say — sometimes it’s not about the book being wrong, but the timing being off. Even the right thing can feel dull or meaningless if it comes at the wrong time. But when the timing aligns, it clicks. It works.

-Right at the start, the book throws a line at you:
“Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years.”
That one really stuck with me. It’s simple, but sharp — not in a motivational way, but in a matter-of-fact kind of way. Like, of course you need movement, purpose, and flow to even want a long life. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Even though I had mixed feelings about the book when I first read it, lines like this made me pause. It’s these quiet moments — short lines with deep meaning — that stand out the most. They don’t scream at you, they just stay in your head.

-Could I relate to the lifestyle and examples given?

Honestly, not really. The book focuses a lot on the Okinawan way of living — their peaceful mornings, simple meals, and close community. While it sounds lovely, it felt really far from my reality. Their calm, slow life didn’t match the noisy, competitive world I live in. It felt like two different worlds.

-What lessons did I take away?

One thing that stuck with me was the idea of logotherapy — this therapy that focuses on finding meaning even in difficult times. The book shares four case studies around this, showing how people find purpose even when life feels tough.

There’s also Morita therapy, a form of psychotherapy developed in Japan by Shoma Morita. It focuses on helping people accept their emotions and find harmony with nature and life’s challenges. It’s a holistic approach that emphasizes acceptance, action, and going with the natural flow of emotions. That part felt pretty real — like sometimes, you just have to let things be and focus on what you can do.
Plus, the book includes journaling prompts or questions that push you to self-analyze and reflect. It’s kind of like a gentle nudge to look inside yourself and think about what truly matters.

-Would I recommend this to someone — and if so, who?
If you’re looking for a gentle, reflective read and enjoy slow, lifestyle-focused books, Ikigai might resonate with you. But if you’re in a high-performance phase of life and need sharp, actionable direction, this book may feel a little… too calm.

-After reading it, what’s my current understanding of my own ikigai?

What keeps me going right now? I think it’s the small, consistent things — writing, reflecting, connecting with others. It’s not about finding one big purpose, but about creating a life that feels meaningful in everyday moments.