“Ikigai” might be a good book for those who are currently struggling with finding meaning in their lives. It’s quite compact, being just about 185 pages long, and it is mostly filled with little tips inspired by places in Japan on how to live a long and happy life. Having previously read David A. Sinclair’s book “Lifespan” on the science of living the longest possible and healthiest life, this one here felt like a more condensed version of it, with a feel of lighter entertainment. If you would like to read a sweet, uplifting and optimistic little book, “Ikigai” might be the right one for you. If you’re rather interested in scientific details, well researched facts and something that feels more serious and academic, “Lifespan” would be the better choice for you.

According to scientists who have studied the five Blue Zones, the keys to longevity are diet, exercise, finding a purpose in life (an ikigai), and forming strong social ties – that is, having a broad circle of friends and good family relations.

p. 14

Little insights were shared on why being active one’s entire life long are beneficial, how dangerous stress is for the body or how much of a difference a varied diet can make. It was all cute and sweet but a lot of the facts sounded like they were pulled out of thin air. What added on was how repetitive it became at some point, you’ll be hearing the part about how important it is to meet with one’s friends at least 6-7 times within the book. Another element in the equation that were pulling the rating towards a negative direction were unclear graphics of exercises, other graphics that were repetitive and didn’t have any added value or phrases that were so general, they could come from any self-invented philosopher:

Live in the moment. Stop regretting the past and fearing the future. Today is all you have. Make the most of it. Make it worth remembering.

p. 185

Our intuition and curiosity are very powerful internal compasses to help us connect with our ikigai. Follow those things you enjoy, and get away from or change those you dislike.

p. 183

To me, there was nothing really new that I took away from the book. It might be interesting to those who have never read about research on the Blue Zones or what humans ideally need to grow old in a healthy way. As a personal opinion, I found it to be too superficial, disorganised in its structure, jumping from topic to topic and overly generalising. I didn’t absolutely hate it, so I settled on a rating of 2/5 ★ but I definitely won’t be suggesting it to anyone…

★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

_{Edition: ISBN 978-1-786-33089-5
Hutchinson London, 2017 (Originally published in 2016)}