Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

A Blue Zone is a geographic region where people live significantly longer than average, often with a high concentration of centenarians. The book identifies five such zones: Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Loma Linda (California), Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), and Ikaria (Greece). These areas are studied for their lifestyle factors, dietary habits, and social structures that contribute to increased longevity. The authors use Blue Zones as examples to illustrate how certain practices, including maintaining a sense of purpose or ikigai, can promote health and extend lifespan.

In the context of Ikigai, flow refers to a state of complete immersion in an activity, characterized by intense focus, loss of self-consciousness, and a distorted sense of time. It is a concept developed by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and is described as a state of optimal experience, during which an individual is fully engaged in what they are doing. The authors present flow as a crucial element in finding one’s ikigai or life purpose, arguing that activities that induce flow are often closely aligned with one’s passion and talents.

Hara hachi bu is a Japanese saying that advises eating until one feels 80% full. The book presents this concept as a key dietary practice in Okinawa that may contribute to the region’s high life expectancy. By stopping eating before feeling completely full, Okinawans are said to avoid overeating and reduce the stress of lengthy digestive processes on their bodies. The authors suggest that this practice helps maintain a healthy body weight and may contribute to the overall longevity observed in Okinawa.

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that represents a person’s reason for being or purpose in life. The authors present ikigai as a crucial factor in the longevity and well-being of people in Okinawa and other Blue Zones. They argue that having a clearly-defined ikigai brings satisfaction, happiness, and meaning to life, motivating individuals to remain active and engaged well into old age.

Logotherapy is a form of psychotherapy developed by Viktor Frankl that focuses on helping individuals find meaning in their lives. The book presents logotherapy as a method that encourages patients to discover their life's purpose and use it as motivation to overcome challenges and neuroses. Unlike traditional psychoanalysis, logotherapy is future-oriented and emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's life and choices.

Mabui refers to the concept of life essence or spirit in Okinawan culture. In the context of Ikigai, mabui is described as an immortal essence that defines who a person is. The authors explain that mabui can be transferred between people through physical contact or objects, and it can sometimes become trapped in living people after someone’s death. This spiritual concept reflects the deep interconnectedness of individuals in Okinawan culture and their belief in the continuity of life essence beyond physical existence.

Microflow is described in Ikigai as the ability to find enjoyment and engagement in mundane or routine tasks by adding a layer of complexity or personal challenge. It involves turning potentially boring activities into moments of minor flow, thus enhancing overall life satisfaction. The authors present microflow as a way to infuse everyday life with more meaning and pleasure, even when performing necessary but seemingly uninteresting tasks.

Moai refers to social support groups in Okinawan culture. These are informal groups of people with common interests who provide mutual support and companionship. In the book, moai are presented as important social structures that contribute to the longevity and well-being of Okinawans. Members of a moai make regular financial contributions, participate in shared activities, and provide emotional and practical support to one another. The authors suggest that being part of a moai helps maintain emotional and financial stability, thereby potentially increasing life expectancy.

Morita therapy is a Japanese psychological treatment developed by Shoma Morita. The book describes it as an approach that focuses on accepting one's emotions without trying to control them, while also emphasizing the importance of purposeful action. Morita therapy is presented as complementary to the concept of ikigai, encouraging individuals to discover their life purpose through experience and mindful engagement with daily activities.

Radio Taiso is a Japanese morning exercise routine discussed in Ikigai as a practice that promotes health and longevity. It consists of simple, gentle movements performed in groups, typically to the accompaniment of music or instructions broadcast over radio or television. The authors describe Radio Taiso as a cultural institution in Japan, practiced in schools, businesses, and community gatherings to start the day with physical activity and foster a sense of unity among participants. In the context of the book, Radio Taiso exemplifies the importance of consistent, low-intensity movement in daily life, which is presented as a key factor in the longevity observed in Japanese communities like Ogimi. The practice aligns with the book’s emphasis on accessible, sustainable approaches to maintaining physical health and social connections, both of which contribute to a longer, more fulfilling life.

Ryukyu Shinto refers to the primary religion practiced in Okinawa, as described in Ikigai. Ryukyu Shinto is presented as a syncretic faith that combines elements of Chinese Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shintoism with shamanistic and animistic beliefs. The authors explain that this religion involves the belief in numerous spirits inhabiting the world and the importance of appeasing these spirits through rituals and festivals. Ryukyu Shinto, as portrayed in the book, plays a significant role in shaping the spiritual practices and worldview of Ogimi’s residents.

In the context of Ikigai, a stoic attitude refers to a mental approach characterized by calmness, resilience, and emotional stability in the face of life’s challenges. García and Miralles present this attitude as beneficial for longevity, suggesting that it helps reduce stress and anxiety levels. They associate this mindset with the ability to maintain serenity during setbacks, which they argue contributes to a more stable and potentially longer life.

The term “supercentenarians” is used in Ikigai to refer to individuals who have lived to be 110 years old or more. The authors present supercentenarians as examples of extreme longevity, often examining their lifestyles and attitudes for insights into the factors that contribute to an exceptionally long life. García and Miralles use the stories and traits of supercentenarians to illustrate and support their arguments about the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle, positive outlook, and sense of purpose well into advanced age.