The people of Japan believe that everyone has an ikigai – a reason for being; the thing that gets you out of bed each morning. While I think the book is more about answering the basic question which we most of the time overlook. I'm the author of several Japanese culture books: The Magic of Japan, Ikigai the Japanese Secret for a Long and Happy Life, The Book of Ichigo Ichie, Shinrinyoku, The Ikigai Journey and A Geek in Japan.

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. Most of the things mentioned are things that make sense and I already knew from documentaries, books, medicine or real people! Hector Garcia (Author) Hector Garcia is a citizen of Japan, where he has lived for over a decade, and of Spain, where he was born.It is a Japanese concept that shows us the beauty of fleeting, changeable and imperfect nature of the world around us. I was always fascinated by Japanese people and their culture so a book about their secrets to long life should be interesting I thought and I picked it up. It was incredibly fascinating to read not only the information but also direct paragraphs written by some of the world longest living people. The Danish word hygge is one of those beautiful words that doesn't directly translate into English, but it more or less means comfort, warmth or togetherness.

Certainly, the authors can provide a neutral take on the concept, yet from my personal perspective, adding more of a nuance from their own opinions would be worth reading as well. This book is a paperback version of my mother's dos and don'ts list (which I conveniently ignore) - exercise, less salt, lesser sugar, more fruits, don't over-eat, put the phone down, talk to people.

It explains how it is an alternative to Psychotherapy (which I have been doing weekly for 4 years) - it is similar but different as it shows clearly in a table format. But there is a good deal more, including the sense of purpose and meaning that is common to those who have lived to an advanced age. It’s important to eat a diet high in antioxidants as they play an essential role in reducing the types of cell damage that contribute to aging, disease, and declining health.