Ikigai books and author videos
An expanding collection of captivating books and author videos for the study group.
Why recommend:
Nick employs a respectful, evidence-based approach to grasp and convey ikigai concepts. Most importantly, he interprets and shares the findings of Mieko Kamiya, the Mother of Ikigai, from her 1966 publication ‘Ikigai ni tsuite.’ She coined the term ikigai-kan and established the surrounding framework that Nick has visualized and introduced as the ‘Kamiya Flower.’ Additionally, Nick integrates insights from contemporary ikigai researchers and practitioners like Ken Mogi.
If you’re looking to read just one book on Ikigai, this is the one I recommend.
Why recommend:
Ken Mogi, an outspoken Japanese neuroscientist, shares his expertise through various media. Interestingly, although his native language is Japanese, he wrote this book in English and later had it translated back to Japanese.
In this book, he introduces the ‘5 pillars of ikigai’ – a supportive framework, the very foundations that allows ikigai to flourish. I have been using the framework to organize my ikigai study group discussions.
Why recommend:
This book catapulted the ikigai concept globally. Héctor García and Francesc Miralles respectfully explore the meaning of ikigai by connecting logotherapy, flow, longevity, diet, resilience, and lessons from Japan’s centenarians. The book also introduced the infamous Ikigai Venn Diagram.
If intrigued by the diagram, start with this book. Kindly judge whether it resonates with your ikigai. With sincere respect, the diagram didn’t work for me, leading me to tailor it to meet my needs.
Why recommend:
If you’re a Japanese reader, I highly recommend this book. I can honestly say it’s one of the few books that has touched and transformed my perspective on life. For English readers, the IKIGAI-KAN book is your next best choice as Nick respectfully shares much of Mieko Kamiya’s work
Who is Mieko Kamiya?
Ikigai scholars consider her the mother of ikigai and draw inspiration from her work. If she were around today, she would be recognized as a significant contributor to the field of positive psychology.
Why recommend:
If you’re a Japanese reader, I recommend this bunko-size book over ‘Awakening Your IKIGAI’ (and its counterpart, ‘Little Book of Ikigai’). What intrigues me most about this book is the translator, Ayako Onzo. Having read the book in both English and Japanese, I appreciate her thoughtful choice of words.
Who is Ayako Onzo?
She is a neuroscientist who has collaborated with Ken Mogi. Ayako is also well-known in Japan for courageously chronicling and sharing her experience of caring for her mother diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The NHK Documentary video is accessible until March 26, 2024.
Why recommend:
A fantastic read for adults to share with the youngsters they care about the most. Although the word ‘ikigai’ is never mentioned, the key takeaways and topics covered in the book align closely with the concept of ikigai. If one of your ikigai is to nurture and care for your little ones, this book is for you.
Who is Nishita Roy-Pope?
She is the founder and CEO of a growing startup venture focused on empowering young people to develop key early learning skills, including STEM, communication, and collaboration, while fostering an appreciation for diversity. I am a huge fan and supporter of her work, including TRIBE ACADEMY.
Why recommend:
Are you already practicing ‘Design Thinking,’ or are you interested in applying it to design your life? This book is for you. Authors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans co-founded the Life Design Lab at Stanford, offering courses, workshops, and resources to guide students in exploring their passions, values, and goals to create a purpose-driven life.
While the concept of ikigai is not explicitly mentioned, I find this approach to be super complementary for practicing ikigai-kan and balancing the seven needs.