Ikigai books to sit with, not speed through.
This is a curated list of books that explore ikigai from different angles — cultural, personal, and practical. Some are rooted in Japanese perspectives, others bring fresh interpretations. These aren’t books to rush, but to return to as you reflect on your own path.
For English Readers
Why this book?
Nick Kemp takes a thoughtful, research-based approach to ikigai — grounded in cultural respect and emotional insight. What makes this book stand out is how he brings to light the work of Mieko Kamiya, often called the Mother of Ikigai, whose 1966 book Ikigai ni Tsuite introduced the term ikigai-kan (the feeling of ikigai). Nick not only translates her ideas into accessible language, but also expands them visually with the ‘Kamiya Flower’ and draws connections to contemporary voices like Ken Mogi.
If you’re looking to read just one book on Ikigai, this is my personal recommendation.
Why this book?
Ken Mogi, a Japanese neuroscientist and prolific communicator, offers a unique blend of scientific insight and cultural perspective. Interestingly, he wrote this book first in English — a choice that makes his ideas especially accessible to global readers — and later had it translated into Japanese.
In this book, he introduces the 5 Pillars of Ikigai — a simple yet powerful framework for understanding how ikigai takes root and grows in daily life. I often refer to these pillars in my own study group sessions, as they offer a practical lens for shared reflection.
Why this book?
This is the book that brought ikigai into global awareness. García and Miralles explore its meaning by connecting themes like logotherapy, flow, longevity, and resilience, drawing from the lives of Japan’s centenarians — especially in Okinawa. It also introduced the now-famous Ikigai Venn Diagram.
If the diagram sparked your curiosity, this is a good place to begin. That said, I encourage you to read it with your own feelings in mind. Personally, the diagram didn’t fully capture my experience of ikigai — and that inspired me to explore and adapt the concept in ways that felt more true to life.
For Japanese Readers
Why this book?
If you read Japanese, this is the one book I wholeheartedly recommend. It deeply moved me — one of the rare works that genuinely shifted how I view life and meaning. For English readers, IKIGAI-KAN by Nicholas Kemp is the next best entry point, as he respectfully presents much of Kamiya’s thinking in an accessible format.
Who is Mieko Kamiya?
Often regarded as the “Mother of Ikigai,” Mieko Kamiya laid the foundation for much of what we understand about ikigai today. Her work continues to inspire scholars and practitioners alike. Were she writing in today’s world, she would no doubt be recognized as a pioneering voice in what we now call positive psychology.
Why this book?
If you’re reading in Japanese, I recommend this bunko-size book over Awakening Your IKIGAI or The Little Book of Ikigai. What stands out most for me is the translator, Ayako Onzo. Having read both the English and Japanese versions, I found her word choices to be thoughtful and resonant — adding a unique layer of meaning to the text.
Who is Ayako Onzo?
A neuroscientist and close collaborator of Ken Mogi, Ayako Onzo is also known in Japan for openly sharing her personal experience caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease. Her honesty and insight have resonated deeply with many.