A summary of Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, translated by Heather Cleary (Penguin Books, 2017). By Marc Reflects Why do some communities have so many people who reach the age of 100 while remaining active and engaged in life? In Ikigai , Héctor García and Francesc Miralles explore this question through research, interviews, and observations, including their visit to Ogimi, a village in northern Okinawa known for its long-lived residents. Their book explores habits associated with longevity and well-being, from maintaining a sense of purpose to staying physically active and nurturing social relationships. Among its most practical lessons is a simple eating principle: stop before you feel completely full. This article summarizes the book’s main ideas, with particular attention to hara hachi bu , the Japanese practice of eating until you are approximately 80% full. Traditional Japanese foods discussed in the book...
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