I really appreciated this inspiring, motivational read! It was easy to read, and a good reminder to appreciate the small things in life.

I truly accessible book on the Japanese way to make the most of your like. An interesting and helpful book, I recommend it.

**I received an electronic ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review of this book.

Awakening Your Ikigai: How the Japanese Wake Up to Joy and Purpose Every Day guides the reader through the five central pillars of ikigai throughout the book:
1. starting small
2. releasing yourself
3. harmony and sustainability
4. the joy of little things
5. being in the here and now
Ken Mogi references examples of ikigai in Japanese history, as well as, modern civilization. Using these references the author introduces the reader to Japanese philosophy and culture.
I enjoyed reading this book. I like the window into Japanese culture, the stories referenced were a pleasurable read. It also offered me reminders of what I should be working towards each day. I personally favor a more linear format, but the author's choice of formatting might appeal to other readers.

This book gives you a reminder that you should slow down and enjoy the small things around you. Some good advice in today's stressful environment.

Really enjoyed this, and will take forward the practice of bringing more purpose to everyday life through the concept of my own ikigai.

#AwakeningYourIkigai #NetGalley

This A to Z guide about the practice of the Ikigai. A marvelous blend between theory and practice with a focus on the progress of the reader.

As many of us become increasingly frustrated by our inability to affect change, have our voice heard, and swept into the tumult, these simple principles allow oneself to return to perspective.

I really liked the premise of the book and was looking forward to learning more about developing the skill within myself. The information provided was very interesting and kept me engaged. I was just disappointed that I wasn't able to relate all the information provided to self-improvement. I can tell a lot of effort was made in collecting the historical information and I do appreciate this. The book was just a little disappointing for me.

This book for me was a huge eye opener into the cultural traditions and perspectives of the Japanese people. It made me realize that I am focusing my energy on the wrong things and I need to direct my focus onto being in the moment, appreciating where I am, and learning to be grateful for the small things. The hardest part for me is also learning to love and accept myself as who I am.
This book would be a great read for someone looking into self-improvement and performing a perspective "reset" on their outlook on life.

This book shares information on Japanese culture as well as how we can use ikigai in the West. I will try to incorporate these small moments and actions into my life, and recommend this book to others!

I struggled mightily with this one, yet there were things about the Japanese culture that were really interesting. (Which is why I'm giving it a three instead of two.)

Mogi starts with the basic pillars of Ikigai, good, and then goes onto attempt to give examples of the pillars of Ikigai in current Japan. That is where it get's confusing, since they aren't all examples of every pillar, don't feature the pillars in any sort of order that would help, and really try to pound in the pillars by using the same words or phrases over and over again.

My issue is that if the wording of the pillars and the concept of Ikigai don't make sense in the first section, the rest isn't going to make sense either when you're using the same terms and phrases.

Now, there are some major redeeming factors as I mentioned. Learning about how certain aspects of the Japanese culture developed and why was fascinating and kept me pleasantly reading while desperately in search of a better understanding of the point of the book, Ikigai.

Lately, I've been reading a lot of books on Eastern Philosophy and Psychology and having been rewarded with many new views, I hoped to get the same from Awakening Your Ikigai. That wasn't the case, yet I did learn a lot which is one of my personal pillars of reading, you might say.

Author’s voice was undistinctive and a little lacking in personality. It made it hard to find the book persuasive or compelling.

Full disclosure: I received an e-galley copy of this book from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Mr. Mogi gives examples of ikigai, which describes the pleasures and meanings of life. In the American way of thinking, it would be our reason for getting up in the morning.

The author gives great detail of examples of ikigai and the historical background, as well as, the thrill of creativity even when no one is watching. The process in the here and now should be the reward, not the reception and recognition afterwards.

Recommended for public libraries.

I loved the premise of this book. I liked learning about Ikigai. It was entertaining and helpful.

Some of the examples used to illuminate "ikigai" seemed a little stretched, but overall this is a nice book to introduce the Japanese culture.

I expected more. It was a bunch of stories on how to live with the ikigai mindset. I personally did not find it helpful.

This book was lovely! A fun read with practical advice based around the 5 pillars of ikigai. My favorite advice was about the small moments--it took away some of the pressure to come up with a profound purpose in life (at least for now). I've read a few books about ikigai recently, and while they all cover similar stories and concepts, this one is by far my favorite.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley to read in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the author for introducing me to Ikigai and how it pertains to Japanese culture, as I had never heard of this before.
The lessons are easy to follow and understand, but are monumental. I highly recommend this book!

The Danish have their hygge, used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cosy, charming or special. Now the Japanese introduce their version of hygge, known as Ikigai pronounced (ee-kee-gah-ee), the concept that means "a reason for being." Ikigai is usually used to indicate the source of value in one's life or the things that make one's life worthwhile. Also, the word is used to refer to mental and spiritual circumstances under which individuals feel that their lives are valuable. It's not linked to one's financial status. Putting together insights from Japanese history, philosophy, and modern culture, plus stories from renowned sushi chef Jiro Ono, anime filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, and others, Ken Mogi skillfully shows the way to awaken your ikigai.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Awakening Your Ikigai by Ken Mogi. A descriptive and instructional book of the Five Pillars of Ikigai. These five pillars involve starting small, releasing yourself, harmony and sustainability, the joy of small things and being in the here and now and can lead anyone into a more enjoyable, fulfilling life. The five pillars or principles of Ikigai remind us to begin at the beginning and don’t expect perfection immediately but continue to strive for perfection in all that we do. The principles also help us keep our focus on the joy of living in each and every day. Balance or harmony is also important and living each moment fully instead of rushing through our lives is a key to Ikigai. Peaceful and inspiring, Awakening Your Ikigai is easy to understand and follow to bring true and pure happiness into our lives. 4 stars.