Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

• The book explores the relationship between purpose and well-being, drawing particular inspiration from the long-lived communities of Okinawa, Japan. It encourages readers to slow down, nurture relationships, remain active, pursue meaningful interests and find activities that create a sense of flow and satisfaction.

• Héctor García is a Spanish author who has lived in Japan for many years and has written extensively about Japanese culture. A former software engineer who worked at CERN, he is also the author of A Geek in Japan. Francesc Miralles is an internationally bestselling author whose work focuses on well-being and living well. Together, they travelled to Okinawa and interviewed local residents about their philosophy of longevity and happiness.

Ikigai encourages readers to identify the activities, relationships, values and ambitions that give their lives purpose. Drawing on Japanese traditions and insights from Okinawa's long-lived population, García and Miralles discuss healthy habits, community, mindfulness, passion and the importance of staying engaged with life. The central message is that a meaningful life can be built by understanding one's personal reason for living and incorporating it into everyday choices.