Ikigai – Japanese words to live by

Submitted: 23rd January 2019

In the busy world, we live in today, this is a very special book. The author, Dr Mari Fujimoto is the Director of Japanese Studies at Queens College, New York and teaches all levels of Japanese language and linguistics. She believes that language learning is the first step towards the understanding of a culture.

This book aims to make you look at life a little differently and to think more calmly. It’s a lovely way of looking at Japan especially and seeing how people there use their language to influence their thoughts.

Ikigai – Japanese words to live by…

Ikigai & Other Japanese Words to Live By

The book is divided up into chapters:

Harmony

Beauty

Nature

Mindfullness

Gratitude

Time

Respect

Each chapter introduced words and concepts:

My favourite was Wabi Sabi in the ‘Beauty’ section. In the world of Instagram photos and body image, this was particularly nice to read. It means’ the beauty of imperfection.’

trees – Ikigai & Other Japanese Words to Live By

This concept of wabi sabi extends for everything. Wabi means ‘ seeking beauty and fulfillment from deficiency’. Sabi is the grace found in the decay and deterioration caused by the passage of time.

Take the humble Japanese garden for example. Pebbles and starkness for some. Beauty in simplicity for others. Pebbles create shadows and a sense that water is nearby. Still and pure. Relaxing. I think we could all take something from this idea!

Ikigai & Other Japanese Words to Live By

Ikigai – Japanese words to live by…

Then there was my personal favourite – Shinrinyoku – the sense of fulfillment you get when walking through a forest.

It’s not an old Japanese word surprisingly but one coined by the National Forest Agency in the 1980s. The phrase sums up every feeling of pleasure you get when in the middle of nature. The agency hoped that the word would encourage more people to go out more in nature. It helps reduce stress, and taking time to notice the small simple pleasures in life.

Ikigai & Other Japanese Words to Live By

This really is a lovely book. The muted tones of grey and white help to further illustrate what the simplicity in beauty really is all about. There are words, essays and stunning pictures. I love the way the Japanese language mirrors so closely their connection to the world and their emotions. I want to learn Japanese now.

Ikigai- Japanese words to live by is a lovely book to treasure