The Japanese talk about ikigai as `a reason to get up in the morning`. It is extraordinary that Japanese men`s longevity ranks 4th in the world, while Japanese women`s ranks 2nd. But perhaps this comes as no surprise when you know that the Japanese understanding of ikigai is embedded in their daily life & in absolutely everything that they do. In their professional careers, in their relationships with family members, in the hobbies they cultivate so meticulously. Ikigai is something that keeps one`s enthusiasm for life going, whether you are a cleaner of the famous Shinkansen bullet train, the mother of a newborn child or a Michelin-starred sushi chef. But how does one find ikigai? How does ikigai contribute to happiness? Neuroscientist & bestselling Japanese writer Ken Mogi provides an absorbing insight into this way of life, incorporating scientific research & first-hand experience, & providing a colourful narrative of Japanese culture at the same time.