IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a Life Worth Living

Full disclosure: The author of this book is a friend, and I'm a member of his Ikigai Tribe community of coaches. However, I am not being paid for this review and would not publicly recommend his book if I didn't genuinely think it was an interesting and helpful read -- which I do! I read the book after already having spent several weeks making my way through Nick's Ikigai coach training, but still learned new things not covered in his course; that's how much breadth and depth there is to Nick's knowledge of ikigai and its context.I admire how extensively Nick has researched ikigai. He has left no stone unturned, scouring the literature for scholarly and lay explorations (some of which he personally translated from the original Japanese); interviewing friends, family, and researchers in Japan and part of the Japanese diaspora; and talking with experts on related topics (including Japanese calligraphy, pottery-making, and business).What results is a thorough and multifaceted exploration of what ikigai means in Japan -- and what it can mean to people elsewhere. Nick doesn't aggrandise ikigai and promise that it will change your world, but, in sharing stories from his own interactions with this concept, he does show how it has changed *his* world. These autobiographical touches speak to a deeper truth about the power of reflection and mindful living.As a teacher, I often mention ikigai when discussing reflection and contemplative practice. My students regularly ask for further reading to help them dive deeper into the topic. I am so pleased that I am now able to point them towards Nick's book, which provides a much more nuanced treatment of ikigai than I can manage in a single class. In addition to this depth, it is also full of fascinating tidbits -- etymologies, descriptions of Japanese traditions and practices, reflective prompts, and practical advice for increasing your ikigai-kan.Whether you're interested in Japanese culture, philosophy, reflective practice, personal transformation, or some combination of the above, this is a book well worth reading.

Nicholas Kemp has been able to articulate a fresh perspective on Ikigai.Far too often, the West is forced a commonly-incorrect perspective of Ikigai through articles and online memes which are shared through social media - however Kemp takes us back to the heart of Japan and seamlessly articulates what it means to experience Ikigai.They use contemporary research, literature, and their own experiences built up over time to provide enough detail for even those new to the subject to fully engage with this body of work.Looking forward to revisiting this book a second time as well as further works from Kemp.

This book is a thorough and multi-faceted take on a commonly misunderstood concept- Ikigai...Nick Kemp comprehensively breaks down and reviews Ikigai from both his own perspective, and also through the lens of a number of experts...the end result is a vivid depiction of an absorbing topic. This book invites you to live your life with Ikigai-kan, and feel all the better for it.

Nick Kemp has devoted many years of his life to understanding of the REAL meaning of Ikigai-Kan.In this seminal book, he demonstrates an incredible ability to explain a complex (and, frequently misrepresented concept) to anyone interested in adding value and joy to their life. As a long-term Master Certified Executive Coach, I'm very critical of authors who simply put other's ideas in a new wrapper. Nick Kemp has written a well-researched book that contains perspectives and freshly assembled ideas that can change and improve lives. Also, I found that his Ikigai-Gai Journal (also available on Amazon) provides a blueprint to convert Ikigai awareness into action. Thank you, Nick Kemp!

Nick Kemp’s new book is an absolute treasure trove of information on ikigai and the cultural gifts of Japan. He manages to thoroughly educate us on the nuances of concepts, often poorly understood, and with such warm heartedness for what it means to be fully human. I have not read a book on this subject that is so comprehensive and yet leaves me imbued with the “feeling” of what makes life worth living.I love this book! And, I will be giving away multiple copies. In my opinion it is a gem that anyone can learn and benefit from. And not by becoming rich or famous or trying to be a better version of who we are. Rather it is through noticing, appreciating, and acting with both grit and gentleness on what is right in front of us every day. The side effects of these discoveries are mostly joy, fulfillment, meaning and a reason to delightedly get up in the morning.

Though I bought kindle edition so that i can go through while on the go, I should have gone for a paper back instead. I might in future for sure.With so many books on ikigai, this one is authentic and a must have kinds.1. easy read2. So many cross reference on Ikigai (views from other practitioners - mainly from Japan)3. Breaks the concept into smaller parts - easy to absorb and go back to.10/10

It’s very interesting to read the Japanese perspective on Ikigai. I’m following the author for quite some time and listening to his podcasts. The book is basically all the information collected from the Podcasts plus additional sources and resources. It is nicely written, easy to read and packed with valuable information.

I’m a coach and I’m passionate about helping people to find meaning and fulfilment in their lives. This book is just about that. And how Japanese’s words and culture bring deep meaning into concepts with a little different approach that what we do in the west. Thanks to the writer and experts for all your work 🙏🏼Fantastic book, full of wisdom but easy to read. Learned a lot from it . Thanks to