The Little Book of Ikigai (Ken Mogi)

£4.00

The Little Book of Ikigai by Ken Mogi explores the Japanese concept of ikigai, or “reason for being,” as a pathway to a long, happy, and fulfilling life. Mogi identifies five pillars of ikigai — starting small, releasing yourself, harmony and sustainability, the joy of little things, and being in the here and now — showing how small, intentional actions and attitudes can cultivate purpose, motivation, and wellbeing in everyday life.

The Little Book of Ikigai by Ken Mogi explores the Japanese concept of ikigai, or “reason for being,” as a pathway to a long, happy, and fulfilling life. Mogi identifies five pillars of ikigai — starting small, releasing yourself, harmony and sustainability, the joy of little things, and being in the here and now — showing how small, intentional actions and attitudes can cultivate purpose, motivation, and wellbeing in everyday life.

  • From the GLAS Method perspective, The Little Book of Ikigai strongly reinforces Purpose / Meaning, Joy / Fulfilment, and Energy / Vitality by emphasising how meaningful engagement with life — rooted in passion and contribution — fuels sustained wellbeing. Ikigai’s focus on intrinsic motivation aligns with GLAS’s insistence that fulfilment arises when behaviour, values, and identity are coherent rather than scattered or externally driven. This alignment reduces internal conflict and preserves emotional energy, enabling more intentional action across domains.

    The principles of presence and flow in the book bolster Emotions / Awareness, inviting individuals to notice subtle pleasures, emotional cues, and deep curiosities rather than living in habitual autopilot. This mindful engagement supports clarity about what matters most, reinforcing purposeful choice over reactive drift. In GLAS terms, emotional attunement enhances self-awareness, which is foundational for balanced engagement with other elements like relationships, growth, and environment.

    Finally, ikigai emphasises connection — to community, peers, culture, and shared practice — which enriches Relationships / Connection and makes the lived experience of purpose more social and sustaining. When people align around shared values and support each other’s meaningful pursuits, energy is amplified, joy deepened, and environments become fertile ground for flourishing rather than fragmentation. This reflects GLAS’s vision of life as an integrated system where meaning, vitality, and connection mutually reinforce one another.