Publication

Ikigai & other Japanese words to live by

2018
30 Photographs.
Published by: Modern Books

Western popular culture has recently embraced Japanese terms such as Ikigai and Wabi-Sabi. This simple thought-provoking book delves further into Japanese culture to introduce concepts for a more mindful life. Perfect to dip in and out of, seven broad themes can be explored in any order and cover the benefits of courtesy, calm, gratitude and living in tune with nature.

Clear elegant definitions provide the reader with points to consider and advice on how to encorporate the concept into daily life. The words are enhanced with beautiful images by internationally acclaimed photographer, Michael Kenna and traditional haiku to aid reflection. At the end of each section, David Buchler contributes meditations on Japanese concepts such as beauty, community, time and nature. From the wistful mono-no-aware, asking us to recognise the bittersweet transience of all things, to the quiet harmony of wa, which knits together all of society's structures, Ikigai and Other Japanese Words to Live By inspires a more mindful attitude of life's stresses and shows how to find meaning beyond materialism.