What Are the 7 Rules of Ikigai? A Practical Guide to Living with Purpose
Ikigai, often translated as "a reason for being," is more than a philosophical ideal—it's a way of living. In Japan, this concept is deeply embedded in the culture and everyday actions of people who seek balance, meaning, and joy. But as Ikigai gains global popularity, many are asking: what are the actual rules or principles that define this way of life?
Based on insights from bestselling books like Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, academic research, and lived cultural practice, this article explores the 7 core rules that embody the spirit of Ikigai—and how to practically live them.
Rule 1: Stay Active – Don’t Retire from Life
In Okinawa, where people often live well beyond 100, many elders never truly retire. They remain socially and physically active through hobbies, side jobs, gardening, or community projects. This isn’t just about productivity—it’s about purpose. When you wake up knowing there’s something meaningful to do, you engage life fully.
"Those who give up the things they love doing and do well lose their purpose in life." — Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
Why It Matters: Retiring from your career doesn’t mean retiring from contribution. Active participation in life—whether it’s making something with your hands or mentoring others—keeps your spirit energized.
Ideas to Apply:
Revisit a creative hobby from your youth
Volunteer within your community or mentor someone
Cultivate a small garden or home project
Rule 2: Take It Slow
Japanese culture places a high value on intentionality. Whether it’s preparing matcha tea, practicing calligraphy, or taking a morning walk, there is a grace to slowness. Ikigai reminds us that speed can strip meaning from experiences.
Why It Matters: Rushing often results in stress, surface-level interactions, and missed opportunities for joy. Slowing down reconnects us with our senses, emotions, and purpose.
Ideas to Apply:
Wake up 30 minutes earlier and savor your morning
Do one task at a time, mindfully
Build slow rituals: brewing tea, walking without headphones, reading a book
Rule 3: Don’t Fill Your Stomach (Hara Hachi Bu)
This principle, practiced widely in Okinawa, encourages stopping eating when you’re 80% full. Known as hara hachi bu, it’s not a diet but a mindset: moderation, balance, and respect for the body.
"Eat less to live more." — Okinawan proverb
Why It Matters: Modern culture glorifies indulgence, yet science shows that caloric moderation supports longevity, mental clarity, and digestive health. This rule teaches restraint without deprivation.
Ideas to Apply:
Eat slower and pause before reaching for seconds
Use smaller plates and listen to your body’s satiety signals
Reflect on the gratitude for the food on your plate
Rule 4: Surround Yourself With Good Friends
Ikigai is inherently social. In Okinawa, moai groups—small circles of lifelong friends—provide emotional, financial, and spiritual support. These aren’t casual friendships; they’re intentional communities.
Why It Matters: Loneliness has been called the new smoking due to its profound health impact. Supportive relationships improve longevity, mental health, and personal purpose.
From my own experience, this became especially clear when I joined a Danish agency where I now help clients with their Amazon businesses. Surrounded by colleagues who are all working toward a similar mission—growing on Amazon—I find daily motivation and focus. We're not just coworkers; we support each other through shared goals and ongoing conversations, which reinforces a sense of collective purpose.
Ideas to Apply:
Invest time in 2–3 core friendships
Start a monthly dinner or book club
Send a thoughtful message to someone every week
Rule 5: Get in Shape for Your Next Birthday
Movement in Japan is woven into daily life: biking, walking, stretching. Elders don’t rely on gyms—they incorporate movement through daily chores, tai chi, and gardening. The goal isn’t physical perfection, but sustainable health.
Why It Matters: A healthy body supports a resilient mind. And when your body feels capable, you're more likely to pursue purpose-driven action.
Ideas to Apply:
Walk 10,000 steps a day—even in short bursts
Stretch or do light yoga every morning
Make movement a social activity—walk with a friend or join a class
Rule 6: Smile and Acknowledge People Around You
Politeness and gratitude are daily rituals in Japan. Saying "thank you," bowing, or simply making eye contact are gestures that elevate daily human interactions.
Why It Matters: Micro-moments of kindness improve your mood and strengthen community bonds. They remind us we’re not alone, and that connection is available at any moment.
Ideas to Apply:
Greet people you pass on the street or in your building
Practice random acts of kindness
Keep a gratitude journal and review it weekly
Rule 7: Live in the Moment
The heart of Ikigai lies in presence. Whether it’s crafting, cooking, or working, being absorbed in the now creates flow—a state of deep, joyful focus.
Why It Matters: Mindfulness combats anxiety, increases creativity, and improves emotional regulation. Purpose can only be found in the now.
Ideas to Apply:
Try a short guided meditation each morning
Set "tech-free" times each day
Focus your attention fully on one task—no distractions
Why These Rules Matter
The beauty of Ikigai is its accessibility. These aren’t rules that require wealth, extreme discipline, or a radical life overhaul. They are small shifts in how you approach time, food, movement, people, and self.
When you live by these rules, purpose becomes less of a question and more of a rhythm.
Final Thoughts: Designing Your Life Around Ikigai
Ikigai is not something you find once and check off a list. It evolves. The rules we’ve explored are not commandments—they're invitations. To slow down. To connect. To nourish. To breathe.
From my own journey—leaving behind burnout, launching Ikigain.org, and creating tools like the Ikigai Test and Self-Discovery Cards—I’ve seen firsthand how these principles can anchor a more meaningful life.
So start small. Pick one rule to live this week. Observe what shifts.