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Ikigai and other words of ancient Japanese wisdom won’t fix your life
There are many things to be learnt from Japan but don’t bank on trite lifehacks in the self-help book section.
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The current fad for such techniques might be traced to Marie Kondo’s 2010 book.
PHOTO: PIXABAY
Gearoid Reidy
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If you’re looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer this Christmas, it’s tempting to turn to the self-help section of the bookshop – perhaps the increasing number of tomes claiming to impart ancient pearls of Japanese wisdom.
In the last decade, such books have proliferated, claiming to teach you the Japanese secret to everything: Eat less, save money, be more productive. Ikigai, wabi-sabi or shinrin yoku will fix what’s wrong with your life.
