Ikigai, a Japanese term that translates to "the happiness of always being busy," is a concept that provides a glimpse into the remarkable longevity of the Japanese population, particularly those residing on the island of Okinawa. This concept, akin to logotherapy, assists individuals in discovering their purpose in life. However, ikigai takes it a step further by shedding light on why Okinawa boasts the highest number of centenarians worldwide.

Take, for instance, the remote village of Ogimi, fondly referred to as the "Village of Longevity" due to its residents' impressive life expectancy. The village's natural bounty, including the shikuwasa fruit and pure water used for brewing Moringa tea, undoubtedly plays a role in the villagers' extended lifespans. But there's more to it than just that - the villagers' unique sense of joy and their ikigai, which steers them through a fulfilling life journey, also have a significant part to play.

To unravel the secrets of Ogimi's inhabitants, a deep dive into the village's lifestyle and culture was conducted. Despite the losses suffered during wartime, the Okinawan principle of ichariba chode, which encourages treating everyone as a sibling, remains prevalent. This principle is instilled from a young age, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial, it's the ikigai at the core of Ogimi's centenarians that fuels their enthusiasm for life.

In essence, finding one's ikigai equips them with all they need for a long, joy-filled journey through life. This concept, deeply ingrained in the lifestyle of Ogimi's residents, might just be the secret to their extraordinary longevity.