‘The Book Of Ichigo Ichie’ By Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

A few weeks ago, I read this amazing book – The Book of Ichigo Ichie: The Art of Making the Most of Every Moment, the Japanese Way By Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. This book is complimentary to my earlier read – Ikigai. If we need to summarize the book in three words, it would be – ‘Be in present’.

Here is a summary of the powerful lessons I learned from each part of the book.

The book introduces its core philosophy, Ichigo Ichie, which literally means ‘one time, one meeting’. It’s a powerful reminder that every moment and every encounter is a unique treasure that will never occur in the same way again, urging us to be fully present and cherish it. The authors illustrate this with the classic Japanese tea ceremony, where the specific combination of guests, conversation, and tea creates a singular, unrepeatable experience.

We need to engage with the world through deep listening and mindful observation. By shutting out distractions and truly focusing on the person or situation in front of us, we can forge deeper connections and find magic in everyday life. The book cites Steve Jobs, whose practice of Zen Buddhism honed his ability to focus and listen, which was a cornerstone of his innovative genius.

Kaika is that magical moment when a new idea or passion blossoms within you, often sparked by a chance encounter. The book encourages us to stay open to these serendipitous moments, as they can set us on a new, fulfilling path. A fantastic example is author Dan Brown, who found a book lying by a pool; this random discovery ignited his ambition to write thrillers, changing his life forever.

To truly live in the moment, we must engage all our senses. Whether you are eating a meal, walking in nature, or having a conversation, fully experiencing the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures anchors you in the present. The book suggests turning even a simple act like drinking coffee into a sensory ritual—feeling the mug’s warmth, inhaling the rich aroma, and savoring the taste.

Ichigo Ichie cultivates empathy by reminding us that every individual we meet has a unique story. This is beautifully compared to Kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold lacquer, which celebrates imperfections as part of an object’s beautiful history. The practice itself is the example: a broken bowl is not hidden but highlighted, becoming more valuable and teaching us to embrace our own and others’ scars.

We shouldn’t just wait for special moments to happen; we should actively seek them out. The authors point to the Japanese tradition of Hanami (cherry blossom viewing), where people make a special journey just to witness the brief, stunning beauty of the Sakura, consciously creating a cherished moment.

The book masterfully connects Ichigo Ichie with Ikigai (your purpose or reason for living). While Ikigai is your “why,” Ichigo Ichie is your “how.” It’s about savoring every step of your journey toward your purpose, making the process just as rewarding as the destination. Think of a master sushi chef whose Ikigai is their craft; they practice Ichigo Ichie by giving their full attention to every single roll of Sushi they prepare for a customer.

I am hooked to the philosophy. It can also serve as a catalyst to embark on a journey to learn more about Japan and its culture. It is also in fact a guiding torch in the studies of spiritual awakening. Everyone should read this book to understand the beauty of being in present and living stress-free. Thanks Hector and Francesc, for writing this incredible book.