Héctor García and Francesc Miralles open by examining the Japanese concept of 'ikigai' — roughly, a reason for being or sense of life purpose — as connected to exceptional longevity observed in certain specific communities, particularly Okinawa.

Why this purpose-longevity connection matters:

• The authors draw on both cultural philosophical tradition and specific longevity research from communities with notably high proportions of very long-lived residents
• This connection between sense of purpose and physical longevity provides the book's central organizing thesis, motivating its subsequent detailed exploration
• This opening establishes the book's cross-cultural, purpose-focused approach to understanding exceptional longevity and life satisfaction

This opening establishes the book's foundational thesis, connecting the ikigai concept of life purpose to exceptional longevity observed in specific long-lived communities.