Understanding the Japanese Ikigai Concept: A Path to Finding Your True Purpose

Over the past years, many words and concepts from Japanese culture have started to gain the attention of the Western world. The Japanese ikigai is one of these terms in the global spotlight.

This concept, which refers to the things that bring joy and a sense of purpose, inspires many who yearn to find meaning in life to transform themselves.

In a modern world where monotony and a hectic work life cause depression and stress, numerous individuals strive to create a life with meaning. The notion of ikigai has helped many to identify areas of motivation, set goals, and ultimately, get to know themselves.

This article will explore the Japanese ikigai, its modern interpretations, and how to apply it to build a happy life.

What is Ikigai?

Ikigai is a Japanese word that roughly translates to "reason for being." It refers to the search for fulfillment that gives a sense of purpose or makes life meaningful.

The concept of ikigai has long existed in Japanese culture, and its origins date back to the Heian period (794 to 1185). Nevertheless, it was popularized by psychiatrist Mieko Kamiya in the Japanese book Ikigai-ni-tsuite ('About Ikigai'), published in 1966.

Then, the book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesco Miralles helped to popularize the term ikigai in the Western world. This book, first published in 2016, has sold 3 million copies and has been translated into 63 languages, becoming an international bestseller.

Your ikigai can be anything that brings pleasure and joy to life, the reason why you get up in the morning, or the motivation to look forward to the future.

What is the Japanese Ikigai?

Since the word ikigai became popular worldwide, many individuals have found solace in this concept, helping them to set goals and create a happier life. But is the Japanese ikigai equal to the Western ikigai?

Although the goal is the same—to find happiness— these two interpretations of the word ikigai might slightly differ in their meanings.

The Western ikigai should help to pay the bills, while in the Japanese ikigai, money is not part of the equation. The modern interpretation of the Japanese

ikigai (often associated with the ikigai chart) holds that your ikigai must be something that you can be paid for. For the Japanese, on the other hand, it has nothing to do with income, as shown in a 2010 study. In this survey, only 31% of the Japanese respondents saw work as their ikigai.

Moreover, while the Western ikigai is a life mission or ultimate success, the Japanese ikigai is the sum of small joys. Dr. Mogi, a Japanese neuroscientist and author of The Little Book of Ikigai, reports that he experiences 100 forms of ikigai in his daily life. These experiences include small things like having a cup of coffee or listening to his favorite music.

While the Western interpretation of the meaning of ikigai can help us choose a career or set professional goals, the Japanese ikigai reminds us to find happiness in the small pleasures of life.

The Four Elements of Ikigai

Most people in the Western world associate the Japanese ikigai with a Venn diagram with four overlapping categories. These categories are: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

This ikigai chart was created by the American entrepreneur Marc Winn and provided in the book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. Although it does not share the exact meaning of the original Japanese ikigai, it aims to illustrate the concept from a modern perspective.

If we take a closer look at each category, we can begin to find our unique ikigai.

What You Love

This dimension includes anything you enjoy doing. In other words, the activities you do for the sake of doing them. Pleasure is different for everyone, so what you love doing is not necessarily what everyone loves.

What You Are Good At

This section refers to your skills, abilities, and all the things that you are good at doing. This dimension can include your inborn qualities and talents and the skills you have worked hard to develop.

What the World Needs

This dimension requires you to think about how to solve a current problem or positively impact the world. You can discover what the world needs by researching the market to identify the demands of the modern world.

Nurses, teachers, cleaners, and cops are needed. However, the needs of the world can come in very different forms. Some individuals may need beautiful shoes or someone to design their website.

What You Can Be Paid For

According to the tradition, ikigai has nothing to do with income. However, the modern interpretation of the Japanese ikigai suggests that someone should make a living from their passion.

Thanks to this requirement, you can do what you love full time. Otherwise, you may need another job to pay the bills and relegate your Ikigai to a hobby.

This dimension suggests that you should research the market to discover whether someone is willing to pay for what you do. On the other hand, you can get creative and find innovative ways to earn an income from your skills. Find inspiration from individuals doing something similar to what you aspire to do.

The Intersections of the Ikigai Chart

The ikigai chart shows four intersections between its four dimensions. These include passion, mission, vocation, and profession.

What is a Passion?

Passion combines what you love and what you are good at. It is something that you are enthusiastic about doing.

What is a Mission?

When you are good at something and what the world needs it, you may feel a strong call to help. The ikigai chart defines this impulse as a mission.

What is a Vocation?

You can find your vocation at the intersection of what the world needs and what you can be paid for. It is an occupation where you feel useful, filling you with the higher purpose of creating an impact.

What is a Profession?

A profession is a paid occupation that requires training and qualification. In this sense, it is the sum of what you can be paid for and what you are good at.

Ikigai Examples and Cases

Many real-life examples show us that it is possible to find your ikigai and reap the benefits. Here are some cases of people who have found their ikigai.

Tim Tamashiro

Tim Tamashiro is a jazz singer, radio broadcaster, entertainer, and speaker. He is also the author of the book How to Ikigai. His career took an unexpected turn after he departed from his previous job and began to study positive psychology and the Japanese ikigai.

Tamashiro has learned that his own Ikigai is "to delight." He puts it into practice anytime he sings, hosts, speaks, entertains, or simply by talking to a stranger at the grocery store, as he explains.

He recommends individuals boil down their ikigai into a two-word phrase: to teach, to heal, to create, etc.

Gangadharan Menon

Gangadharan Menon is a writer and photographer who has had numerous jobs before finding his ikigai. These include advertising, acting, theater director, filmmaker, and school teacher.

After surviving an elephant attack when he was 52, he realized he found his ikigai. Then, he left his job in advertising after 28 years in this industry. Since then, he has dedicated his life to documenting wildlife and his travels, combining his passions—teaching and travel—with what he is good at—writing and photography.

Menon shows us with his example how it is never too late to find your ikigai. This way, he inspires people to do what makes them happy.

Sindija Vilmane

Sindija Vilmane or thi blog author is creator of Ikigai self coach cards, taking seriosly the card game, i was able to understand what is my purpose in life, and i created the newest product for my doughter Gabriela the Ikigain hooded towel.

Ikigai Test: Find your Ikigai

Although the Japanese ikigai is an ancient concept, it is a relevant philosophy in the current society. In a modern world where life lacks transcendence and seems full of mindless tasks, the notion of ikigai reminds us to find meaning and purpose in what we do.

Stop waiting and discover your ikigai! Try our IKIGAIN: Self-Coach Cards to find your purpose.