Ikigai (生き甲斐, lit. 'a reason for being') is a Japanese concept of an individual's definition of the meaning of their life. [1] Ikigai can be having a sense of purpose in life, [2][3] as well as being a source of motivation. [4] According to a study by Michiko Kumano, feeling ikigai as described in Japanese is usually the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that follows when people ...
Ikigai (ee-key-guy) is a Japanese concept that combines the terms iki, meaning “alive” or “life,” and gai, meaning “benefit” or “worth.” When combined, these terms mean that which gives your life worth, meaning, or purpose. Ikigai is similar to the French term “raison d’etre” or “reason for being.” In this article, we will delve deeper into the definition of ikigai ...
What is Ikigai, and how do you use it? Use the ikigai diagram, find purpose, and get our free tips in this guide!
How to Find Your Ikigai in 2025: The Japanese Way to Purpose
The Two Parts of Ikigai: Source and Feeling {#section2} Psychiatrist Mieko Kamiya was the first to study ikigai academically. In her 1966 book Ikigai-ni-Tsuite (What Makes Our Life Worth Living), she identified two distinct dimensions: ikigai-taishō (the source or object of meaning) and ikigai-kan (the felt sense that life is worth living). Her research didn’t start in a university office ...
Discover the secret of ikigai – Japan's age-old philosophy for a fulfilling life. Dive into its meaning, real-life examples, and how it intersects with passion, mission, vocation, and profession. Unlock the path to lasting happiness and purpose today.
The popularized Western interpretation of ikigai also includes a framework of sorts for finding your ikigai at the intersection of passion, profession, vocation, and mission—and in this article, we’ll show you how to find your ikigai, too. Keep reading for a complete guide to ikigai, with additional tips from life coaches and spiritualists.