Ikigai
Ikigai is a Japanese philosophy that encapsulates an individual's sense of purpose and motivation in life. This concept emphasizes the importance of finding joy and inspiration through activities that align with one’s passions, values, and strengths, contributing to both personal fulfillment and the well-being of others. Ikigai, derived from the Japanese words "iki" (life) and "gai" (value or worth), represents a harmonious balance where what one loves, what the world needs, what can generate income, and what one excels at intersect.
Historically, ikigai has roots dating back to the Heian period and gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly through literature that linked it to happiness and longevity. Okinawa, in particular, is highlighted for its high number of centenarians who embody the principles of ikigai, suggesting a connection between this philosophy and a longer, more fulfilling life. The concept encourages individuals to engage in meaningful activities, contribute to their communities, and embrace small joys rather than focusing solely on monumental achievements. While applicable to all ages, ikigai is especially relevant for older adults seeking satisfaction in later life stages, as well as for younger individuals searching for direction and purpose.
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Ikigai
Ikigai is a Japanese philosophy that refers to a person’s sense of purpose. It focuses on a person finding motivation, inspiration, and joy in living. It is thought to contribute to both a longer and happier life. It allows a person to pursue their passions in life and feel valued and appreciated by others. Although it does not necessarily relate to earning money, a person who can apply the concept is thought to attract wealth. However, ikigai is not just about individual fulfillment either; it focuses on helping others around a person and contributing to the greater good.
Brief History
Ikigai is a long-standing Japanese concept that dates back to the Heian period in Japanese history, which was between 794 and 1185 Common Era (CE). During this time, seashells were considered very valuable. In 2001, Akihiro Hasegawa, a clinical psychologist and ikigai expert, published a research paper that linked the Japanese word gai to kai, which means “seashell.” Thus, he made the connection between the etymology of the word and the concept of value and worth, as seen in ikigai.
The concept began to gain more popularity in the 1960s, as post-World War II Japanese culture emphasized hard work and social responsibility. In 1966, psychiatrist Mieko Kamiya published the book Ikigai-ni-tsuite (About Ikigai), which is considered one of the most important works on the topic. She explained in her book that ikigai can be compared to happiness but is slightly different in that it focuses on the future to allow a person to endure their present conditions, which may not be ideal. Although the book was never published in English, it was popular in Japan, and the idea began to become part of the philosophy of everyday Japanese living.
In 2010, a reporter for National Geographic, Dan Buettner, published a book called Blue Zones: Lessons on Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. In this book, he identified factors that contribute to some of the longest-living people around the world. He found that Okinawa Island in Japan not only had a uniquely healthy diet but also that its people subscribed to life philosophies, including ikigai, that seemed to promote long, happy, and healthy lives. He found that these people also retired later and worked well into their senior years, especially when they performed jobs they felt deeply connected to or especially enjoyed. This book caught the attention of the Western world, and many other books, articles, and websites were produced on the subject of ikigai and how it could be applied and integrated into Western culture.
In 2017, a Japanese television show, Takeshi no katei no igaku, worked with a group of scientists who researched the town of Kyotango, Kyoto, which also has an above-average rate of people over the age of 100. They found that older residents who had high levels of DHEA, which is an adrenal hormone that many scientists believe contributes to longevity, also found a sense of purpose in hobbies that brought them joy or helped others.
Overview
Although there is no direct translation for ikigai in English, it is often described as a person’s reason for being. The word “ikigai” is derived from the Japanese terms iki, meaning life, and gai, meaning value or worth. It can also be visualized in a Venn diagram using four intersecting circles: what a person loves, what is needed in the world, what provides income, and what a person is good at. In the middle, when all four overlap, ikigai occurs. It is the state or circumstance in which a person blends each of these factors.
Japanese culture traditionally focuses on hard work and accomplishment, and this can lead to long hours working at a job and harmful stress. However, the Japanese have one of the highest life expectancies in the world and are known for not just longevity of years, but happiness during their later years. The island of Okinawa is especially known for a high proportion of the population living more than one hundred years, and for subscribing to ikigai. Many feel that although there are many factors to this, ikigai plays a significant role in helping balance work and personal life.
Ikigai is more about the small joys found in life than any one large accomplishment or event. It has a foundation of appreciation and gratitude that results in a sense of fulfillment, even when present circumstances may be difficult. A person feels an obligation outside of themselves to spread joy to others in their community or social circle, which fits in well with the Japanese cultural belief that the whole being is more important than the individual. Ikigai provides a sense of purpose in contributing to society, even once a person has grown old. According to its principles, anyone can work to make a difference in someone else’s life, even by sharing years of experience.
A person cannot be forced into activities that promote ikigai, but rather, it must be exhibited willingly as a result of a person who truly enjoys life and desires the satisfaction that comes from helping others. It helps a person deal with negative emotions and promotes self-discipline. However, there are organized government initiatives and community programs aimed at promoting ikigai, especially among older individuals. Many mental health experts and self-improvement writers feel that incorporating the principal tenants behind ikigai is beneficial not only for older people looking for satisfaction in aging but also to inspire younger people looking to figure out what they want to do with their lives and how they wish to live.
Bibliography
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Gaines, Jeffrey. “The Philosophy of Ikigai: 3 Examples About Finding Purpose.” Positive Psychology, 17 Nov. 2020, positivepsychology.com/ikigai. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Kavedžija, Iza. “The Japanese Concept of Ikigai—Why Purpose Might be a Better Goal Than Happiness.” Blue Zones, www.bluezones.com/2021/04/the-japanese-concept-of-ikigai-why-purpose-might-be-a-better-goal-than-happiness. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Mitsuhashi, Yukari. “Ikigai: A Japanese Concept to Improve Work and Life”. BBC, 7 Aug 2017, www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20170807-ikigai-a-japanese-concept-to-improve-work-and-life. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Mogi, Ken. “This Japanese Secret to a Longer and Happier Life is Gaining Attention from Millions Around the World.” CNBC, 28 May 2019, www.cnbc.com/2019/05/22/the-japanese-secret-to-a-longer-and-happier-life-is-gaining-attention-from-millions.html. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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Randall, Natasha, et al. "Understanding the Connection Among Ikigai, Well-Being, and Home Robot Acceptance in Japanese Older Adults: Mixed Methods Study." JMIR Aging, vol. 6, 2023, p. e45442, doi.org/10.2196/45442. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.