The Ikigai Podcast

When the path from astronaut dreams to IT expertise took an unexpected turn, Ikigai scholar Kei Tsuda found himself at the crossroads of purpose and profession. This episode unveils Kei's transformative journey, revealing how the pursuit of Ikigai can shape our lives. 

Our discussion traverses the cultural landscapes of East and West, exploring how the Western craving for structured models like the Venn diagram clashes with the fluid, intrinsic understanding of Ikigai in Japan. Kei, initially a skeptic, now uses the Ikigai framework as a compass, guiding individuals towards a life rich with fulfilment.

Embark on a journey through the multifaceted world of Ikigai, where alignment with personal values is the cornerstone of true satisfaction. Through the metaphor of constructing LEGO sets, we illustrate the joy and individuality inherent in the pursuit of life's meaning. 

Does financial gain play a role in the quest for Ikigai? We navigate this question with insights from Dr. Yasuhiro Kotera and Mieko Kamiya, painting a broader picture of the many dimensions of joy and fulfilment. 

Whether it's the serenity of solitary creation or the exuberance of collaborative innovation, this episode offers a fresh perspective on finding one's purpose and the spectrum of feelings that signal you're on the right path.

Have you ever ticked off a dream  of goal from a bucket list? On this episode The Bucket List Guy, Trav Bell, joins us for a transformative discussion on living life with meaning and intention. 

This episode isn't just about dreaming; it's a deep dive into celebrating our past wins with a reverse bucket list, and how acknowledging our achievements can launch us toward even greater ones. 

Trav reveals the seminar spark that ignited his journey as a global ambassador for this enriching philosophy, and together, we unpack the art of using time and money to not only create but also live a legacy that transcends material wealth.

Trav also lays down The Bucketlist Challenge, calling on listnerers to put pen to paper and make your life ambitions known—for a bit of friendly accountability. 

Listen in as we discuss the power of setting and sharing your goals, and how doing so can help you feel more ikigai in your life.

Can ikigai be related to positive psychology?

In the West, ikigai is frequently linked with attaining significant goals and advancing in one's career. However, what many fail to recognize is that ikigai holds greater relevance in fostering our overall well-being.

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Sue Langley about positive psychology and how it ties into the concept of ikigai.

Hey it is Nick Kemp here from IkigaiTribe.com, just before we get into this episode I wanted to let you know I am running a Ikigai Workshop Webinar this month. The workshop is 2-hours long and covers the work of pioneering ikigai researcher Mieko Kamiya. We look at her definition of ikigai and her 7 ikigai needs.

If you are interested go to https://ikigaitribe.com/ikigai-workshop

What would you like to pass on to future generations?

Amid the alarming concern of global warming, it becomes imperative to contemplate sustainable practices aimed at safeguarding nature for future generations. This could be achieved by adopting Sustainable Development Goals, particularly encouraging businesses to lead the way in creating a better living environment for everyone.

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Naoko Tomita about adopting Sustainable Development Goals within businesses, aiming to forge a better future for all.

Hey it is Nick Kemp here from IkigaiTribe.com, just before we get into this episode I wanted to let you know I am running a Ikigai Workshop Webinar this month. The workshop is 2-hours long and covers the work of pioneering ikigai researcher Mieko Kamiya. We look at her definition of ikigai and her 7 ikigai needs.

If you are interested go to https://ikigaitribe.com/ikigai-workshop

Have you incorporated AI into your work?

AI tools have been garnering attention today due to their ability to expedite tasks. While some express concern about the rapid increase of these tools, others find them beneficial, simplifying their work and making it more efficient.
In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick discusses with Kouji Miki the significance of AI in providing more opportunities to discover meaningful ikigai activities.

Hey it is Nick Kemp here from IkigaiTribe.com, just before we get into this episode I wanted to let you know I am running a Ikigai Workshop Webinar this month. The workshop is 2-hours long and covers the work of pioneering ikigai researcher Mieko Kamiya. We look at her definition of ikigai and her 7 ikigai needs.

If you are interested go to https://ikigaitribe.com/ikigai-workshop

Do you find meaning in the work you do?

Work is a fundamental component of our lives, with the potential to influence our well-being. This underscores the importance of actively seeking ways to find purpose and meaning in our professional endeavours.

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick discusses with Andrew Soren how individuals can find purpose and value in their work.

Do you feel heartfulness as you go about your day?

Often, people discuss the significance of mindfulness, emphasising the importance of self-awareness. However, in our pursuit of self-improvement and personal growth, we often overlook the impact we can have on those around us. This is where the concept of heartfulness can prove beneficial—a compassionate and open-hearted approach to life.

In this two-part episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick and Stephen explore the concept of heartfulness and embracing an open-hearted approach to life.

Do you feel heartfulness as you go about your day?

Often, people discuss the significance of mindfulness, emphasising the importance of self-awareness. However, in our pursuit of self-improvement and personal growth, we often overlook the impact we can have on those around us. This is where the concept of heartfulness can prove beneficial—a compassionate and open-hearted approach to life.

In this two-part episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick and Stephen explore the concept of heartfulness and embracing an open-hearted approach to life.

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick and Mathew Borg discuss the significance of implementing the concept of ikigai within an educational context. 

How can we promote better education with the help of ikigai?

Education holds significance for all individuals, yet at times, it can become a source of stress. This is where concepts like ikigai can prove beneficial, not only for students but also for educators, aiding in the development of a more tailored and effective approach to learning.

Is the ikigai concept something you can coach?

In this solo episode, Nick explores this question and looks at how ikigai is relatable to philosophy, positive psychology and existential positive psychology

This episode takes a deep dive into the elements central to ikigai; life affirmation, goals/dreams, meaning of life, meaning of existence, sense of fulfilment and commitment, and  intertwines them with Dr Martin Seligman's PERMA model of flourishing.

Nick also touches on Health and Ikiagi advisors in Japan who help retirees transition from working life to the rest of their life – from becoming “a company person to a social person."  He discuss how these Health and Ikiagi advisors in Japan are required to study Mieko Kamiya's theory of Ikigai and Maslow's hierarchy of needs to gain certification.

By the end of this episode you will have an answers as to  whether ikigai is coachable or not.

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick talks with Dr. Katharina Stenger about self-care techniques that we can adopt to nurture our well-being and cultivate a stronger sense of ikigai.

Dr. Katharina Stenger is a psychologist and professional photo model. In spring 2019, she started her own online practice where she supports clients from all over the world. She also has a strong connection to Japan that led her to discover ikigai.

Her mission is to include the art of living ikigai in her work as a mental health counsellor. She’s also ambitious to research more about ikigai and teach others about it in her home country of Germany. She was a podcast guest on episode 26, where she discussed the connection of ikigai to mental health.

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick discusses the significance of aida (betweenness) and intercorporeality in relation to our embodiment with Prof. Shogo Tanaka.

Prof. Shogo Tanaka is a professor of psychology and philosophy at Tokai University in Japan. He received his Ph.D. in philosophical psychology from Tokyo Institute of Technology in 2003. He is primarily interested in phenomenology and psychology, and more specifically, in clarifying the theoretical foundations of psychology from the perspective of embodiment.

The topics of his published papers encompass a broad range of issues, including body schema, body image, skill acquisition, embodied self, social cognition, theory of mind, and intercorporeality. 

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Jessica Gerrity about Kyudo, the intricate art of Japanese traditional archery.

Jessica Gerrity is a TV personality, writer, and tourism ambassador for Saitama Prefecture in Japan. She moved to Japan from New Zealand over 20 years ago. Beyond her captivating roles, Jessica is a mother of three and also assists in managing a dojo for kyudo, a form of Japanese archery.

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Gordon Mathews about finding greater meaning in life through the concept of life after death.

Gordon Mathews is an author and professor of anthropology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He has written several books, including What Makes Life Worth Living? How Japanese and Americans Make Sense of Their Worlds, which was explored in episode 2 of the Ikigai Podcast.

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Waki Kamino about designing social robots to enhance the ikigai of older adults.

Waki Kamino is a PhD student at Cornell University in human-robot interaction and a research consultant at Indiana University, Bloomington.

In episode 62 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Professor Haruhiko Tanaka about how having ibasho can serve as a source of empowerment for people.

Professor Haruhiko Tanaka recently retired from the role of professor in the Faculty of Human Science at Sophia University. He completed his doctorate at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Education. His areas of research include lifelong education, youth education, development education, and environmental education. He has also written several publications, including, Kaihatsu kyoiku: Jizokukano na sekai no tameni (Development education: Toward a sustainable world) and Wakamono no ibasho to sanka (‘Ibasho’ community for youth and youth social participation).

On episode 61 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick and his good friend, Masayuki Matsubara, embark on an inspiring conversation about friendship, ikigai, and the power of shared experiences.

Masayuki Matsubara is a musician, web designer, developer, and entrepreneur. He has a passion for designing and was awarded the iF Design Award in Germany in 2016. 

On episode 60  of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick welcomes back Jamila Rodrigues to discuss how having ikigai can help people cope in times of crisis.

Jamila Rodrigues is an anthropologist focused on well-being and crisis management. She completed her Ph.D. in Dance Anthropology and Sufism embodied ritual practice at Roehampton University in London in 2017. She worked as a professional dancer and travelled to different countries, such as the UK, South Africa, and many other countries for 12 years.

She is a visiting researcher at the Marine Climate Change Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. Her current research is on Embodied ikigai: Japanese women’s narratives on well-being in times of crisis. Jamila was a guest on episode 56, “The Embodiment of Ikigai.”

On episode 59 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with director Yujiro Seki about his film and the importance of craftsmanship in Japan.

Yujiro Seki is a filmmaker with a BA in Film from the University of California, Berkeley. After obtaining a permanent US residency, he studied full-time in the Cinematography program at the UCLA Extension. 

Upon graduating, he embarked on the journey of making his first full feature documentary, “Carving the Divine: Buddhist Sculptors of Japan.” The film has been selected as an official entry in 30 film festivals across the globe, showcased in 22 countries, and earned 13 awards from various festivals worldwide.

In episode 58 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick welcomes back Sachiaki Takamiya to discuss how Ikigai bio-hacking can benefit both personal well-being and the environment.

Sachiaki Takamiya is an author and sustainable life coach. He is the author of the Ikigai Diet and Ikigai Bio-Hacking: Bio-Hacking Based on Japanese Natural Health. He was a guest on episode 3 of the Ikigai Podcast - “What Ikigai Means to Japanese'' and episode 57 “The Benefits of Ikigai Bio-Hacking with Sachiaki Takamiya – Part 1”.