What is the concept of Ikigai?

Is this Japanese concept of balance and personal regeneration a way to a longer, happier, more meaningful life?

The concept of ikigai, a Japanese term, is often translated as “reason for being” or “sense of life worth living.” It encompasses the idea of having a meaningful purpose that motivates and drives individuals, fostering a sense of fulfilment. 

To find this purpose, experts recommend starting with four questions and balancing these four areas.

• What do you love?
• What are you good at?
• What does the world need from you?
• What can you get paid for?

Visualising the overlap of these questions in the diagram below can make the concept of Ikigai more tangible and easier to understand.

From a scientific perspective, ikigai is closely linked to well-being and mental health, especially in older populations. Studies show that individuals who experience ikigai tend to report higher life satisfaction, lower levels of anxiety and depression, and better overall health outcomes​ . For instance, a study by Kono & Walker (2019) found that individuals with a strong sense of ikigai had significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression. Similarly, a study by Wilkes et al. (2022) found that those with a strong sense of ikigai reported higher life satisfaction and better overall health.

Researchers have found that ikigai is a multidimensional construct, encompassing aspects like personal meaning, social connectedness, and the feeling of community contribution​ (Shirai et al., 2006). Its influence is particularly significant in ageing populations in Japan, where those with a strong sense of ikigai exhibit better health and longevity​.

Moreover, ikigai is increasingly studied in Western populations to understand its broader applicability. It is seen as a predictor of psychological well-being, acting as a buffer against anxiety and depression (Wilkes et al., 2022). These findings suggest that fostering a sense of purpose in life, as encapsulated by ikigai, has universal benefits, enhancing both mental and physical health across cultures​ (Kono & Walker, 2019).

In essence, ikigai is not just about personal fulfilment but is also deeply tied to one’s contributions to society, sense of achievement, and relationships with others, making it a comprehensive framework for understanding well-being.

Understanding ikigai as a whole can be a regenerative approach not only for our well-being but also to positively impact the planet surrounding us. The change starts with ourselves, and there is nothing better than having one more way to discover how we can elevate ourselves and, perhaps, discover what is your personal ikigai. 

References

Kono, S., & Walker, G. J. (2019). Theorizing Ikigai or Life Worth Living among Japanese University Students: A Mixed-Methods Approach. Journal of Happiness Studies, 21(1), 327–355. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-019-00086-x

Shirai, K., Iso, H., Fukuda, H., Toyoda, Y., Takatorige, T., & Tatara, K. (2006). Factors associated with “Ikigai” among members of a public temporary employment agency for seniors (Silver Human Resources Centre) in Japan; gender differences. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7525-4-12

Wilkes, J., Garip, G., Kotera, Y., & Fido, D. (2022). Can ikigai predict anxiety, depression, and well-being? International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 21(5), 2941–2953. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-022-00764-7

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