Ikigao

Ikigao
The new ikigai eBook is live! It covers an updated version of this post and everything I’ve learned about ikigai over the last five years — Ikigai 2.0: A Step-by-Step Guidebook to Finding Life Purpose & Making Money Meaningfully (+ Bonus Workbook)
Aha Moment: Your “reason for being” gives you a “reason to live.”
“Ikigai is what, day after day and year after year, each of us most essentially lives for .” 5
1. Ikigai isn’t necessarily related to work or money
2. Ikigai doesn’t have to be viewed as an overwhelming, all-or-nothing life purpose
3. You can have more than one ikigai in your life
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This is the first post in an ikigai series. Links to the remainder of the series are listed at the bottom of this post.
Ikigai. You’ve probably seen the word. Or, maybe you’ve seen the four-circle diagram. Needless to say, it’s a hot topic today.
But, what is ikigai really ? Like most things, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around on the internet. My hope with this post is to give you the truth about ikigai.
Before we dive in too deep, let’s start with the correct pronunciation. After studying the concept for a bit, my understanding is that the correct pronunciation of ikigai is ee-kee-guy ( not icky-guy or eye-key-guy).
The earliest online mention I can find of ikigai is from 1996—Gordon Mathews published a book titled What Makes Life Worth Living? How Japanese and Americans Make Sense of Their Worlds (you can access a sample of this book in footnote 1). Mathews first came across the word ikigai in the 1980s while living in Japan and believes:
In 1999, a paper was published in Age and Ageing titled “‘Ikigai’ in older Japanese people”². This short article has some great insights that I’ve included in this post—it provides a unique perspective on ikigai before the turn of the century, social media proliferation, and the Westernization of the term.
A decade later in 2009, Dan Buettner gave a TED Talk about his research on the Blue Zones —this officially catapulted ikigai into mainstream popularity. I’ve previously investigated the Ikarians from the Blue Zone in Ikaria, Greece, but ikigai comes from the Blue Zone in Okinawa, Japan.
We’ll dive into the various ikigai definitions and diagrams, but what makes this concept so popular?
There’s no direct translation of ikigai into English, but the most legitimate definitions I’ve found are the following (emphasis added in bold ):
This is pretty close to how Wikipedia describes it as well:
I’ve also seen ikigai translated as:
After rereading the bolded areas above, what if we were to view ikigai like this:
As far as descriptions go, here are a couple I resonate with:
Most people associate ikigai with the four-circle diagram created by Marc Winn in 2014 6 :
But, three years after creating the diagram, Marc revealed the truth:
Changed one word on a diagram? What is the venn diagram on purpose that he mentioned? Winn confirmed he sourced it from Andrés Zuzunaga who originally created the graphic in Spanish two years earlier. Winn said:
Here’s Andrés Zuzunaga’s purpose diagram 8 :
So, is Zuzunaga the original? Well, that’s tricky too.
All of this is eerily similar to the Hedgehog Concept created by Jim Collins in his book Good to Great which was published in 2001:
Since publishing Good to Great , Jim Collins has updated the Hedgehog Concept—which was originally intended for businesses—to apply to people.
I compared the Hedgehog Concept vs Ikigai . Here’s what that looks like:
Given the amount of research Jim Collins puts into his work, I wouldn’t be surprised if his version is the most “original” of all. At the same time, his work is the result of his own curating, synthesizing, and insight gathering—all of which have influenced his Hedgehog Concept. So, I think we can just conclude that everything is a remix of something else.
Ikigai isn’t necessarily about your work ( you weren’t born to work ):
There is evidence in the fact that many Japanese people keep pursuing their ikigai until the end of their lives:
Other than work, ikigai can be family, a dream, or simply the spiritual feeling that life is worth living:
This is a big difference compared to other models for life purpose. For instance, Simon Sinek and his co-authors of Find Your Why say:
I disagree with them. Instead, I agree with Oprah in her book The Path Made Clear when she says:
Naturally, if your ikigai doesn’t have to be work-related, then money can (and should) be removed from the diagram. Along with the perception that ikigai relates to work, the circle for “that which you can be paid for” gets a lot of criticism for being a misinterpretation by Westerners:
Some, like Tim Tamashiro, believe this could be reframed as “what you can be rewarded for.”
There’s no shortage of people out there who want to convince you that you have one life purpose and one life purpose only. This can be incredibly overwhelming for people as they try to find their one and only purpose.
One thing to keep in mind is that you can edit your life purpose at any age. It’s natural that your purpose will evolve over time:
I’ve also read the top-reviewed book currently available on ikigai: Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles.
After interviewing one hundred centenarians and supercentenarians in Ogimi, Okinawa to try to understand their life philosophy and longevity secrets, the authors developed their ten rules of ikigai:
Bonus: Of all the ikigai TED Talks and YouTube videos, here’s one that is simple and worth watching:
Have you found your ikigai? If so, please let me know what it is in the comments.
👋 Hi, I'm Kyle―the human behind Sloww. I’m an ex-marketing executive turned corporate dropout and solopreneur who found and created my life purpose after an existential crisis. Sloww is my synthesis of the world's wisdom on the art of living for students of life. Read my story.
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I’m sure it’s not too late to change my lifestyle!
It’s never too late to start living intentionally!
Striving every day towards being a more ‘focussed’ person, giving more than 90 bytes per second of my concentration to what I do (the human capacity is 126 bytes per second.
Redefining my work such that Í don’t have to do it’, it’s done as part of my being.
Finding people who are not merely temporary friends, but with whom intellectual stimulation and emotional enrichment becomes the ‘way’
That sounds wonderful, Manasi! Thanks for sharing here. As long as it’s authentic to you, you can’t go wrong. Concentration/attention is much needed these days:
“Your own attention is what spiritualizes things. Attention to the meal you cook, the clothes you wash. Attention is love. And that’s transformative.” — Karen Maezen Miller
“I’ve learned that the key to mastering the ‘art of living’ is learning how to pay attention. When you are mindful, you are in the moment. When you are in the moment, you are mastering the ‘art of living.’” — Marissa Boisvert
I am still looking for 🙂 I feel a little bit frustrated because I know what I love to do but this doesn’t give me money. Additionally, I have skills which make me be good at something I don’t want to do 🙁
Don’t worry, Rita! Many are still looking for it. And remember that you can have more than one, and it can change throughout your life. On the money portion, be sure to check out the next post: Ikigai 2.0: Evolving the Ikigai Diagram for Life Purpose (& Why and How it Needs to be Redesigned)
Loved your article! Thank you for posting it. Very aligned with my personal experiences from my time working in Japan and continued Ikigai discussions with my Japanese friends today.
I am giving my signature talk, “Ikigai – Purpose Beyond the Venn Diagram” at a Yoga Festival this weekend and came across your article during my prep work.
Thanks for stopping by, Christoph! Glad to hear you are spreading the good word of ikigai and helping to correct some of the misbeliefs. Your personal experience in Japan gives you a unique perspective!
Dear Kyle,
Thank you for this valuable article.
I understood the concept of Ikigai but I cant define mine. Is there a way or a set of questions to answer to make me better able to recognize my personal Ikigai?
Ask yourself these questions:
1. What do you love / what are you deeply passionate about?
2. What are you encoded for (genetic talent/gift)?
3. What does the world and/or humanity need?
I have found my ikigai.
Unconditional Love, healing mind body and soul for self and others.
Helping others to find their ikigai now that I have found mine.
This is my happiness, this is my purpose, this is my ikigai.
Being a Mother and teaching my child is definitely a part of this.
That’s wonderful to hear, Danielle!
hey danielle
i recently got to knoe abt ikigai from one of my frnds.bt am unable to understand how to go abt it,how can i find my ikigai and wht are we supposed to learn or infer from that venn diagram
I would really appreciate if u could help me find my ikigai
Kyle,
Today is the first time I’ve heard of this word—and concept. I was looking for blogs on slow living and found yours (on Reddit, I think).
At first, the four-fold flower diagram didn’t appeal to me. I’m retired and not looking for a vocation or career at this point. Then I read your take on ikigai not having to be about making money. Now this is getting interesting!
I look forward to reading your Ikigai 2.o post next. Thanks!
That’s awesome, Doug! Glad you landed on the truth of ikigai before reading too much about the 4-circle diagram.
My ikigai is 2 fold and connected. Essentially calligraphy began as a hobby but more a passion in my early teens. It had no direction, it just was absorbing to me. In my mid twenties my passion evolved into a full time job for 14 years before I left and became self employed. This passion found a new direction into teaching simply because I so enjoyed giving students that ‘aha’ moment.
At present, I’m into my late 70’s doing both, a little teaching and finding the joy in calligraphy and realizing that it’s now turning back into the absorbing hobby it has always been for me.
I’m grateful to have this word, Ikigai to describe so lovingly my humble time in calligraphy.
Thanks for sharing your story, Peter!
Oh wow I just love this so much and so grateful to have stumbled across it right when I needed it the most.
I have never heard of ikigai before but as soon as I read it I ‘felt’ into it and it really resonated with me.
I have spent my life being *that* person who excels at things that no-one ever really bothers to notice: wrapping presents excellently with very tight, perfect corners and handpicked wildflowers tucked into bows of brown string; folding clothes with care and intention; cursive writing that is neat and pretty.
But I have always loved to write…and to grow herbs…and these two things represent me the best.
I am now studying to become a naturopath. It’s not quite ikigai…but it’s pretty close! Thanks so much
That’s wonderful, thanks for sharing Heidi! Finding my ikigai has been an ongoing journey. Your journey to becoming a naturopath may lead you one step closer.
This post is truly amazing and life-changing. I was inspired from your post and made a video about it as well. I especially love the part you mentioned about misconceptions of Ikigai. I personally haven’t found mine yet since I’m still trying to improve my skills. But I’m so thankful posts like these can provide us some guidance.
Glad you enjoyed it, Jean! Be sure to check out how I found my own ikigai . And, if you really want to go deep, the Ikigai 2.0 eBook .
As a recent retiree, this resonates with me. I find myself aimlessly wandering through my days I spent 10 years a s a journalist, 12 as a stay at home mom
And volunteer, then another 18 at a newspaper. Those were my focus, but now I am adrift. Having spent a lifetime with a sense of personal worthlessness further complicates me finding my Ikigai. But this steers me a bit.
Glad to hear this helps guide you a bit, Barb. Be sure to check out the other ikigai posts (and even the Ikigai 2.0 eBook) for additional guidance. After an existential crisis, I also know what it’s like to feel adrift. The Ikigai 2.0 model is what I personally used to find purpose. All the best!
I have recently known this term and read your post. It truly resonates with my passion. I have found my ikigai. I have a unique idea to make our world a better place. I have been working towards it, but found very little support from the masses. Many people appreciate my thought process but hesitant to come forward and join.
History tells us that many great changes in the society have been started by a bunch of individuals with a common goal. I am looking forward to give a true meaning for being alive.
Great to hear, Anil! Are you able to share your ikigai and unique idea?
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Home / Articles / Ikigai: How to Feel Fulfilled at Work and in Life

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When young Paul Farmer picked citrus fruits with his parents one summer alongside migrant Haitian workers, he was just trying to help make ends meet. Each day, he dutifully gathered fruit and interacted a little with the workers.
Fast forward decades later, after receiving a medical degree from Harvard Medical School, Farmer and his colleagues opened a two-room health clinic in 1985—the first of its kind, in Haiti. The clinic quickly became an entire hospital, complete with operating rooms, a blood bank, and a nursing school. The hospital, serving more than 150,000 local Haitians, treated infectious diseases for a fraction of the cost in the U.S. He later co-founded Partners in Health , a global organization that provides high-quality health care to low-income communities.
Providing medical care to the world’s most under-served communities was Dr. Paul Farmer’s ikigai . His story shows that committing your life and profession to something you’re passionate about can be incredibly fulfilling . In fact, a 2015 study showed that those who are happy with their job are 12% more productive than those who aren’t. So while adopting this concept of Japanese balance and finding your ikigai takes time and self-reflection, doing so can improve your happiness and productivity both at work and at home . And perhaps even change the world.
Ikigai is the Japanese meaning for a person’s reason for being. Stemming from the words iki , meaning “alive,” and gai , meaning “worth,” it’s the belief that aligning your passion and vocation with your mission and profession is the secret to a long and happy life.
In Japan, ikigai is embedded in the joy of small daily actions and is why we get up in the morning. From taking a walk, to spending time in nature, to eating nourishing food, simply experiencing what you love is ikigai .
Since there isn’t a direct English translation for the meaning of ikigai , a westernized interpretation of this Japanese concept has gained popularity. Finding your ikigai is also used to discover one’s professional purpose. For instance, if you know what you love and what you’re good at, you can use that to help you determine your ideal career using the ikigai Venn diagram tool.
Ultimately, ikigai comes when one entirely devotes themselves to exploring their existence and their purpose of leading a fulfilled life. It’s about the daily rituals and tasks we do that can bring joy and good health with the broader understanding of our larger role in life.
There is no future, no past. There is only the present.
Finding your ikigai may not come naturally. And that’s okay. It may require some exploration. You can begin pinpointing your ikigai by asking yourself four questions:
What do you love doing most? Is there something that truly brings you joy and fulfillment, regardless of skill, access, profitability, or need ? Maybe it’s creating designs, educating customers on the right products, or keeping a pulse on industry trends.
Are you exceptional at math and solving problems? Do you have a knack for meeting people and creating new partnerships? Are you constantly coming up with fresh, innovative ideas? Spend time exploring your natural gifts.
Here, the “world” could be your city, country, or even just your neighborhood. No matter how local or global your interests extend, think about what needs exist and how your passion and talents can fulfill those needs.
Is someone paying you or willing to pay you for your work? Knowing your passion and talents is essential, but you’ve truly found your ikigai when what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world needs are also something you can be paid for.
Ken Mogi, neuroscientist and author of The Little Book of Ikigai , shares in his book five pillars to consider for finding your ikigai :
Using these pillars will help guide you on your journey of discovering your ikigai.
If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.
Passion , mission , vocation , and profession all lie within the four overlapping Venn diagram circles of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
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