What is Ikigai?

Okinawa has the highest number of centenarians in the world. One of the reasons why Japanese live so long is the concept of “ikigai”. In Japan, it is believed that people who find their lives meaningful tend to live longer; this is because they feel a sense of purpose or passion that makes life worth living.

Why do I get up in the morning? Traditionally men felt “ikigai” through their work while women felt it through motherhood and family. But times have changed: “ikigai” can be achieved through any kind of meaningful pursuit including work, hobbies, sports, self realization, or even feeling a strong sense of community. Furthermore Ikigai is not fixed; it can change along with the individual. For example, what makes you feel fulfilled when you are young can develop into something different as you age.

What makes the concept of ikigai most effective is its connection to “chanto suru”, the idea that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing properly and even mastering. Therefore a lifelong pursuit of gardening or karate or playing golf or taking care of family members can give you a feeling of “ikigai”. It is all up to the individual…