Ever study hard and still wonder why it feels empty? We dive into academic yarigai—the lived, situational meaning that makes learning feel worth doing—and map out nine practical factors that turn study from grind to growth. With Dr. Yu Kanazawa, associate professor at Osaka University, we explore how a refined approach, adapted from the Ikigai-9 scale, unites engagement, curiosity, flow, social contribution, and purpose into a single, usable framework.

We walk through each factor—intrinsic fulfillment, curiosity and intellectual stimulation, personal growth, social contribution, engagement and flow, recognition and appreciation, overcoming challenges, real-world relevance, and a sense of purpose—and show how they interact. Rather than treating motivation as fuel you either have or lack, we focus on lived qualities you can cultivate from different starting points. Maybe you’re not enjoying a subject yet, but you see its social value; maybe you love the topic but haven’t tied it to real problems. Each factor is a gate into meaningful study, and you only need one to begin.

Yu shares insights from his study with Japanese undergraduates and explains cultural nuances like utori—mental space that makes flow possible—and how cramming cultures can crowd out deep engagement. We also unpack why recognition is more than reward; it signals that your work matters to others, which stabilizes effort. For teachers, coaches, and learners, the nine-item scale becomes a reflective tool to diagnose strengths, spot thin areas, diversify sources of meaning, and reduce burnout. Language learning shines as a case study, linking curiosity, connection, and real-world use in a way that naturally builds yarigai.

If you’re ready to trade blunt motivation hacks for a humane, research-backed path to purposeful learning, this conversation offers a clear map you can use today. Subscribe, share with someone who needs a study reset, and leave a review telling us which “gate” you’ll try first.

Ever feel like your mind is running the show—and not in a good way? We sat down with clinical psychologist and author Ross White to unpack psychological flexibility, a practical skill that helps you have difficult thoughts and feelings while still taking the actions that matter. Instead of fighting your inner weather, Ross shows how to bend like a tree: anchored in the moment, willing to feel, and empowered by values and purpose.

Ross breaks down his AWE framework—Anchored, Willing, Empowered—and connects it to a vivid tree metaphor: roots for presence, a trunk that sways with emotion, and a crown that gathers energy for growth. We explore TEAM WIN (Treat Emotions As Messengers, What’s Important Now) so fear, anger, and sadness become signals rather than stop signs. From elite sport to everyday life, Ross explains how to navigate the three motivational modes—get, threat, and reset—so ambition doesn’t slide into burnout and recovery becomes a strategic advantage.

You’ll learn how wonder, gratitude, and compassion act as reset tools, why journaling and mindfulness build meta‑awareness, and how two simple questions can calibrate your effort: Which mode am I in right now, and which AWE skill helps me stay or switch? Ross also offers a timely reframe on meaning: purpose isn’t found, it’s formed. By experimenting with small, values‑based moves, you avoid the arrival fallacy and let multiple purposes evolve over time. Strong intention, light attachment becomes the mantra for sustainable growth.

If you’re ready to branch toward what matters—without breaking—tune in and take notes. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who’s in “always on” mode, and leave a quick review to tell us your favorite reset ritual.

What if the hard road is the honest road—and also the most creative? Neuroscientist and author Ken Mogi joins us to explore how Stoicism and Ikigai converge on a single idea: live in alignment with nature, accept limits with grace, and let difficulty forge depth. We move from the awe of a first butterfly to the precision of a rocket launch, tracing how humility, gratitude, and restraint can transform work, relationships, and personal meaning.

Ken challenges the stereotypes. Stoicism isn’t about shutting down emotion; it’s about seeing clearly and acting accordingly. Creativity thrives under constraints because it has to answer to reality—melody has rules, physics has teeth, and craftsmanship respects the materials. That same ethic shows up in Japanese culture: itadakimasu as a daily lesson in interdependence, the ripening rice ear that bows as it grows heavy, and kaiseki cuisine that reveals flavor instead of hiding it. Ikigai, in this light, becomes alignment with who we are and how we want to relate to others, not a checklist of what we’re paid for.

We also press into modern stakes: AI alignment, the “cult of statistics,” and why humility matters when systems scale beyond any single author. Ken argues for Stoic design principles—restraint, transparency, and alignment with the laws of nature—to keep power tethered to purpose. Along the way, we discuss lowering expectations to reduce needless suffering, desirable difficulties as a compass for growth, and the quiet courage to choose the next step—potential infinity within a human life.

If you’re ready to replace hype with clarity and busyness with intention, this conversation offers practical wisdom and a fresh lens on meaning, creativity, and resilience. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review telling us which idea you’ll practice this week.

Meaning doesn’t have to shout to be real. In this conversation with educator and certified life coach Minako Horaguchi, we re-center ikigai where it belongs: in the small daily moments that make life feel worth living—morning coffee in quiet light, a page of honest journaling, the waku waku spark when your heart lifts for no external reason. We unpack why the viral career diagram misses the point for many people and how a Japanese lens invites presence, harmony, and contribution without the pressure to turn joy into a business plan.

Minako shares her path from a rural childhood in Takayama to teaching, entrepreneurship, and coaching in San Francisco, and how midlife uncertainty led her to a simple but powerful practice: writing a vivid five-year vision and taking tiny aligned actions. We dig into the difference between purpose and ikigai—purpose as your long why and roles as the way it shows up—while ikigai includes small, immediate sources of meaning that grow with you. As AI reshapes work, this inner clarity and social attunement become essential, helping you navigate change with grounded self-worth.

Harmony threads through the entire episode. Drawing on Japanese cultural roots—from rice-farming cooperation to everyday respect—Minako explains how listening before judging conserves energy, reduces conflict, and keeps you focused on what matters. We explore how the seasons model healthy rhythms of action and rest, and how sustainability turns personal meaning into community impact. Expect practical takeaways: ten-minute daily reflection (voice notes if you dislike writing), the tree metaphor for nurturing your “ikigai seed,” and simple ways to practice curiosity in tough conversations.

If you’re tired of equating meaning with achievement and you’re ready to build a life that feels good from the inside out, this one’s for you. Subscribe for more grounded conversations on purpose, share the episode with a friend who needs a gentle reset, and leave a review to help others find the show.

"I believe when I sleep at nighttime I die. Then when I wake up I got a new life." These powerful words from Ai Kihara set the tone for a profound conversation about finding meaning through Japanese wisdom traditions.

Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Ai brings a unique perspective to mental health practice, drawing from her heritage as a descendant of both spiritual practitioners and samurai. She offers refreshing insights into concepts that have become misunderstood in Western culture—particularly Ikigai. Far from being merely a "dream job" formula as popularized in Western books, authentic Ikigai can be something as simple as enjoying ice cream or seeing a friend smile. This flexibility makes it a remarkably effective tool in suicide prevention, where Ai has witnessed how redirecting attention to even the smallest source of meaning—like remembering to feed a pet cat—can create the crucial connection needed to choose life.

The conversation delves into several Japanese therapeutic approaches that challenge Western assumptions. Where Western treatment for depression often emphasizes activity ("do something, work hard, exercise"), Morita therapy takes the opposite approach—rest, do nothing, don't think, until natural motivation returns. Central to this practice is Arugamama—accepting things exactly as they are without judgment. This radical acceptance creates the foundation for genuine healing by acknowledging reality rather than distracting from it.

Equally fascinating is Ai's personalized Naikan practice, which she's maintained for over 30 years. Each night before sleeping, she reflects on what she did for others, how others helped her, and what she learned from her experiences—a simple yet profound practice that maintains her connection to purpose. Her integration of Zen concepts like Ichienso (perfect circle) into art therapy helps clients visualize wholeness while acknowledging life's impermanence.

Whether you're interested in alternative approaches to mental health, seeking deeper meaning in your own life, or simply curious about Japanese philosophy, this conversation offers valuable insights into how ancient wisdom can address very modern problems. Listen now to discover how small moments of meaning might transform your perspective on what makes life worth living.

What happens when your body can no longer endure the crushing weight of corporate expectations? For Nanako Aramaki, a Japanese-Canadian marketing executive in Tokyo, the answer came through panic attacks, hives, hair loss, and finally, a complete inability to function at work. Diagnosed with "adjustment disorder"—a condition so common in Japan it has its own term—she found herself at a crossroads that would ultimately lead to transformation.

Nanako's story weaves through continents and careers, from her childhood in Canada to her years as a professional flamenco dancer touring Europe, before returning to her birth country of Japan. Her journey reveals the stark contrast between Japan's beautiful cultural concepts like "ikigai" (life purpose) and the harsh reality of its modern work culture where "karoshi" (death from overwork) has become normalized. "Had I continued for another six months," she reflects, "I think I would have been close to dying."

During her recovery, Nanako discovered the healing power of Tibetan singing bowls—metal instruments that produce vibrations capable of inducing theta brainwave states similar to deep meditation. Unlike traditional therapy that requires verbal processing, sound therapy offered a non-invasive approach that resonated deeply with her. The vibrations penetrate muscles, organs, and bones, helping release emotions stored within the body. For a society where openly discussing mental health remains stigmatized, this approach provides a culturally compatible entry point to healing.

Now armed with twenty singing bowls and a newfound purpose, Nanako has dedicated herself to bringing this healing modality to Japan's stressed workforce. "I've always felt like there must be a way that I can help Japanese people work less or help them find their purpose," she shares. Her unique positioning as both culturally Japanese yet influenced by Western perspectives allows her to bridge worlds and create safe spaces for transformation.

Ready to experience the healing power of sound? Connect with Nanako on social media @zensowellnesstherapy or visit zenso-wellness.com to learn how ancient vibrations might be the key to modern wellness.

What if work wasn't something we simply endured, but instead became a vibrant source of meaning and purpose? Kensuke Yamamoto, senior consultant at Vanto Group, joins us to challenge the deeply ingrained assumption that work must be an obligation rather than a wellspring of fulfillment.

Against the backdrop of Japan's evolving business landscape—where 99.7% of companies are small and medium enterprises facing unprecedented demographic challenges—Kensuke reveals how the concept of ikigai (life purpose) can transform workplace cultures. Drawing from his experience implementing high-performance initiatives across Japanese organizations, he explores the striking contrast between Western individualistic approaches to job satisfaction and the Japanese emphasis on finding meaning through relationships, harmony, and contribution to others.

Delving into Vanto Group's groundbreaking methodology, Kensuke illuminates how changing the way situations "occur" to people fundamentally shifts their actions and engagement. Using the powerful metaphor of three bricklayers—one merely laying bricks, another building a wall, and a third constructing a cathedral—he demonstrates how vision and purpose elevate ordinary tasks into meaningful contributions. The conversation weaves together Japanese concepts like yarigai (sense of meaning in tasks), hatarakigai (fulfillment from the work environment), and ibasho (psychological belonging) to paint a comprehensive picture of what truly enables people to thrive at work.

Whether you're leading a team, reimagining your organization's culture, or seeking greater meaning in your own career, this conversation offers profound insights into creating workplaces where both people and results flourish. Join us as we explore how intentional dialogue about purpose can transform obligation into opportunity, and how the integration of ikigai principles might just be the key to sustainable business success in our rapidly changing world.

What gives meaning to your life when faced with loss and challenge? For Andriana Ubuduki-Kalfa, the answer emerged at her mother's funeral when a Japanese friend approached her about meeting her daughter, saying simply: "she was your mother's ikigai."

This profound moment transformed Andriana's understanding of ikigai beyond the familiar Western interpretation of four overlapping circles. As a Japanese-Greek performance coach with over 30 years of experience bridging cultural differences, Andriana discovered that ikigai can be found in the simplest pleasures—a morning coffee, a dog's greeting—or in profound connections to people and places that sustain us through life's darkest moments.

Our conversation explores how Andriana blends the Greek love of dialogue (rooted in the Socratic method) with Japanese concepts like mindfulness, kaizen, and kokorozashi (warrior spirit) to help Olympic athletes and executives achieve remarkable results. She shares moving personal stories, including how visualizing a small harbor in the Greek islands became her mental "resting port" during a serious health challenge, carrying her through surgery and recovery with hope and purpose.

Most powerfully, Andriana reveals how reconnecting with our inner child leads us back to our authentic selves—"where real clarity lives." By approaching life with shoshin (beginner's mind) and kokishin (curiosity), we create space for deep observation and reconnection with what truly matters.

Whether you're seeking better performance, deeper meaning, or simply a fresh perspective on life's challenges, this conversation offers wisdom that bridges Eastern and Western traditions in surprisingly practical ways. The insights shared might just help you discover your own ikigai—that special something that makes your life worth living each day.

What if the secret to living longer isn't found in cutting-edge supplements or complex biohacking, but in the timeless wisdom of Japanese rural communities? In this revealing conversation, 63-year-old biohacker and Ikigai Diet expert Sachiaki Takamiya shares groundbreaking findings from the World Longevity Summit held in Kyotango, Japan – a remarkable longevity hotspot with three times more centenarians than the national average.

Forget what you thought you knew about Okinawa. The latest research shows other Japanese regions now lead in longevity statistics, with Kyotango emerging as a living laboratory for understanding what truly contributes to a long, healthy life. Through the Kyotango Longevity Cohort Study, researchers have identified four interconnected pillars that support exceptional longevity: a primarily plant and fish-based diet rich in fiber, functional movement integrated into daily life, strong community connections, and a deep sense of purpose through contributing to others.

Sachi challenges Western misconceptions about ikigai, explaining how this concept relates to longevity in more nuanced ways than typically portrayed. Rather than simply "following your passion," the ikigai that supports longevity comes from feeling needed by others and having meaningful ways to contribute to your community. This perspective transforms how we might approach purpose in our later years.

The conversation explores practical applications of these principles, from the ideal ratio of plant to animal proteins (hint: it's 50/50), to simple movements that maintain crucial functional abilities like walking speed and grip strength. You'll learn about "Mago wa Yasashii Koku," the Japanese mnemonic for remembering essential food categories, and how community-based exercise naturally combines physical activity with social connection.

Whether you're fascinated by Blue Zones research, interested in Japanese culture, or simply want to understand how to live better for longer, this episode offers accessible wisdom that stands in refreshing contrast to complicated health protocols. Connect with Sachiaki through his YouTube channel "The Ikigai Diet Channel" or website theikigaidiet.com to continue your journey toward a more balanced, connected approach to longevity.

What happens when a successful financial advisor abandons commissions to build an ethical wealth management company? Christopher Tan takes us through his remarkable journey from sleeping on his family's living room floor to founding Provident, a fee-only wealth advisory firm in Singapore that's redefining how financial decisions serve life's most meaningful pursuits.

Chris reveals the formative experiences that shaped his ethical compass: growing up in a humble family where his bus driver father's earnings were stretched by his resourceful mother, developing leadership skills during six years as an army officer, and experiencing a moral awakening when a client questioned why he kept selling him unnecessary insurance products. This pivotal moment led Chris to walk away from lucrative recurring commissions to establish a company aligned with his values.

The path wasn't easy. Launching his firm on September 11, 2001, facing licensing delays, and navigating the 2008 financial crisis where his company lost $100 million in three months tested his resolve. Yet these challenges crystallized his "philosophy of sufficiency" – a powerful approach that reframes contentment not as settling for less, but actively identifying what truly matters and arranging finances to support those priorities.

What makes Chris's approach extraordinary is how he's integrated the Japanese concept of ikigai into wealth management. Rather than pushing clients to accumulate endlessly, he helps them make what he calls "ikigai decisions" – life choices that reflect their deepest values – before making financial ones. This paradigm shift has transformed how his clients view money: not as the goal, but as the enabler of a life worth living.

Beyond client relationships, Chris has created what he calls a "corporate family" culture where employees find psychological safety, grace, and forgiveness alongside professional accountability. His dedication to developing the next generation of ethical leaders while honoring their own sources of meaning exemplifies his holistic understanding of true wealth.

Ready to rethink your relationship with money? Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional financial wisdom and offers a more fulfilling path forward. How might your life change if your financial decisions followed your life decisions, not led them?