The Ikigai Podcast

On episode 40 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Yazdan Mansourian about how one can feel ikigai through information sharing in serious leisure.

One of the essential aspects of ikigai is having meaningful relationships; through these relationships, we can feel a sense of belonging, which leads us to feel ikigai. 
There are ways in which we can obtain significant relationships, and one can be through information sharing in serious leisure activities. How can we build meaningful relationships through leisure?

On episode 39 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick and Trudy Boyle discuss how people can live meaningfully co-existing with illness.

How do we live our lives co-existing with illness?

Being diagnosed with a critical illness is something that all of us would dread; naturally, we fear the pain, uncertainty, and especially death. However, these are things that we cannot control. It is better to acknowledge these unpleasant feelings and learn to live with them.  How do we do that?

On episode 38 of the Ikigai Podcast, Shinichi Nagata joins Nick to discuss the paper he co-authored on the topic of ikigai. 

Does leisure have an impact on our sources of ikigai? 

There have been studies on the impact of leisure on well-being, but not much about its influence on various sources of ikigai. Good thing some experts would like to explore more on this subject.

In episode 37 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick and Miku explore the Japanese concept of Omoiyari.

Japan is a group-oriented society and harmony is an important aspect for them; understanding the situation without words is something that is instilled in them at a very young age. They even have this term omoiyari, where people understand the feelings of others while not including the concept of self. But is it something only experienced in Japan?

On episode 36 of the Ikigai Podcast, Makoto Furuya joins Nick, to share how he was able to rediscover and reconnect with his Japanese roots.

A lot of Japanese value the culture that they came from; it is something that they give importance to, but that wasn’t always the case for Makoto. It took him several decades to fully embrace his Japanese roots.

On episode 35 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick talks to Saori Okada on what it really means to be Japanese.

With the increasing attention on Japanese culture – all these Japanese psychology and concepts being applied in Western countries, what do the Japanese think about it? What does it really mean to be Japanese, despite how the West interprets their culture?

On episode 34 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick reflects on the life and work of professor, psychiatrist, researcher,  linguist, translator and author, Mieko Kamiya. 
 
Nick shares quotes from Kamiya’s seminal book, Ikigai ni Tsuite, and her published diary as well as quotes from her biography by Yuzo Ota. He also reads passages from my own book, Ikigai-kan. 

Click play and together with Nick, reflect on the life and work of the Mother of Ikigai.

On episode 33 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick talks with Dr. Suzy Ross about the importance of leisure and play, not only for the young but for people of all ages.

What is the importance of leisure and play? 

Leisure and play are something that people don’t put that much importance on; some might also think that “playing” is only for the young ones, but is it really the case?

On episode 32 of the Ikigai Podcast, join Nick and his guest Rie Takeda as they explore the beauty of shodo (the art of traditional Japanese calligraphy).

Who would have thought that mindfulness can be incorporated into art? 

When we hear the word ‘mindfulness’, usually the first thing that comes to mind is a form of meditation: sitting and relaxing. It turns out that we can also practice mindfulness while getting in touch with our creative side.

On episode 31 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Yoko Inoue as she shares her quest for happiness in the happiest country in the world.

Does happiness depend on the society we live in?

Living in a good environment may be a factor in our happiness, but that is not enough to live a meaningful life. What are the factors that we need to consider in order to achieve life satisfaction?