The Ikigai Podcast

On episode 20 of the Ikgai Podcast, Dr. Iza Kavedžija shares her insights on happiness and Ikigai from the perspective of the elderly in Japan.

Having spent 14 months observing and conversing with her interlocutors, a group of elderly friends who regularly spend time at a community cate Iza come to discover that "Happiness in the Japanese context can usefully be understood as deriving from a series of negotiations or “balancing acts” between contrastive values and orientations to the world."

Interestingly, her interlocutors rarely spoke directly of “happiness”. In Japan, stating such things about oneself could be perceived as bragging, and it is customary in Japan to represent oneself and one’s associates in a modest, self-deprecatory manner.

On episode 19 of the Ikigai Podcast, I discuss kokorozashi with the  Dean of the Graduate School of Management at GLOBIS University, Tomoya Nakamura. GLOBIS is the largest and fastest-growing business school in Japan and aspires to develop visionary leaders who will create and innovate societies.

Kokorozashi could be defined as something that not only will satisfy and fulfill a person but also as something that has a positive impact on society. Kokorozashi, a word rooted in bushido is very relevant to leadership and business in Japan. 

 This is episode 18 of the ikigai podcast and my guest today is someone who I like to think of as my Senpai or the Senpai I wish I had while living in Japan, William Reed. William is a Japan certified coach, a best-selling author, a long time resident of Japan, almost 50 years, and has an eighth-degree black belt in Aikido, an 8th dan in Shodo, which is brush calligraphy, and a seventh dan in small brush calligraphy. 

The list of Will's achievements in Japan goes on and on - too many to mention in this introduction, but I should mention that Will holds a Master Teacher rank in Namba Walking, which he defines as the art of physical finesse.

In episode 17 of the Ikigai podcast, Assistant Professor Shintaro Kono shares his research results from a qualitative study on how Japanese university students experience ikigai via interpersonal relationships. 

Theorizing the Interpersonal Aspect of Ikigai
Ikigai is strongly influenced by "ibasho"; authentic relationship. In such relationships, students felt that they could be true to who they were and that their close others genuinely cared about them. 

In summary, Shin's research and resulting theory suggest that having authentic relationship is characterized by two distinct types of subjective perceptions; self-authenticity and genuine care. Authentic relationship was often developed and maintained through two modes of interaction; "experiencing together", and "communicating experiences". Lastly, these interactions were conditioned by echoed values and trust.

On episode 16 we discuss why finding your Ikigai is the most honorable and rewarding thing one can do. According venture capitalist Yohei Nkajima it’s the key to a long and happy life. 

So what exactly is Ikigai?

The literal translation is “the reason for which one lives”, which does the word justice. Your Ikigai can be your job, your lover, your family, your hobby, or anything else. It’s whatever brings you satisfaction and a sense of meaning to life. If you’ve ever woken up next to someone you truly love, you know the feeling.

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Yohei Nakajima shares with us that in order to truly understand the nuances of this word, you must know the different ways in which it’s used. Ikigai is something you can have, feel, search for, or find.

In episode 15 of the Ikigai Podcast Nick chats with Misako Yoke, founder of Genki Habits and author of Take Heart - Your Are Stronger Than You Think. 

Misako Yoke is also a published author in Japan, an award-winning speaker, a certified Tiny Habits coach, and a Life Story coach. The word “Genki” (energetic, enthusiastic, high-spirited) perfectly describes her personality.

In episode 14 of the Ikigai Podcast, I talk with Bob Emiliani on the subject of Shinjijutsu Kaizen. Kaizen goes far beyond the popular notion of "continuous improvement". Discover how Kaizen is a humanistic approach that helps people realize their full potential. 

The teachings of Chihiro Nakao will enlighten you on a wide range of business subjects and teach you to think differently -  to think by using your hands and see by using your feet. 

On episode 13 of the Ikigai Podcast, Ken Mogi returns to discuss the Japanese concept of kodawari.

What is Kodawari?

In Ken's own words, "Kodawari is a personal standard, to which the individual adheres to in a steadfast manner. It is often, though not always, used in reference to a level of quality or professionalism to which the individual holds. It is an attitude, often maintained throughout one’s life, constituting a central element of ikiagi."

In episode 12 of the Ikigai Podcast, I speak with Dr. Dean Fido on his translation and validation of the Ikigai-9. 

The Ikigai-9 is a psychometric tool used as a means of measuring Ikigai across the dimensions of:

• optimistic and positive emotions toward life
• active and positive attitudes towards one's future
• and acknowledgment of the meaning of one's existence.

The Ikigai-9 consists of nine items measuring one’s reason for being through dimensions of emotions towards one’s life, attitudes towards one’s future, and the acknowledgment of one’s existence.

The Ikigai-9 Statements

• I believe that I have some impact on someone.
• My life is mentally rich and fulfilled.
• I am interested in many things.
• I feel that I am contributing to someone or to society.
• I would like to develop myself.
• I often feel that I am happy.
• I think that my existence is needed by something or someone.
• I would like to learn something new or start something.
• I have room in my mind.

In episode 11 of the Ikigai Podcast, Finding Ikigai in Classical Japanese Swordsmanship, I'm speaking with Saneteru (Steven) Radzikowski, founder and current head instructor of Shinkan-ryu Kenpo, a unique style of classical Japanese sportsmanship.

Shinkan-ryu Kenpo
Shinkan-ryū Kenpō takes the ideas of munen 無念 (non-worldly thoughts), which is a Buddhist concept and attempts to pierce the fog of mental constructs to show the real truth of our minds and the world. The techniques of the sword and mind are shared at the same level. One does not develop only the sword without the mind in the true tradition of Shinkan-ryū Kenpō.