What Is Ikigai? Discover the Japanese Secret to Living with Purpose and Joy

Have you ever reached the end of another busy week and realised you've spent every waking moment ticking off your to do list, looking after everyone else, meeting deadlines, answering emails and simply trying to keep up?

You know you're grateful for your life, yet somewhere along the way you've forgotten what genuinely makes you feel alive.

This is something I see time and time again through my work as an Ikigai Life Coach, and it is one of the reasons I am so passionate about teaching the philosophy of Ikigai to both my coaching clients and my students at Hult International Business School in London.

Ikigai isn't about quitting your job, travelling the world or completely reinventing your life.

It starts with something much simpler.

It starts with remembering what brings you joy.

What is Ikigai?

Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a beautiful Japanese concept that roughly translates as "reason for being" or "reason to wake up in the morning."

Rather than focusing only on career success or financial achievement, Ikigai encourages us to build a life filled with meaning, fulfilment and everyday happiness.

Contrary to what many people see on social media, Ikigai is much more than the famous four overlapping circles. While that model can be a helpful coaching tool, the Japanese understanding of Ikigai is often far broader and more personal.

Your Ikigai can be found in meaningful work, but equally it can be found in raising children, creating art, gardening, cooking, learning, volunteering, spending time with loved ones or simply enjoying the little moments that make life worth living.

It is less about finding one grand purpose and more about living intentionally every day.

Why is Ikigai so important in Japan?

Japan has fascinated researchers for decades because of its remarkable number of centenarians, particularly on the island of Okinawa, often referred to as one of the world's Blue Zones.

Scientists believe there isn't one single secret to this exceptional longevity. Instead, it appears to be the result of several healthy lifestyle habits working together.

These include:

• A strong sense of purpose

• Close social connections

• Daily movement

• Nutritious eating habits

• Lower stress levels

• Lifelong learning

• Community support

Within this lifestyle, Ikigai plays an important role.

Many older adults in Japan continue to wake up each morning with something they are excited to contribute to, whether that's tending a vegetable garden, practising a craft, helping neighbours, teaching grandchildren or pursuing lifelong passions.

Having something meaningful to look forward to gives each day direction.

Purpose doesn't simply enrich our lives. It helps sustain them.

We Have Forgotten How to Play

As adults, many of us become incredibly productive.

We work hard.

We care for our families.

We support our friends.

We build careers.

We juggle endless responsibilities.

But somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we slowly stop asking ourselves one very simple question.

What actually makes me happy?

Many women I work with struggle to answer this immediately.

Not because nothing brings them joy.

But because they have spent years putting themselves last.

Their own happiness gradually became optional.

Yet happiness isn't selfish.

It is essential for our wellbeing.

Your Ikigai Journey Starts with Joy

One of the biggest misconceptions about finding your purpose is believing you need to figure out your entire future before taking the first step.

Have you ever reached the end of another busy week and realised you've spent every waking moment ticking off your to do list, looking after everyone else, meeting deadlines, answering emails and simply trying to keep up?

You know you're grateful for your life, yet somewhere along the way you've forgotten what genuinely makes you feel alive.

This is something I see time and time again through my work as an Ikigai Life Coach, and it is one of the reasons I am so passionate about teaching the philosophy of Ikigai to both my coaching clients and my students at Hult International Business School in London.

Ikigai isn't about quitting your job, travelling the world or completely reinventing your life.

It starts with something much simpler.

It starts with remembering what brings you joy.

Happiness Is Not a Luxury

Modern life asks a lot of us.

We are constantly connected.

Always available.

Always striving for the next goal.

Always taking care of someone else.

Yet our mental wellbeing depends on creating space for ourselves.

Choosing joy isn't lazy.

It isn't indulgent.

It isn't something you earn once everything else is finished.

It is one of the foundations of a healthy, meaningful life.

After all, we are incredibly fortunate to be alive.

None of us knows how much time we have.

So let's not spend it simply getting through each day.

Let's spend it creating a life we genuinely enjoy living.

Because perhaps your Ikigai isn't waiting somewhere in the distant future.

Perhaps it begins today, with one small decision to do more of what makes you smile.

A Simple Ikigai Journaling Exercise

Find a quiet space, make yourself a cup of tea and spend some time reflecting on different chapters of your life. Write without judgement. Simply notice what memories bring a smile to your face.

Think about:

Childhood

What games did you love?

What were your favourite hobbies?

What did you dream about becoming?

When did you completely lose track of time?

Teenage Years

Which school subjects excited you?

What creative projects did you enjoy?

What clubs, sports or activities made you feel confident?

Early Adulthood

What experiences made you feel most alive?

What adventures are your favourite memories?

When did you feel most fulfilled?

Your Career

Which parts of your work genuinely energise you?

When do you feel you're making a positive difference?

What tasks would you happily spend more time doing?

As you journal, patterns will begin to emerge.

Those patterns often contain clues to your Ikigai.

Bring More Joy Back into Your Everyday Life

You don't need to make dramatic life changes tomorrow.

Instead, ask yourself one question.

How can I include one small moment of joy in every single day?

• Perhaps it's reading ten pages of a novel before bed.

• Taking your dog for a mindful walk.

• Painting.

• Dancing while cooking dinner.

• Joining a yoga class.

• Learning a language.

• Calling a friend.

• Gardening.

• Writing.

• Listening to music.

• Doing absolutely nothing for fifteen peaceful minutes.

These moments may seem small, but they are powerful acts of self-care. They remind you that your happiness matters too.

Ready to Discover Your Ikigai?

As an Ikigai Life Coach, wellbeing coach and lecturer, I help people reconnect with what truly matters so they can build a life with greater purpose, confidence and fulfilment.

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unsure of what comes next, I'd love to help you begin your own Ikigai journey.

Get in touch to book your personalised Ikigai Coaching Session and start creating a life that feels aligned with who you truly are.

Contact Us