"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—partic...
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 caree...
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 (lif...
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, An...
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 res...
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 fa...
In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick welcomes back Daiki Kato to explore their new book on rolefulness—a concept that empowers people to live more intentionally by embracing meaningful roles in everyday life.
Ready to let ikigai rock your world? In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Sunplaza Nakano Kun to explore how his music captures the spirit of ikigai and inspires his fans. Sunplaza Nakano Kun is a Japanese musician, writer, and singer for the band BAKUFU- SLUMP (爆風スランプ). Beyond his music career, he has also worked as a radio personality and author—a man of many talents.
How can we quiet our minds in a chaotic world? In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Tosei Shinabe about how Zen meditation offers a path to deep contemplation and inner stillness amidst the noise of modern life.
What can a single sip of tea reveal? In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Dairik Amae on how the simple act of drinking tea can become a doorway to stillness.
Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion, is strongly rooted in animism, with Japanese believing that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. Shinto does not have a single creator or specific doctrine, and instead exists in a diverse range of local and regional forms emphasising a sacred connection between humans and the natural world. In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Taishi Kato about the deep-rooted significance of Shinto and the ongoing ef...
Where is your place to cultivate meaningful connections and personal growth? In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Tomoe Ueyama and Gloria Tam to explore how fourth spaces can help people build authentic relationships and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
How have you handled loss in your life? In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with June Kashio to explore how embracing Ikigai can provide meaning, resilience, and healing during times of loss.
What gives you energy? What is the spark that lights your fire? In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Katie Sandoe to explore how ikigai can inspire and energize people, helping them rediscover passion and purpose.
Where does life lead us? Life is a journey, and with the right guidance, it can steer us toward our true calling. In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Martin Krafft about his transition from a life at sea to professional training and coaching.
How can we gain a deeper understanding of foreign concepts like ikigai and saudade? While these concepts can be challenging to define, our bodily sensations can offer valuable insights into their deeper meanings. In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Igor de Almeida to explore how cultural concepts like ikigai and saudade are embodied in our physical experiences.
What can we gain from spending time outdoors? While nature is commonly linked to well-being, it also serves as a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation. In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Cory McGowan to discuss how he integrates nature and adventure into his coaching, helping individuals unlock their full potential and achieve personal growth.
How do you rebuild your life after losing everything? Coping with loss is one of life’s greatest challenges, yet there are paths to recovery that can help us heal and move forward. One such path is discovering a sense of ikigai. In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Myroslava Marchenko on how individuals can rediscover purpose and resilience in the aftermath of profound loss.
Can artwork inspire us? Beyond mere decoration, art forms like calligraphy have the unique ability to evoke feelings of motivation and purpose. In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick welcomes back Naoko Mikami to explore how calligraphy can be a powerful source of inspiration, helping to set the tone for a positive and fulfilling day.
Monika Sadkiewicz's journey from Poland to Japan might seem like a story of unexpected twists, but it's a testament to the transformative power of embracing new cultures. In this episode, we sit down with Monika, the dynamic community manager at Planet Labs, as she recounts her life-altering move to Japan as a teenager. With no initial interest in Japanese culture, Monia's path took an intriguing turn as she found her calling in teaching and eventually connected with Planet Labs through a ser...