Season 4 is here! In this episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai, Jennifer is joined by Joe Pournovin, a community builder and educator, to explore his incredible journey from Manchester to Japan and the creation of the Yamathon event. 

Joe shares his experiences with resilience, persistence, and imposter syndrome, and discusses the importance of passion in driving sustainable community impact. He highlights the challenges and triumphs of organizing the annual Yamathon walk in Tokyo, which has grown significantly over the years. 

The conversation underscores the power of volunteerism, the beauty of human connections, and the importance of finding one's own Ikigai.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

• The origins and evolution of the Tokyo Yamathon
• Joe's journey to Japan and finding purpose
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing authenticity
• The value of community and volunteering
• Strategies for finding your purpose and making an impact

About Joe Pournovin

Joe Pournovin is a community builder, educator, and the founder of Tokyo Yamathon—an annual impact walk that brings together thousands of people to explore Tokyo and raise funds for local NPOs. Based in Tokyo, Joe is passionate about creating meaningful connections between people, purpose, and place. He also leads partnership development at Laurus International School of Science, where he helps bridge education and real-world impact.

He’s also a fellow Northerner also from the Manchester area and a North Easterner Tokyoite.

Connect with Joe Pournovin

Tokyo Yamathon

Website: https://www.tokyo-yamathon.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tokyoyamathon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyoyamathon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tokyo-yamathon

IVG Japan

Website: https://www.ivgjapan.org

Connect with Jennifer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach 

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/ 

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Things mentioned in the episode: 

The FooTNiK: https://footnik.com/

Outrun Cancer: https://www.outruncancer.net/our-stories#:~:text=A%20former%20Matamata%20woman%20and,to%20mark%20a%20personal%20goal.

KITTYZILLA: https://www.instagram.com/kittyzillastudio/