Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai

Welcome to the latest episode of the podcast. This week I am talking to Alison Mowbray, former Olympic medal winning rower in the British Rowing Team, and current leadership development consultant and coach. Alison initially pursued an academic career in microbiology, got her PhD, became a science teacher… and then tried out for national selection in the British Rowing Team. She’s competed at the...

On the latest episode of the podcast I chat to the multi-talented James Nepaulsingh. James is a lawyer, executive coach, painter, music producer and host of the Plus Future Podcast! James joins us to discuss his ikigai and we have a great discussion about his approaches to life and to pursuing new hobbies and learning new things. Listen to the episode and get inspired to treat life as an experimen...

Trigger Warning/Content Warning:   In this episode of the podcast, we talk about mental health, mental illness, as well as suicide ideation. We don't go deep into the topic, but we just wanted to let you know that that is what is coming up in case it is something which might trigger you. So, I hope that you will enjoy the episode today and if you are struggling in any way, please do reach out...

This week on the podcast we have a returning guest, Nicholas Kemp, who we interviewed back in Season 1 Episode 18. Nick Kemp is a podcast host, Japanologist, Ikigai expert, solopreneur, and now author of the wonderful book on ikigai called IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a Life Worth Living. Join us as we discuss Nick’s journey of writing the book and pick Nick’s brain on all things ikigai! If you enjoyed this e...

On this episode of the podcast, for the first time I interview a family! The Kumagai family are an amazing and inspirational family that believes strongly in family togetherness. Through individual projects and family projects the Kumagais are bringing their philosophy of togetherness, inclusion and connection to their neighbourhood and wider community. This conversation is a great example of how...

This week on the podcast I talk to Saori Okada, Founder of Mogami (最上), a Japanese wellness brand headquartered in London (U.K.). Saori’s work is focused on wellness that is centred around longevity and empowering people to achieve sustainable wellness. In the episode Saori will share with you about her work in this field, her personal wellness journey, and how ikigai relates to a sustainable we...

Welcome to another episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai! This week I had the pleasure of talking with Cory McGowan, half adventurer, half transformational coach, half bear dancer. Cory currently lives in scenic Minakami, and is actively involved in the rural revitalisation movement in the area. Listen to this episode to hear a fantastic conversation in which Cory talks about his love of adventu...

This week on the podcast we talk to the wonderful Tiziana Alamprese. Tiziana is an infectiously positive and energetic person, who loves to share her joy with others. Tiziana has spent decades as a top marketing professional and now is embarking on a new journey with her own company, Tiziana Alamprese Consulenza, bringing love, innovation and creativity into branding and marketing. If you enjoyed...

This week on the podcast I talk to the inspirational Lowell Sheppard. Lowell is the Founder of HOPE International Development Agency Japan, author of the book Never Too Late and Founder of the Never Too Late Academy, and an avid sailor. He is currently training for his dream solo voyage across the Pacific, by sailing around Japan in collaboration with the History Channel. Lowell shares some truly...

On February 27th, 2020 Make March Matter (MMM), the best, most supportive online network of people came into being for small business owners struggling to make sense of what was happening as the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Now two years on, that group set up by Jennifer Shinkai just to get through March, has blossomed into a vibrant community that continues to be a source of inspiration, joy and connec...

For the 20th and final episode of Season One we decided to flip the script a bit. I’ve had multiple people ask me where my interview is, and when can they hear me talk about my Ikigai. Jayne, my wonderful podcast manager and host of the Transformations with Jayne podcast, was one of those people and she volunteered to interview me for the podcast today. So enjoy this final episode of Season One, w...

On this week's episode Yuta Hasumi joins us to discuss his work in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the corporate world and his work with Ikigai Authentic Ltd as an executive coach and advisor for businesses. Yuta discusses his perspective of Ikigai as a Japanese man, and why diversity and inclusion is so important to him. He also gives us some great advice for people experiencing diff...

This week we are talking to the wonderful Nick Kemp. Nick is the founder of Ikigai Tribe, a membership site and podcast that focuses on the concept of Ikigai from a Japanese perspective. Nick learnt about Ikigai whilst living in Japan and really connected with it. Later he saw Westernised frameworks based on this concept and felt there were a lot of misconceptions of what Ikigai was. He decided to...

In episode 5 Dr. Justin Sanders and I talk about the connection of lifelong learning to Ikigai, the 60 year curriculum, how it helps the brain, and how to approach study when there are almost too many options available. We also touch on how credentials can be a way to increase your impact in the world - not just about the skills you learn but the different doors that will be opened for you. If you...

It was a delight to talk to Robin Lewis about how he moved from inspiration to action to integrate his ikigai and purpose around sustainable living. He talks candidly about the challenges of being so engrossed in your ikigai that you fail to look after yourself, finding an ikigai partner, about being an intrapreneur or volunteering  as a way to bring even more fulfilment into your day. We als...

Have you wanted to do more art but think of yourself as not creative? My guest is the wonderful Konatsu Ishijima, an artist, personal coach, and theatre company founder. I was very impressed with Konatsu’s courage as this is not only her first podcast in English, which is not her first language, but her first podcast ever!  Konatsu has a wonderful artistic perspective which correlates to her...

Children living in care homes due to neglect or abuse are largely invisible to us here in Japan. Kozue Oka, the director of Mirai no Mori shares with us the reality of working in an NPO that is necessary because of a problem. Kozue’s stories of how Mirai no Mori supports these children is so inspirational, as are the plans they have to create their own dedicated campsite to become a trusted place...

Noemi Inoue is the first foreign-born woman to be elected as a local councillor in Japan. Originally from Bolivia, Noemi talks about how her ikigai around public service led to her starting an NPO, changing her nationality and then becoming a three-time elected politician in Sumida ward in Tokyo. We had some issues with sound quality as is the joy of online recording but I loved hearing about Noem...

I loved talking about recovering a positive mindset, practical tips around unemployment and the thrillingly disconcerting moment when everyone gets behind your idea. I just loved chatting with Dr. Ashley Dash and after we stopped recording we went on for another 30 mins! Wish I had a director's cut!  Dr. Ashley Dash inspires action through her lived experiences in person and online. She often...

In this episode with renaissance man, Dr. David Sweet, we talk Shakespeare, Stoicism, the parable of the talents and the evils of the snooze button. With the pursuit of excellence in all things as the essence of his Ikigai,  David surprises me with a thoughtful moment of connection and celebration and shares his perspective on "Consistent persistency".   You will also learn about how to...

Could your hobby become your ikigai? Be inspired by Jess's Kyudo story Jess’s description of flow - being in the here and now The long journey of 11 years from the first view to being an integral part of who she is now Identity transition - from runner to archer, how different roles serve us at different times How the flow from kyudo (her ikigai) spreads into other parts of her life. In this episo...

When Covid hit, Brittany found herself locked out of Japan, her usual country of residence, where her home and her business are located. 18 months later, she is still waiting to be allowed to enter Japan again but this has not stopped her from keeping her business moving forward even if it means waking up at 2 am to lead a workshop for clients in Japan. I hope Brittany’s story will inspire you to...

We all want to instinctively move away from pain, it’s in our DNA. My guest today is Henry Seals, a man who spends his time helping people to do this and to live better lives. Henry gives us an open and honest account of how he navigated divorce in Japan to achieve the best outcome for everyone - a philosophy that can apply in all areas of life and work.  If you enjoyed this episode and it in...

How would you react if the doctor told you your test results were bad, so bad that you only have months left to live. This is what happened to my guest Matthew Dons, five years ago. Since then he has been on a quest to find information and treatments that would save his life. Along the way, he has used his experiences to help others to do what he has done. Matthew has some fascinating insights on...

Be prepared to laugh and maybe even have a bit of a teary moment too and look out for the fabulous shoes! My guest in this episode is none other than Steven Haynes, a most beautiful soul, who is a prolific creator and bringer of joy and love to this world. I hope this episode will be a chance for you to get to know a little more about how he both deliberately and then also spontaneously weaves his...