The Ikigai Podcast

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...

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...

Are you passionate about historic properties? Japan is home to a wealth of historical gems, many of which are in need of preservation. In this blog post, Nick speaks with Tamaki Nishimura to discuss the importance of saving these iconic properties and transforming them into unique vacation rentals.

Unlock the secrets of living a meaningful life as we challenge popular misconceptions about Ikigai in a conversation led by AI co-hosts. Could it be that passion alone isn't the key to happiness? Journey through the complex dimensions of Ikigai as we revisit insights from the book "Ikigai Kan: Feel a Life Worth Living" and Japanese psychiatrist Miko Kamiya's seven psychological...

Can ikigai be used as a treatment? Ikigai is about discovering a sense of purpose, and when applied effectively, it can enhance other Western treatments like behavioural activation, promoting overall well-being. In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Nathania Rochelle and Jürgen Hoyer about leveraging behavioural activation and ikigai for preventive health.

Are you seeking strategies to streamline your business operations? Toyota, the renowned Japanese automotive giant, has developed various methodologies to enhance workplace organisation and boost productivity, with one of the most effective being the 5S model. In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick is joined once again by Steve Beauchamp, who shares his innovative take on the 5S model and how...

What influences our sense of ikigai? In exploring the concept of ikigai, it’s essential to understand how various factors contribute to its experience.  In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Takaharu Goto about the impact of biopsychosocial factors on one’s experience of ikigai.

How does one express the self with ink, brush and paper? Many people view calligraphy simply as an art form that showcases beautiful handwriting. However, it is more than just elegant writing; it is a profound way to convey meaningful messages. In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Naoko Mikami about how calligraphy goes beyond aesthetics to express deep thoughts and emotions.

Unlock the secrets to leading a purpose-driven life with internationally acclaimed consultant, leadership coach, and best-selling author Katie Anderson. Dive into Katie's heartfelt reflections on her sources of ikigai, her transformative experiences in Japan, and the deep connections she maintains with family, friends, and professional networks. Learn how her fascination with Daruma dolls and...

What makes work fulfilling? For some, work becomes a lifelong dedication. While it may seem extraordinary to others, discovering work that holds meaning transforms it from mere labour into a profound sense of purpose, invoking a feeling of Yarigai. In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick discusses with Professor Hiroshi Nishigori how individuals can uncover meaning and fulfilment in their prof...

How do individuals suffering from social isolation cope? In Japan, there is a sociological phenomenon known as hikikomori, where individuals shut themselves in their rooms, avoiding any form of social interaction. Despite its prevalence, this issue has not received much attention. In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick talks with Naomi Berman about the causes and effects of hikikomori in Japa...

Have you taken a moment to reflect and see the beauty of life? The art of haiku is a wonderful way to be present and express your feelings in the moment. It allows us to savour each fleeting experience, capturing the essence of now. In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick welcomes back Misako Yoke to explore the wabi-sabi of haiku.

Have you heard of Mieko Kamiya and her contributions to the concept of ikigai? Not known to many, Japanese researcher Mieko Kamiya committed to researching the concept of ikigai in-depth, making her works valuable for those seeking a deeper understanding of the concept. In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick and Kei Tsuda delved into the remarkable contributions of Mieko Kamiya to the concept...

Have you heard of the Mother of Ikigai While ikigai has gained recognition in the West, few are aware of the significant contributions made by Mieko Kamiya to its study. Who exactly is Mieko Kamiya, and what impact has she had on the study of ikigai In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, join Nick and Kei Tsuda as they explore the life and remarkable achievements of Mieko Kamiya.