The Real Meaning of IKIGAI: Unveiling the Truth Behind the Japanese Concept

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[leahhickey]

Thank you so much! What a beautiful explanation of ikigai.

[LutherBaker]

What a great reminder ... to keep in mind that "formulas" (Venn Diagram) might be helpful for illustration but that the truth is much deeper (and simpler).

[cg]

Thank you for this video and message. Helps me realize that Ikigai is not just an exercise i do on paper.

[nicoled]

ありがとうございます. I recently saw the Western version of 生きがい. I really appreciate your explanation of life purpose more.

[sergiomachado]

Azumi: your point of view is much more profound than the interpretations that try to view in ikigai, just a kind of professional realigment or a new action commitment. As you said, in a hospital bed, frequently, there's no way to do anything, besides to feel. So, ikigai must be already there.

[michaelorourke]

Very well explained. Azumi you are great.

[spinvalve]

Thank you Azumi! My ikigai is Jesus Christ and everything that flows from Him 🤗

[Presentation-Zen]

Azumi-san, this is so wonderful and explained so well. Thank you for this. The concept of Ikigai as depicted in the Venn diagrams on the Internet do not really get at the essence of this simple idea. The diagrams may be useful for some people, but it is not necessary to call these diagrams Ikigai. There are many things that make up one’s “Ikigai” and some of them—or all of them—may have nothing to do with making money or whether or not one is particularly good at something they love. I was so happy to hear your explanation.

One aspect of Ikigai as it was explained to me when I first moved to Japan decades ago, was finding joy in the tiniest of moments as you described in your video. To be fully present and appreciating these simple moments when they arrive is fundamental. For example, walking alone in the forest or on the beach, or talking to an old friend in a coffee shop. To be present and have the mindset where we can appreciate the little things which may be free or have a very low cost, is I think the key to being open to see Ikigai when it presents itself. Thank you again -- you have a new subscriber.

[thomastoscano]

Fantastic Sometimes, people from the West use Eastern concepts and distort them to a fast food philosophy. So, its great to see you explaining the real meaning. Thank you for this! ありがとうございます。

[sanayarehman]

A very beautiful concept, just completed the book recently.

[pwhalen-perry]

Thank you this was beautifully explained

[etienneg]

Just wanted you to know that you’re also reaching people under 20 years old if you didn’t know🙏🏽 .Very well explained, thanks for telling us the real meaning and getting straight to the point of it. I came across this concept when I watched the movie Perfect Days a couple of months ago and it’s a beautiful way of living life. By being more appreciative of the small things in life since people nowadays forget to cherish the small moments. Those are the ones we’ll be missing the most in the future so everyone should try to appreciate the moment no matter how small it might be. Appreciate living. Thanks for the explanation Azumi:)

[deannalove]

Thanks for explaining this. I never heard of it until ab 5 mins ago. The person that was explaining it from a Western stand point. Thanks for clarifying

[triggercell]

Many thanks for this clear explanation! I had a feeling it was simpler and not as difficult and complicated a concept as the modified social media's 'fast-food venn diagram philosophy' 🙇‍♂

[sergiomachado]

very enlighted explanation, Azumi! Thank you!

[TylerJones-tdmr]

It's kind of sad how this term has been distorted by the west to be only about your career. Like there are a lot of things that make my life worth living that I don't get paid for!