Do you know your Ikigai?
In Japanese culture, there is a fascinating concept called Ikigai, which literally means "reason for living". It is about living a meaningful and fulfilling life. The concept, which has existed in Japanese culture for ages, first gained wider popularity with the publication of Japanese psychiatrist Mieko Kamiya's book On the Meaning of Life (Ikigai Ni Tsuite - Having a Purpose in Life) in 1966. With the publication of IKIGAI by Japanese neuroscientist Ken Mogi some years ago, the concept (and the book) has become an international bestseller. At its core, Ikigai is the convergence of four elements:
What do I love to do?
What am I naturally good at?
What can I do to make a positive impact on others?
What can I be paid for?
When these four elements intersect, they form your Ikigai – your sweet spot where passion, mission, vocation, and profession align. It's the place where you find deep fulfillment, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose in everything you do.
'Respecting the old and embracing the new' means so much more to us than providing our company’s vision; it is a deeply rooted wisdom in all of us to find more joy, meaning, and fulfillment in both our work and our lives. Give it a try.