Defining Ikigai as 'What Makes Life Worth Living'

Ikigai is one of the hottest buzzwords in leadership and personal development. But what does ikigai really mean?

When you think of ikigai, what do you envision? 

Is it the popular Venn diagram that claims to help you find your purpose by identifying “the sweet spot” where what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for overlap? 

The problem? That’s not ikigai at all. 

And in fact, the very process of putting ikigai into a framework contradicts the authentic meaning of the word.

To dispel what he calls the “ikigai hoax” and uncover its deeper meaning I’m joined by Nicholas Kemp—Japanologist, researcher and author of IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a Life Worth Living and the new book Rolefulness, co-authored with Professor Daiki Kato. 

We explore how ikigai is fundamentally about creating meaning, connection, and a life —and workplace—where people feel life is worth living

It’s about being before doing and cultivating simple joys, authentic relationships, and spaces where people feel safe, valued, and inspired, whatever roles you are playing in your life or at work.

Let’s rediscover ikigai—not as a trendy framework, but as a powerful principle to understanding personal purpose, leadership development, and how to cultivate organizations where every individual can thrive. 

YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why the popular Venn diagram version of ikigai is a myth—and what authentic ikigai really means in Japan
• Why ikigai is an essential concept for leaders who want to create people-centered workplaces
• The deeper meaning of kokorozashi and its connection to purpose, intention, and leadership impact
• What “rolefulness” means and why understanding your roles in life can bring meaning into your relationships and workplace
• Practical ways to apply ikigai in leadership and daily life to inspire individuals and build thriving teams

ABOUT MY GUEST:

Nicholas Kemp, known as The Ikigai Coach, is a coach trainer, public speaker, consultant, and author of IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a Life Worth Living and Rolefulness. He is the founder and head coach of Ikigai Tribe, a community of educators, psychologists, coaches, and trainers dedicated to serving their communities through the authentic practice of Ikigai. With decades of experience living in Japan and training leaders worldwide, Nick is the trusted voice on how Ikigai can be embodied—not just studied.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/53 
• Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.com
• Connect with Nick Kemp: linkedin.com/in/nicholas-kemp 
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• Check out Nick Kemp’s Ikigai Tribe website and get his books: https://ikigaitribe.com/
• Download my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst 
• Learn more about my Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantrip 

TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:

02:20 What ikigai really means
03:11 The misconception people think ikigai is
04:10 The ikigai hoax of the popular viral Venn diagram
07:04 Why Nick calls himself a Japanologist and his deep understanding of Japanese principles
10:57 The different structures of ikigai to identify relationships, people roles, and hobbies
11:19 What “Kan” means in Ikigai-Kan that makes you feel that life is worth living
13:27 The concept of slowing down into “be” not just “do”
14:35 How to get back to the ikigai essence of life and work
15:00 The meaning of ibasho and that is built on three ideas that make you feel comfortable and have a sense of purpose
17:34 The importance of having a psychologically safe environment where continuous improvement thrives
19:54 What kokorozashi means to align our behaviors with intention
21:20 How Japan uses kokorozashi in their biggest business school
24:01 Breaking down the concept of kokorozashi to put ideas into action
25:38 What inspired Rolefullness to make it an extension of ikigai
29:03 Tips on how to understand your role in your own life whether at work or home
23:23 Three ways to enrich your life
30:22 The importance of meaningful conversations and expressing gratitude
32:26 How to be more roleful to make a change in your business and relationships and fulfill a specific role
36:07 The concept of authenticity to show up as you are with maximum impact
36:58 How to get started in getting more intentional in being your authentic self

38:12 The greatest gift of ikigai and allowing a person to pursue their work role
42:12 Cultivating ikigai, kokorozashi, and shiko to create space where people feel safe, valued, and inspired

43:24 Three simple ways to create ibasho to build a welcome place where people thrive