The Ikigai Podcast

In episode 37 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick and Miku explore the Japanese concept of Omoiyari.Japan is a group-oriented society and harmony is an important aspect for them; understanding the situation without words is something that is instilled in them at a very young age. They even have this term omoiyari, where people understand the feelings of others while not including the concept of self. But is it something only experienced in Japan?

On episode 36 of the Ikigai Podcast, Makoto Furuya joins Nick, to share how he was able to rediscover and reconnect with his Japanese roots.A lot of Japanese value the culture that they came from; it is something that they give importance to, but that wasn’t always the case for Makoto. It took him several decades to fully embrace his Japanese roots.

On episode 35 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick talks to Saori Okada on what it really means to be Japanese.With the increasing attention on Japanese culture – all these Japanese psychology and concepts being applied in Western countries, what do the Japanese think about it? What does it really mean to be Japanese, despite how the West interprets their culture?

On episode 34 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick reflects on the life and work of professor, psychiatrist, researcher,  linguist, translator and author, Mieko Kamiya.  Nick shares quotes from Kamiya’s seminal book, Ikigai ni Tsuite, and her published diary as well as quotes from her biography by Yuzo Ota. He also reads passages from my own book, Ikigai-kan.  Click play and together with Nick, reflect on the life and work of the Mother of Ikigai.

On episode 33 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick talks with Dr. Suzy Ross about the importance of leisure and play, not only for the young but for people of all ages.What is the importance of leisure and play? Leisure and play are something that people don’t put that much importance on; some might also think that “playing” is only for the young ones, but is it really the case?

On episode 32 of the Ikigai Podcast, join Nick and his guest Rie Takeda as they explore the beauty of shodo (the art of traditional Japanese calligraphy).Who would have thought that mindfulness can be incorporated into art? When we hear the word ‘mindfulness’, usually the first thing that comes to mind is a form of meditation: sitting and relaxing. It turns out that we can also practice mindfulness while getting in touch with our creative side.

On episode 31 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Yoko Inoue as she shares her quest for happiness in the happiest country in the world.Does happiness depend on the society we live in?Living in a good environment may be a factor in our happiness, but that is not enough to live a meaningful life. What are the factors that we need to consider in order to achieve life satisfaction?

On episode 30 of the Ikigai Podcast, Dr. Yasuhiro Kotera, Academic Lead at the Univeristy of Derby, returns to discuss a book he co-authored and edited, "Ikigai: Towards a psychological understanding of a life worth living".Yasuhiro's teaching primarily focuses on mental health and research modules including supervision at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His research interests include self-compassion, intrinsic motivation, and cross-cultural psychology. He use both quantitative and qualitative to explore these interests.

On this episode 29 of the Ikigai Podcast, we have a guest who is a former behavioral ecologist who holds a PhD in Applied science by the name of Caitlin Kight.Dr. Caitlin Kight is currently an Education Researcher and Leader of the academic development and skills teams at the University of Exeter. In that role, she help academics and support staff reflect on their education-facing activities and improve their teaching and learning techniques.On this episode, Nick and Caitlin discusses teaching in relation to ikigai and how the Japanese concept helped Caitlin to educate others more effectively.

On episode 28 of the Ikigai Podcast, Dr. Yasuhiro Kotera, Academic Lead at the Univeristy of Derby, delves into the ikigai concept and discusses with Nick the health benefits people can get from ikigai.Yasuhiro's teaching primarily focuses on mental health and research modules including supervision at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His research interests include self-compassion, intrinsic motivation, and cross-cultural psychology. He use both quantitative and qualitative to explore these interests.