Ikigai: The Japanese concept for Meaning in Life

Hello, I am Kumiko Sugiyama, a Management 3.0 Facilitator from Japan. The Management 3.0 “Meaning and Purpose” module explains in one of its slides the IKIGAI concept. I wonder how many of you have heard about this concept which originates from Japan.

In this article I am going to cover the following:

What is IKIGAI?

IKIGAI is originally a Japanese word and means “Meaning in Life”. In the West a framework has been developed which consists of four components, four rings which are overlapping:

The overlapping center is your IKIGAI.

What does IKIGAI mean for Japanese people?

First of all, I would like to let you know that IKIGAI is something very personal for Japanese people. It is not something we share with others on a daily basis, and we do not directly ask someone, “What is your IKIGAI?”. It is very precious and represents a person’s way of life.

I highly recommend The Little Book of IKIGAI: The secret Japanese way to live a happy and long life. It is written by Japanese psychologist Kenichiro Mogi. This book has been translated into 28 languages. It will give you an insight into the Japanese mind and way of life. (I think it will help you to understand and relate to Japanese people.)

How Engagement Affects People

NuWorks, where I work, has been offering Management 3.0 to Japanese companies since it was established in 2016. Stefan Nüsperling is the first Management 3.0 facilitator in Japan. Yasuyuki Kashima has worked on Agile DX in Switzerland. The three of us are Management 3.0 Facilitators.

It is said that worker engagement is quite low in Japan. However, I have met many people at online events and workshops who said they like and enjoy their work. Such comments always give me a great sense of hope and energy. I am blessed to meet such wonderful people with a Management 3.0 mindset.