'Ikigai' Explained: Finding Your Life’s True Purpose

Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions — working, eating, sleeping, and then doing it all over again? You’re not alone. Many of us hit a point where life feels like a never-ending treadmill, and we start wondering if there’s more to it than just checking off boxes. If you do, you might need to find and discover your own “Ikigai.”
You’ve probably heard of the buzzword in social media or through your wisdom-filled friends, but what does it really mean?
As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what truly matters and set intentions for a more fulfilling life. In this article, we’ll be diving deeper into this Japanese concept and what experts have to say on how we can incorporate “ikigai” into our lives.
What is ‘Ikigai?’

Roughly translated to “reason for being,” “Ikigai” is a Japanese concept that combines the two words: “iki,” which means life, and “gai,” which means reason or worth. For the Japanese, this word refers to something that brings value and joy to life: from your loved ones to hobbies and work — simply put, a reason to wake up in the morning.
In a book written by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life,” this word is referred to as logotherapy — a form of existential therapy founded on the premise that the primary motivational force of individuals is to “find meaning in life.”
If we go back even further, the term “ikigai” has been around for a long time, becoming a central theme in Japanese psychiatrist Mieko Kamiya’s 1966 book, titled “Ikigai-ni-Tsuite (On the Meaning of Life).” In her book, Kamiya gave a two-part definition of the term, stating that “ikigai” refers to a source of happiness, while “ikigai-kan” refers to the emotion that these sources give that makes one feel that life is worth living.
How to Find Your ‘Ikigai,’ According to Experts

The word “ikigai” has seen numerous definitions, but how does one really find their own? According to García and Miralles, who wrote the aforementioned book after interviewing the centenarians in Ogimi, Okinawa, Japan’s “village of longevity," because many people reach the age of 100, there are ten rules to discover and live your ikigai.
- Stay active; don't retire – According to the book, people who stay active and work well into their old age stay passionate about life. Work, however, refers to something one loves to do.
- Take it slow – Rushing through things is normal, but the authors suggest that it affects one’s quality of life. Take time to stop and appreciate the “now.”
- Don’t fill your stomach – The secret to a long life is avoiding overeating. In the book, the authors suggested eating until you’re only 80% full.
- Surround yourself with good friends – No man is an island, so having a great support system and having fun with them can enrich your life. The authors found this to be true as they discovered that Ogimi’s centenarians often found joy in spending time with others in their community centers and playing games.
- Get in shape for your next birthday – Exercise, according to the centenarians they interviewed, is also a huge component for living long, as it contributes to happiness and, of course, physical health.
- Smile – While it’s also good to acknowledge bad things, the authors encourage people to never forget what a privilege it is to be in a world full of possibilities.
- Reconnect with nature – “Human beings are part of the natural world,” the book says. Hence, for the people of Ogimi, it is imperative to return to nature to help them recharge.
- Give thanks – Whether to your ancestors, to nature, to your family, or friends, spending a moment to give your gratitude to them will increase your happiness, the book suggests.
- Live in the moment – Make no regrets, instead make the most out of the present and make it something to remember.
- Follow your ikigai – According to the authors, everyone has their own “ikigai,” a passion that keeps one going, and it’s our own mission to discover it.
Meanwhile, Tokyo-based neuroscientist Dr. Ken Mogi, in his book “The Little Book of Ikigai,” said that there are five pillars of “Ikigai,” which help in keeping one healthy and having a balanced state of mind.
- Starting small – It is all about doing small things that make you happy, like taking your dog for a walk or having a good cup of coffee.
- Releasing yourself – Be honest about your true self and accept what you are.
- Harmony and sustainability – Being mindful of the impact of your actions towards others and thinking beyond one’s selfish needs to create harmony with other people and society as a whole.
- The joy of little things – Have pleasurable and rewarding experiences embedded in your routine, like meditating, working out, or simply having a delightful breakfast every day.
- Being in the here and now - According to Mogi, appreciating the present helps bring one’s inner child, and being in touch with your inner child can give one an avenue to be free, creative, and make the best out of every moment.
Overall, one’s “ikigai” does not need to be something grand, like being rich, famous, and having a lot of friends. It can be found in the little things in life — we just have to learn to appreciate them.
Want to know if you are living your "ikigai?" Take this quiz!
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.