In this episode, Katie interviews Nick Kemp, an expert in the Japanese concept of Ikigai (translated "a live worth living"). Having spent significant time in Japan, Nick shares his journey of understanding and applying Ikigai in the Western world. He discusses the origins of the term, its misinterpretations, and how integrating it can transform one's life. Nick also provides insights into how Ikigai offers meaning in both major life pursuits and everyday activities. The conversation delves into the cultural nuances and the personal and professional impacts of embracing Ikigai. Tune in to explore a deeper understanding of what makes life worth living.

Episode Chapters

00:26 Meet Nick Kemp: The Ikigai Expert

02:48 Understanding Ikigai

09:03 The Venn Diagram Controversy

16:37 Personal Impact of Ikigai

22:11 Western Misinterpretations and Japanese Perspectives

26:01 Master and Apprentice: A Tale of Ikigai

26:33 Finding Purpose in Everyday Actions

27:35 Nick's Personal Ikigai

29:16 Morning Rituals and Simple Joys

31:06 Ken Mogi and the Science of Ikigai

33:20 Challenges of Ikigai in Modern Japan

39:50 The Role of Community in Ikigai

43:55 The Evolving Nature of Ikigai

46:47 Resources to Discover Your Ikigai

Episode Guest

About Nick Kemp

Nicholas Kemp is a keynote speaker, author, researcher, solopreneur, and author of IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a Life Worth Living. He is the founder and head coach of Ikigai Tribe, a small community of educators, psychologists, coaches, and trainers who serve their personal communities using the ikigai concept. Nick also holds a Diploma of Positive Psychology.

A week-long trip to Tokyo in 1977 at the age of five left a lasting impression on Nick that would eventually see him return to Japan eighteen years later. After being awarded a one-year restaurant management traineeship with one of Japan's largest restaurant chains in 1995, Nick fell in love with Japan (again) and ended up living there for 10 years.

“I have had a love affair with Japan ever since I first visited the country at the age of five. Some 40 years later my relationship with Japan has never been more intimate. The older I get the more I seem to discover how unique, beautiful and wise the culture and people of Japan are.

It was in 1998 when I returned to Japan to teach English that I was introduced to the most amazing word when a co-worker asked me what my “ikigai” was. I hadn’t heard the word before and was astounded to discover that the Japanese language had a single word to encapsulate one’s reason for living.

Twenty years later, after stumbling upon the westernised “Ikigai Venn Diagram” it became my personal mission to correct the misunderstood perception of ikigai and share with the world what ikigai means to the Japanese. The information on this website and in my soon to be released book is what I hope is the most accurate and honest representation of the Japanese concept of ikigai”