blogpost

Cory Sterling

Japan! Of all the countries and cultures in the world…

Cory SterlingIt’s with deep gratitude that I share this post from Cory Sterling—a globe-trotting, digital nomad lawyer who lives with a strong sense of ikigai. Cory brings a refreshing, fun approach to law for holistic health and wellness professionals.Cory completed my Ikigai Tribe Coach Certification in Japan in April 2025. He originally shared the post […]

Japan! Of all the countries and cultures in the world… Read More »

Coaching the ikigai concept

Coaching the Ikigai Concept

Ikigai Coaching – a methodology to help others flourish and feel alive. ‘As “ikigai” can be a guideline for the individual’s way of life, it is a topic for interdisciplinary research in psychology, pedagogy (education), and philosophy.’ The above quote from one of Japan’s leading ikigai researchers, Professor Akihiro Hasegawa of Toyo Eiwa University, indicates the breadth

Coaching the Ikigai Concept Read More »

Shokunin-damashi

My father-in-law is a shokunin, a craftsman. He makes a style of traditional Japanese pottery called Shino-yaki. In Japan, the shokunin’s attitude and commitment to craft are embodied in the term shokunin-damashi; damashi means ‘spirit’ or ‘soul’, so this indicates ‘the craftsman’s spirit’ – a willingness to go above and beyond one’s commitment to their

Shokunin-damashi Read More »

Ichigyo-zanmai

ShokuninMy Japanese father-in-law is a shokunin, a craftsman. This one-word translation doesn’t capture the essence of shokunin and the significance they have in Japanese culture. Shokunin make one-of-a-kind products that are highly appreciated for their simple yet sophisticated aesthetics; as a result, these masters are held in high regard and represent the closest that one

Ichigyo-zanmai Read More »

Ikigai and flow

Flow & Ikigai

When do you feel in flow?Flow is often experienced while playing sports, music, or games, or in partaking in religious rituals. It is generally accepted as an optimal state of mind that is achieved when an individual is intensely involved in one of these activities. What is often forgotten is that flow involves a balance

Flow & Ikigai Read More »

The Gambari Spirit

The Gambari Spirit

Discussions of self-improvement in Japan often involve the verb gambaru. Its noun form gambari could be translated to mean ‘endurance’, ‘perseverance’, ‘effort’, or ‘tenacity’. Gambari indicates ‘exerting effort and hard work’ or ‘persevering and not giving up’. It is a key cultural value that guides Japanese motivation and the attitudes towards life’s challenges. I use the

The Gambari Spirit Read More »

>