vlog

In this video, Nick Kemp shares his awe-inspiring experiences in Japan, highlighting the cultural value of omoiyari—thoughtfulness and selfless acts of kindness. From being personally walked to a destination by strangers to witnessing peaceful interactions at intersections, Nick recounts moments that showcase Japan’s unique sense of politeness and empathy. Experiencing omoiyari in JapanNick: I’ve had […]

Imagine mastering a language only to find yourself struggling to engage in meaningful conversations. In this video, Nick Kemp shares a personal story from his time teaching English, highlighting why understanding a culture is just as important as learning its language. He talks about his experiences with advanced Japanese English learners and how cultural differences

In this video, Nick Kemp explores Japan’s culture and values, from cherishing moments with ichigo ichie to Shintoism’s view of nature as divine. He reflects on cultural nuances like honne and tatemae and contrasts them with Australia’s relaxed approach to life. Appreciating different Japanese ideasNick: You’ve touched on so much that this resonates with me.

In this video, Nick Kemp and Miku dive deep into the concept of ikigai and its profound connection to relationships. Nick shares his unique approach to learning Japanese through podcasts like Ken Mogi’s, emphasizing the satisfaction of understanding and connecting with the language. Miku opens up about how teaching Japanese and building connections through her

In this insightful video, Nick Kemp explores how the roles we take on reflect our values and provide us with a profound sense of purpose. He shares his personal journey, from seeking success in traditional ways to finding deep meaning in his role as an ikigai coach and an ambassador for authentic ikigai. Role as

In this thought-provoking video, Nick Kemp dives into the often misunderstood concept of ikigai, shedding light on its multidimensional nature. He challenges the popularized Western interpretation, particularly the oversimplified Venn diagram. Nick highlights the cultural differences in understanding and explaining ikigai, contrasting the Western tendency to seek clear, concise definitions with the Japanese approach, which

In this episode, Nick Kemp reflects on a memorable experience in Japan, where he learned to appreciate the joy of being fully present through sensory pleasure. A simple bowl of ramen in a modest shop sparked a realization: the Japanese have a unique ability to focus on the here and now. Staying present in the

In this episode, Nick Kemp shares his love for one of his favorite Japanese words: tanoshimi (楽しみ). It’s not just about enjoyment—it’s about looking forward to something, a concept deeply rooted in Japanese culture that Nick found fascinating during his early days in Japan. Anticipating enjoyable momentsNick: So this leads us to this idea of

In this video, Nick Kemp reflects on the interplay of kodawari (dedication to perfection) and wabi-sabi (embracing imperfection) through the lens of traditional Japanese pottery. Inspired by his father-in-law’s craft of making matcha-jawan (tea ceremony bowls), he explores how Japanese artisans balance meticulous attention to detail with acceptance of the unpredictable nature of their materials

In this video, Nick Kemp dives into the concept of serious leisure—a fascinating idea that blurs the line between work and hobbies. He reflects on his own passion for researching and sharing knowledge about ikigai, explaining how it’s more than just a job or a casual pastime. When work becomes a passionate pursuitNick: Actually, we