An EIGHT-WEEK IKIGAI COACH CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Deepen Your Coaching Practice and Become A Certified Ikigai Coach!

Move Beyond Appropriations and Learn to Coach the Ikigai Concept Professionally

Ikigai is NOT a framework of doing something that you love, that you are good at, that the world needs and that you can be paid for.

Much of what is presented as ikigai in the West is based on this four-circle Venn diagram that does not originate from Japanese culture. Ikigai is not a formula for combining what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs and what you can be paid for.

It is a multifaceted Japanese concept associated with what makes life feel worth living, including everyday joys, personal values, meaningful relationships, fulfilling roles and a hopeful sense of the future.

IKIGAI COACH CERTIFICATION

WHY BECOME AN IKIGAI TRIBE COACH?

  • Deepen your understanding of meaning, purpose and fulfilment.
  • Expand the reflective conversations you can facilitate with clients.
  • Apply culturally informed, research-based coaching frameworks.
  • Develop a distinctive area of coaching specialisation.
  • Gain practical tools for individual and group coaching.

THIS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM IS IDEAL FOR YOU IF:

  • You are a life coach or business coach.
  • You are a professor, teacher or trainer.
  • You are a psychologist
  • You are a HR manager wanting to get the best out of your staff.
  • You are an entrepreneur.

THIS PROGRAM IS NOT FOR YOU:

  • If you have no coaching experience
  • If you think passion alone will guarantee you success.
  • If you are not willing to apply the knowledge you learn from the program.
  • If you're hoping ikigai to be a magic bullet for you and your clients.
  • If you are only in it to make money.

THE IKIGAI TRIBE COACHING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

This program introduces coaches to a more culturally informed and research-based understanding of ikigai and provides practical frameworks for exploring it with their clients.

Endorsed byJapan's leading ikigai experts, clinical psychologist Professor Akihiro Hasegawa of Teikyo University and Prof. Daiki Kato (Rolefulness), the Ikigai Coach certification program uses THE IKIGAI FRAMEWORK and ROLEFULNESS as part of a unique coaching methodology.

Nicholas Kemp

Akihiro Hasegawa

Professor Akihiro Hasegawa

Daiki Kato

Professor Daiki Kato

Unlike the thousands of life coaches, business coaches and HR managers out on the web teaching the misinterpreted Westernized ikigai concept, you'll be a Certified Ikigai Tribe Coach, and have the authority and knowledge to coach your clients with the ikigai concept to positively change their lives.

This will put you a cut above the rest in the crowded life and business coaching space.

Ikigai Tribe Certificate

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

This program is designed as continuing professional development for trained and practising coaches. Participants are expected to have prior coach education or relevant experience applying coaching skills professionally. The program teaches a specialised ikigai coaching methodology and does not provide foundational coach training.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE IKIGAI COACH CERTIFICATION PROGRAM?

An EIGHT-WEEK IKIGAI COACH CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

An eight-week professional development and specialisation program for trained and practising coaches who want to integrate a culturally informed, research-based understanding of ikigai into their coaching practice.

EIGHT TWO-HOUR LIVE ZOOM CALL SESSIONS

Each week, for eight weeks, you will participate in a live 2-hour coaching zoom call with Nick going step-by-step through the program. Cohorts are limited to 5 to enable meaningful conversations.

PRIVATE COACHING

One year's access to a private chat thread coaching with Ikigai Tribe founder, Nick Kemp. You'll get tailored advice related to your coaching role & business.

THE FIND YOUR IKIGAI COURSE

Full access to the FIND YOUR IKIGAI course - a video based course that covers the seminal teachings of Mieko Kamiya and other pioneering authors, the Hasegawa - Kemp framework and more.

COACHING RESOURCES

In the members area you will have access to powerpoint presentation slides, frameworks, templates, diagnostic tools and reference materials to use as coaching resources.

THE IKIGAI MEMBERSHIP

Life access to the IKIGAI TRIBE Membership including monthly webinars, additional training and bonuses.

SPECIAL GUEST WEBINAR RECORDINGS

Webinar recordings from Japan's ikigai researchers and authors. 

WHAT IS THE CERTIFIED IKIGAI COACHING PROGRAM?

1

Week 1:
THE MOTHER OF IKIGAI- In this module, you’ll gain a deep understanding of what ikigai truly means to the Japanese, guided by the life and work of Mieko Kamiya. Through her pioneering philosophy—largely unknown in the West—you’ll learn how to clearly define and explain ikigai to your clients, helping them connect with a more authentic and personal sense of purpose. As Kamiya’s writings remain untranslated, you’ll be among a select few equipped to share her original insights in your coaching practice.

2

Week 2:
THE IKIGAI FOUNDATIONS - In this module, you’ll be guided step by step through the Ikigai Framework, gaining a clear understanding of the core elements that shape a fulfilling life. You’ll explore key foundations such as personal values, mirai-sei (a sense of future), roles and relationships, and Dr. Shintaro Kono’s Ikigai Leisure Theory. These insights will equip you to help your clients identify what truly matters to them and create a life of meaning, connection, and future-oriented motivation.

3

Week 3:
LIFE SATISFACTION - In this module, you’ll investigate the facets of life satisfaction through the lens of ikigai. You’ll explore the appreciation of life’s small joys, resilience in the face of adversity, and the temporal nature of ikigai as presented by Professor Akihiro Hasegawa. Additionally, you’ll dive into Dr. Shintaro Kono’s theory on life directionality, gaining insights into how individuals cultivate purpose and fulfillment over time. These perspectives will help you support your clients in building a meaningful, resilient, and satisfying life.

4

Week 4:
ROLEFULNESS -  In this module, you’ll explore the concept of role satisfaction through the lens of Rolefulness. Grounded in the pioneering work of Professor Daiki Kato, you’ll be introduced to the Rolefulness Theory, the Rolefulness Scale, and practical coaching frameworks to help clients deepen their sense of fulfillment in everyday roles—and uncover the unique role that gives their life meaning.

5

Week 5:
IBASHO  Explore the powerful concept of ibasho—a place where you feel you truly belong. In this module, you’ll examine how creating environments of emotional safety and connection contributes to one’s sense of ikigai. Drawing from Dr. Shintaro Kono’s research on the interpersonal dimensions of ikigai, you’ll gain insight into how meaningful social spaces foster well-being, identity, and purpose—for yourself and your clients.

6

Week 6:
PURPOSE In this module, we’ll explore shimei-kan—a felt sense of life purpose—and guide your clients through a purposeful ascent. Beginning with how we do things (yarigai), moving into finding meaning in work (hatarakigai), and ultimately arriving at a deeper personal mission (kokorozashi), you’ll learn how to help clients uncover purpose at multiple levels and align their daily actions with a greater sense of meaning and contribution.

7

Week 7:
SELF-ACTUALIZATION - In this module, you’ll move beyond the self-centric idea of “becoming the best version of yourself” and explore a more grounded, Japanese perspective on self-actualisation—one that emphasizes expressing your true self while contributing to the greater good. You’ll also take a deep dive into Japan’s Self-Actualization Scale, gaining tools to help your clients cultivate authenticity, purpose, and socially meaningful growth.

8

Week 8:
IKIGAI COACHING - In this final module, you’ll explore the role and purpose of Health & Ikigai Advisors in Japan as a model for shaping your own Ikigai Coaching practice. You’ll review a range of theories, frameworks, and diagnostic tools to help you design a program that aligns with your unique strengths and values—empowering you to guide others in discovering and living their ikigai with clarity and confidence. 

*

SELF-PACED MODULES:
VIDEO CONTENT- Video content on the research and findings of Japanese Professors and researchers, including Akihiro Hasegawa, Shintaro Kono, Tsukasa Kobayashi, as well as authors including Ken Mogi and Gordon Mathews.

BY COMPLETING THE PROGRAM, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:

  • explain ikigai within its Japanese cultural and psychological context.
  • facilitate reflective conversations about meaning, purpose and fulfilment.
  • apply ikigai frameworks, scales and coaching tools appropriately. 
  • identify connections and conflicts between a client’s values and life.
  • use reflective questions to evoke deeper client awareness.
  • support clients in translating insight into meaningful action.
  • distinguish coaching from counselling, therapy and psychological assessment.
  • integrate ikigai into an existing coaching practice ethically and responsibly.

GUEST EXPERT WEBINAR LIBRARY

Access to 20+ webinar recordings from Japan's leading ikigai researchers, authors and artists.

PROF. KEN MOGI

PROF. GORDON MATHEWS

Akihiro Hasegawa

PROF. AKIHIRO HASEGAWA

SACHIAKI TAKAMIYA

Daiki Kato

PROF. DAIKI KATO

Prof. Shintaro Kono

DR. SHINTARO KONO

DR. YASUHIRO KOTERA

PROF. SHINICHI NAGATA

RIE TAKEDA

WHAT DO CERTIFIED IKIGAI TRIBE COACHES RECEIVE?

CERTIFICATION

An official Ikigai Coach certification certificate. 

CERTIFICATION BADGE

A certification badge for your social media and marketing materials.

TRIBE OF COACHES PROFILE LISTING

Your coaching profile listed on the Certified Ikigai Tribe Coaches page at IkigaiTribe.com.

A DONE-FOR-YOU IKIGAI COACHING PROGRAM

The 5-Week Ikigai Coaching Program that you can offer and deliver to your clients, that includes powerpoint presentations, frameworks and worksheets. You'll be licensed to use this framework and methodology as a Certified Ikigai Tribe Coach of Ikigai Tribe.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP TO IKIGAI TRIBE

Access to the Ikigai Tribe members only forum, the FIND YOUR IKIGAI course.

IKIGAI SUMMIT WEBINAR RECORDINGS

Access to webinar recordings from the 2023 IKIGAI SUMMIT with presentations from Prof. Kenichiro Mogi,  Prof. Akihiro Hasegawa, Prof. Gordon Mathews, Dr. Shintaro Kono, Dr. Shinichi Nagata and others.

COACHING MANUALS

Included with the Ikigai Tribe Coach program are coaching frameworks, step-by-step manuals and video tutorials to guide you on how to deliver individual, team and group coaching. These frameworks and manuals provide you with tools and a tested coaching methodology you can use to help your clients thrive.

ikigai coaching frameworks

IKIGAI COACH CERTIFICATION FAQS

HOW IS THE PROGRAM DELIVERED?

The certification program is delivered completely online via zoom calls. Each week, for eight weeks, you will have a two hour coaching session in your cohort with Nick on Zoom at an agreed upon time.

ARE THE PROGRAM SESSIONS RECORDED?

Yes, each coaching session will be recorded and made available for you to access in IKIGAI TRIBE.

WHAT ELSE IS INCLUDED?

Individual and group coaching manuals and methodologies, pre recorded video content, webinar recordings and coaching resources and tools.

CAN I CONTINUE TO GET COACHING OR SUPPORT AFTER THE PROGRAM?

Yes, you can continue to receive one-to-one or a private chat coaching with Nick for a year after you complete the program. You will always have access to the coaching resources in the members area. 

WHAT'S THE INVESTMENT?

An investment of USD$5495 upfront. There is also a payment plan option of three monthly instalments of $2000. Your investment includes life membership to Ikigai Tribe. The membership includes access to current and future video course content, private chat coaching, live webinars and recordings, the members forum and use of the app.

CERTIFICATION

The Certified Ikigai Tribe Coach designation is issued by Ikigai Tribe and recognises successful completion of the program’s certification requirements.

Certification grants you a lifetime license and your continued use of Ikigai Tribe's coaching methodologies, materials and resources. It also ensures you access to future coaching tools and programs as well your Ikigai Tribe membership.

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

  • practicing psychologists and educators
  • experienced coaches
  • entrepreneurs and business owners
  • corporates transiting into coaching
  • Chief Happiness Officers  

THIS IS NOT A PROGRAM

  • for aspiring coaches
  • on how to build a coaching business
  • on how to find coaching clients
  • on mindset and building confidence
  • on internet marketing

ON COMPLETION OF THE IKIGAI TRIBE COACH PROGRAM

On completion of the Ikigai Tribe Coach program you have the knowledge and knowhow to tie the ikigai concept and other Japanese psychological concepts into your current professional role. In addition you will have a methodology and the resources to offer and deliver individual, team and group coaching.

Individual Coaching

Team Coaching

Group Coaching

This program is for ideal for psychologists, educators, corporates transitioning to coaching and experienced coaches wanting to explore a different coaching methodology as well as entrepreneurs, business owners and Chief Happiness Officers wanting to create a flourishing workplace.

If you aren't an experienced coach you can take the program, but you should already have something in motion and a clear vision of what you want to achieve.

FEEDBACK

Tina Bagwell

Francis Cantraine 


THE COACHING MEMBERS AREA

The weekly live webinars, private coaching and the Find Your Ikigai course will all be accessible in a private members area. After signing up you'll be sent your login details to immediately access the first module of the Find Your Ikigai course and the coaching resources.

Member Area

THE IKIGAI TRIBE APP

The Ikigai Tribe App gives you 24/7 access to the member's area on the go. Access all training videos,  the Moai forum, recorded webinars and your private chat Senpai coaching thread from your phone.

ikigai tribe app
ikigai lessons
ikigai videos

PRIVATE CHAT COACHING

Remember you'll also receive one-to-one coaching via a private chat thread with me. You can ask me any questions about the ikigai concept and the ikigai coaching program, and you'll also get tailored advice related to your coaching business.

A sneak peek!

BECOME A CERTIFIED IKIGAI TRIBE COACH

THIS PROGRAM IS OFFERED VIA COHORT OR ONE-ONE-ONE. 

INTAKE FOR JULY 2026 NOW OPEN

PAY UP FRONT: US$5495

Save $505

3 x US$2000 = US$6000

3 Monthly Payment Option

IKIGAI COACH FAQs

Terms & Conditions - Certification Agreement

For more information please refer to the Ikigai Tribe Coach Certification Agreement.

What time will the weekly webinars be held?

The program is offered in two time zones - a Europe friendly time zone and a US friendly time zone - to accommodate various countries. The cohort start date and time will decided after speaking to each cohort member.

What does certification grant me?

Certification grants you a lifetime license and the use of Ikigai Tribe's coaching methodologies, materials and resources. It also ensures you access to future coaching tools and programs as well your Ikigai Tribe membership.  

Do you offer scholarships or discounts?

Due to the limited numbers we allow in each cohort and the number of contact hours needed to facilitate the program we cannot offer scholarships or discounts.