Nicholas Kemp is a father, husband, Japanologist, 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.
*Watch the full playlist above.
Be Honest with Yourself when You Write
Ikigai-kan is honestly written and filled with Nick's experiences in Japan, the connections that he has made, as well as insights from his podcast guests. It gives people an understanding of feeling a life that is worth living.
Future Plans as an Author
After finishing his book, Nick plans on writing another one. There are more things that he wants to share with people about the beauty of Japanese culture and Japanese concepts that people can learn from.
What to Learn From Each Culture
Having been able to experience both Western and Japanese culture, Nick has his learnings from each culture and shares some values that he wants to see from each culture.
Shimeikan: A Sense of Purpose
In his book, Nick provides a profound understanding of some Japanese terms by looking at their kanji characters and deconstructing them to reveal a deeper meaning. One example he gave was shimeikan (a sense of purpose).
Being Honest About My Deepest Feelings
Nick shares how he got emotional while writing his book, how he was able to share his deepest feelings through his writings, and is happy to share with his readers the experiences he encountered in Japan.
How Ikigai Links to Many Aspects of the Japanese Culture
In his book, Nick presents ikigai in various aspects of the Japanese culture; Ikigai-kan shows how ikigai is present in all areas of life -- be it the arts, a simple hobby -- the things that people do daily.
Why Choose Ikigai-Kan as the Book Title?
Inspired by the work of Mieko Kamiya, a pioneering researcher of ikigai, Nick chose Ikigai-kan as the title of his book. Ikigai-kan means a feeling of ikigai, which he wants his readers to understand: that ikigai is something that people feel.
I Hope Ikigai-Kan Reaches a Lot of People
Nick shares that he wishes for his Japanese friends to read his book and hopes that he presents an accurate definition of ikigai. Moreover, he wants his book to become a legacy for his son.
Who is Ikigai-Kan For?
If you are interested in Japan and want a deeper understanding of its culture, then IKIGAI-KAN is for you. Nick shares that his book is for those who want to learn more about Japan; for those who wish to understand ikigai deeply and sees it as more than a Venn diagram.
IKIGAI-KAN: A Japanese Perspective of the Ikigai Concept
To ensure that his book offers a cultural appreciation of ikigai, Nick interviews professionals, specifically Japan's leading ikigai researchers, to have a deeper understanding of ikigai in the context of Japanese culture.
Have a Different Approach to Life Through IKIGAI-KAN
Through his book, IKIGAI-KAN, Nick seeks to let people know that there is a different way of thinking and living -- a different approach to life that can help people feel that life is worth living.
What is Ikigai-Kan All About?
Nick shares that he wrote Ikigai-kan to convey to people that ikigai is an experiential concept -- it is something that people feel, not something you chase, and it is much more than a Venn diagram.
What Makes a Good Coach?
Nowadays, most coaches focus on attaining external rewards such as money and fame. But are those essential in having a meaningful life? In episode 35 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick talks about what is vital for their role: to share their knowledge and help other people discover what really matters to them.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Value
Sometimes people tend to focus more on extrinsic value, especially now that people get engaged more with social media. However, these extrinsic values are limited, not something that will give us life meaning. In this case, Nick explains why it is essential to focus more on intrinsic values: anything that offers a sense of satisfaction.
Sakura and Wabi-sabi
Japan has all these complex concepts, and one of them is wabi-sabi. How do we define it? Nick shares how he used Sakura as a metaphor to describe the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi.
Amazing Things About The Japanese Language
Nick talks about the beauty of the Japanese language, one of the reasons people are captivated in Japan; how Japanese people can encapsulate ideas within a single word.
The Secret Trick To Finding Your Ikigai
How can we find ikigai? For Nick, he believes that people can feel ikigai with the roles that they play in society -- it doesn't have to be work-related; it can be one's role as a friend, a family member, or anything that they find purpose in.
Is Now Meaningful To You?
What are the things that you value at the moment? If you're struggling to find meaning in your life, you're probably lacking something significant. Nick shares what we need in our life to make it meaningful.
Who is Your Ikigai?
Ikigai is not limited to work-related goals that we have in life; it can also be about the meaningful relationships that we build. We define ikigai as the reason why we get up in the morning, hence, it is not only restricted to material things or the goals that we have. Nick shares how our relationships with others may also be considered as ikigai.
Is Ikigai Your Bliss?
Attaining ikigai is not limited to having big goals in life. There are lots of ikigai sources that surround us. We only have to be mindful of these things or moments. Nick explains how people can feel a sense of ikigai: it can be the small blissful pleasures in life or even some life-defining moments.
Finding Balance
Nick shares two perspectives to understand ikigai from Gordon Mathews' book: What Makes Life Worth Living? He explains the two methods of ittaikan (commitment to group) and jiko jitsugen (self-realization); he thinks that finding a balance between the two will help people find significance in their lives.
Maintaining a Beginner’s Mind
What is a beginner's mind? Some people consider themselves experts and neglect the opportunity of learning something new. Therefore, it is essential to approach things with a beginner's mind as it provides us more chances for growth and learning. Nick explains what a beginner's mind is and why it is vital to practice such.
When Do You Feel a Sense of Purpose?
When do you feel a sense of purpose? People might have different answers to this question, but how can we distinguish something worthwhile in our lives? Nick breaks down this idea of having a sense of purpose: it can be the feeling of using one's life in service to other people.
Do You Talk Things Up?
The Japanese are known for being diligent; they have the term gambarimasu (to do one's best). Their entire focus is on how to produce great results for the benefit of many. In contrast with the West, where people tend to talk things up. Nick talks about how Japanese people focus more on working hard for the greater good.
Can Your Read The Air?
In Japan, they give importance to others' feelings than voicing their thoughts or opinions. They have the phrase Kuuki wo Yomu (to read the air): they see to it to be mindful of others before they say something, hence they have a harmonious community. This is something that Nick learnt in Japan: the importance of holding back and being considerate of others.
What Do You Have To Look Forward To?
Do you have something to look forward to? How can anticipating something give people a sense that their lives are worth living? Nick shares that having something to look forward to may contribute to a person's overall well-being, happiness, and life satisfaction.
Valued Experiences
What experiences make your life worth living? According to Dr. Shintaro Kono, a leisure expert, and researcher of ikigai, there are four valued experiences we seek when we pursue leisure: enjoyment, effort, stimulation, and comfort. Nick explains how these experiences contribute to making our lives worth living.
Ikigai and Okinawa
Ikigai is one of the Japanese terms greatly misunderstood in the West. Some believe that it originated from Okinawa and is related to longevity. However, these are all romanticized notions about the concept. Nick details how ikigai is not a concept from Okinawa and is not about longevity.
Ikigai: What it is and what it is not?
In the West, people have mistaken ikigai as a pursuit of something big or lofty goal; some even incorporate it with entrepreneurship and money. Nonetheless, ikigai is really about intrinsic motivation and has nothing to do with these external factors; it is more about having satisfaction even from the simplest things in life. To better understand what ikigai is, Nick explains what it is and what it is not.
What is the Flow State?
We often feel ikigai when we're in a state of flow. When we're fully involved in an activity, we enter a state of flow. Once we're in a state of flow, we can feel ikigai; and we experience that because of our sense of coherence. Nick explains how a sense of coherence, ikigai, and flow are relational.
Be a Flower? Be a Weed?
Would you prefer to be considered as a flower or a weed? We admire flowers for their beauty. While in Japan, weeds symbolize tenacity because they keep coming back regardless of people trying to rip them out. Nick explains how people can be like a flowering weed: tenacious and full of beauty.
Develop Yourself
Ikigai is experiential. We feel it by taking action and gaining meaningful life experiences. By seeking meaningful life experiences, not only do we attain ikigai but also develop ourselves. With this, Nick leaves us with some questions to ponder: What actions can you take to develop yourself? How can your life be more fulfilling or meaningful?
5 Ways to Feel Ikigai
If you feel something is missing or your life is not moving forward, you're probably lacking ikigai. Ikigai is what keeps us going and motivated in life. But how can we feel it? Nick shares five ways on how people can feel ikigai.
What is Hikikomori?
There are plenty of misconceptions about the concept of ikigai; one is the belief that all Japanese have ikigai. Unfortunately, many Japanese lack ikigai; one reason for this is a condition called hikikomori (social isolation). Nick explains this condition and how it affects people's ikigai.
Recognizing the Mother of Ikigai
When people talk about ikigai, many people aren't aware of the works of Mieko Kamiya. Mieko Kamiya is a pioneering researcher of the ikigai concept. Unfortunately, she isn't getting proper recognition for her work. In his book, Ikigai-kan, Nick introduces Kamiya and her contribution to ikigai.
How Ikigai is a Greatly Misunderstood Word
Nick shares some insight from his upcoming book Ikigai-kan. In his book, he addresses some Western misconceptions about the concept of ikigai. His book offers an in-depth explanation of what ikigai is in the context of Japanese culture.
Japan’s Approach to Positive Psychology
Nick explores how ikigai can be seen as the Japanese equivalent of positive psychology and emphasizes the importance of understanding this concept for personal well-being.
Understanding Japan’s Service Excellence
Nick discusses Japan’s outstanding quality of service, highlighting the meticulous care and attention given to both products and customer experiences.
Finding Purpose in Later Life
Nick discusses how our sources of ikigai can evolve as we age and highlights the significant impact our environment has on shaping these changes.
Embracing a Beginner’s Mind: The Key to Lifelong Learning
Nick explores the Japanese concept of shoshin, which emphasizes embracing a beginner's mind when approaching new learning experiences.
Organizing an Effective Ikigai Retreat
Nick discusses how Katie Anderson's work has inspired him to create his own Ikigai Retreat, offering participants an immersive experience to deeply explore the concept of ikigai and Japanese culture.
Balancing Goals, Stress, and Mental Health
Nick discusses the importance of finding balance in pursuing our goals to prevent excessive stress and protect our mental health.
Exploring the Vagueness in Japanese Craft
Japanese crafts are deliberately ambiguous, encouraging a wide range of interpretations and personal connections. Nick discusses how Japanese crafts, like haiku, often embrace subtlety and vagueness, allowing individuals to form their own unique interpretations.
The Existential Depth of Ikigai: Finding Purpose in Life
Nick discusses Mieko Kamiya's February 14, 1960 diary entry, which reveals her struggles with writing about ikigai, expressing frustration and self-doubt despite dedicating the entire day to it. This highlights that meaningful endeavors often come with challenges and require self-actualization
Ikigai: The True Purpose Beyond Happiness
Does happiness really equate to ikigai? Nick talks about how ikigai can be experienced through the struggles and challenges of life, guiding people toward a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.
Unlocking Personal Growth Through Martial Arts Training
Nick discusses how the practice of martial arts can be life-changing, highlighting the profound impact of dedication and discipline on personal growth.
Finding Peace in the Present: The Power of Embracing What You Have
Do you take time to reflect on and appreciate what you have right now? Nick explores the significance of being present and finding contentment in the moment. He discusses how simple experiences, like spending time in nature, can ground us and enhance our ability to live more mindfully.
Nature Therapy: Using the Outdoors as a Foundation for Better Health
Do you make time to connect with nature? Nick discusses the powerful benefits of spending time outdoors and how it can boost our well-being.
Ikigai Beyond the Simplistic Venn Diagram
How do Japanese people truly understand ikigai? Nick explores the Japanese perspective on ikigai, revealing how it is a familiar concept deeply embedded in their culture. Unlike in Western discussions, ikigai is not used casually but is understood intuitively by the Japanese.
Turning Struggles into Strength: Finding Meaning in Adversity
Can we discover purpose and meaning through our struggles? Nick discusses how overcoming adversity can be a powerful journey toward uncovering personal values and finding deeper meaning in life.
Living in Harmony with the Natural World
Nick explores the fascinating idea that humans can be a productive and healthy part of nature. It’s about connecting with nature in a deeper way—going beyond just consuming it and instead fostering a relationship that encourages reflection, growth, and harmony.
Finding Balance Through Ikigai: Achieving True Satisfaction in Life
Nick discusses how ikigai is rooted in Japanese cultural values, focusing on personal fulfillment rather than societal approval or financial gain.
Turning Pain into Power: How Challenges Shape Who We Are
Nick explores the connection between ikigai and existential positive psychology, revealing how embracing life's challenges can lead to a deeper self-understanding and a more meaningful existence.
Connected Lives: Why We Are All Interdependent
Nick discusses the concept of interdependence, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond self-centeredness to embrace the idea that we are all connected and part of something greater.
A Freedom with Purpose: Serving the Greater Good
Nick discusses a different kind of freedom—one where individuals willingly set aside personal interests to serve the greater good.
Your Place to Be: Embracing the Concept of Ibasho
Nick explores the concept of ibasho—a place where one feels safe and secure, fostering a sense of empowerment and belonging.
Embracing Diversity: A Journey Towards Inclusion
Nick explores the vibrant multicultural landscape of Melbourne, showcasing a thriving community made up of families from diverse backgrounds. He shares insights into his own experience as a father of a son who is half Japanese and half Australian, highlighting how his son effortlessly navigates his unique identity in this rich cultural environment.
Using Your Life to Create Meaning
Nick explores the concept of purpose as using one's life in distinctive ways to contribute to the greater good.
The Role of Others in Shaping Our Identity
Nick discusses our inherent interdependence, emphasizing that no one can achieve great things without the influence and support of others.
Courage to Be Vulnerable: How It Strengthens Group Connections
Nick talks about how vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness, but in groups, it can create trust and deeper connections. By being open and vulnerable, you foster a space where others feel safe to share, leading to powerful learning experiences and meaningful engagement. Embracing vulnerability encourages authentic connections and mutual growth, rather than trying to control or dominate the conversation.
The Power of Ikigai in Boosting Self-Care
Nick delves into how ikigai can serve as a powerful form of self-care, offering support and purpose during challenging times. By tapping into ikigai, individuals can discover a meaningful tool to navigate life's struggles and enhance their overall well-being.
Cultivating Ikigai Through Diverse Experiences
Nick explores how embracing new experiences can enhance your sense of ikigai. He explains how engaging more with the world helps you develop a deeper connection with your body and overall well-being, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Turning Your Hobby Into a Safe Haven
Nick explores how hobbies can transform into an ibasho—where you can find a sense of belonging. He discusses how shared interests can foster meaningful connections with others while offering opportunities for growth and learning along the way.
The Role of Influence in Shaping Our Worldview
Nick discusses how our environment and surroundings shape and influence our beliefs.
The Surprising Role of Others in Our Ikigai
Nick dives into a unique perspective on ikigai and the surprising role famous figures play in it. Icons with impressive talents, values, and achievements often reflect qualities we deeply admire. What’s fascinating is how a superstar can unite us in shared moments of joy and pride—especially during an incredible sports event, where we’re all cheering together, caught up in collective excitement.
This collective high, whether from a goal, a home run, or a win, sparks a sense of fulfillment and purpose, or ikigai-kan, that goes beyond the player themselves.
Ikigai and Ibasho: The Feeling of Purpose and Belonging
Nick explores how ikigai connects with one of the key elements of ibasho: time. He reflects on how ibasho provides a space to envision the future, much like the feeling of ikigai when you're progressing toward a meaningful, bright future.
Meaningful Challenges for Personal Growth
Nick shares his journey navigating challenges while living in Japan and how those experiences shaped his understanding of Japanese culture. In Japan, communication often flows differently, and it’s not always about verbalizing the obvious. Unlike the direct approach common in the West, it is essential in Japan to focus on the present situation and work towards shared goals without dwelling on past issues.
Uncovering Inner Strength Through Life’s Hardships
Nick explores the powerful connection between growth, hardship, and the concept of ikigai. Have you ever found yourself stepping out of your comfort zone or embracing acceptance during tough times? Discover how these elements contribute to personal development and stability in your life.
Japanese Respect and Dedication to Their Masters
Nick talks about the unique and profound respect that Japanese culture holds for masters and craftsmen. Unlike in the West, where such deep reverence for elders and their skillsets can sometimes be overlooked, Japan celebrates this tradition by honoring masters for their wisdom, craftsmanship, and dedication.
Embracing the Happiness of the Here and Now
Have you ever thought that this very moment could be the happiest of your life? Imagine approaching each day with the idea that what you’re experiencing right now might be as joyful as it gets – or even better, that every moment has the potential to be your happiest yet.
Nick explores a simple but powerful mindset shift: celebrating the present, not just with gratitude, but by truly honoring it as something exceptional.
Releasing the Ego: Steps to a More Peaceful Mind
Have you ever asked yourself, 'What troubles or difficulties have I caused?' This simple question can be incredibly freeing. When you recognize moments where you could have handled things better—maybe you were a bit rude or unintentionally inconvenienced someone—you open up the possibility to learn and grow.
Acknowledging these moments, even silently, can lift a weight off your mind. You don’t always need to apologize directly, but this practice lets you approach things differently in the future, free of guilt. Nick discusses how releasing the ego and facing your faults isn’t always easy, but it brings a sense of peace and growth that only maturity and self-reflection can foster.
Less Screen Time, More YOU Time: Exploring Digital Fasting
Nick explores the concept of digital fasting, diving into the complex relationship between technology and our daily lives. While acknowledging the undeniable benefits of modern communication tools, such as the ability to connect seamlessly across continents, Nick also addresses the growing concern of technology's impact on personal well-being.
Disconnect to Reconnect: Freedom from Devices
Nick talks about the simple yet powerful benefits of stepping outside for a short daily walk, even without a full exercise routine. By spending just 10 to 20 minutes outdoors each morning and taking a break from devices and the artificial world, the mind and body can experience noticeable positive effects.
Japanese Words and Concepts That Defy Simple Definitions
Nick explores the complexity of Japanese concepts like natsukashii—a nostalgic longing for past moments. He talks about how in Japan, a single word can convey what other languages might need a whole sentence to express. From ikigai to natsukashii, these nuanced ideas reveal a unique perspective on memory, connection, and meaning.
What Does Ikigai Feel Like?
Nick reflects on how ikigai is often seen as a private, deeply personal feeling but notices that some describe it through shared experiences, like enjoying sushi together. He talks about how ikigai can feel different in the body—some describe it as vibrations or a sensation in the chest or belly, and shares his own experience, likening ikigai to an energizing force that makes him feel like he's "about to take flight.”
The Three Levels of Ikigai: How to Achieve True Life Balance
Nick explores the three levels of Ikigai—from personal fulfillment and self-acceptance to creating deeper connections with others and contributing to the community.
ADHD Symptoms Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All: Different Ways It Can Present
Nick talks about Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned researcher and addiction expert, as he shares his surprising journey with ADHD. Known for his calm, focused presence, Dr. Maté challenges stereotypes surrounding ADHD by opening up about his own diagnosis. His story highlights the diverse ways ADHD can manifest, breaking the misconception that it’s only about hyperactivity.
The Power of Self-Acceptance in Creating Authentic Relationships
Nick talks about how self-acceptance is transformative, not only for personal growth but for building authentic relationships. By embracing who you are, you become a more positive, open person—someone others enjoy being around. Without self-acceptance, it can be challenging to truly accept others, impacting the depth and quality of connections.
The Importance of Having a Meaningful Role
Nick delves into the importance of meaningful roles in life—covering both professional and personal spheres. While work often serves as a default purpose or ikigai due to the time invested, psychologist Gordon Mathews and neuroscientist Ken Mogi suggest that focusing solely on a professional role can limit our broader sense of purpose.
The Ikigai Robot Revolution: Making Tech Meaningful for People
Nick discusses the concept of "Ikigai robots," which are learning robots designed to help individuals find their purpose. These robots can suggest activities that align with a person's ikigai, like reaching out to a friend, exercising, or enjoying music. The robots continuously learn from their interactions, refining their responses to better serve their users, similar to how devices like Alexa improve through feedback.
The Reality of Meditation: Why It’s Not Always Relaxing
Nick explores the often misunderstood challenges of meditation and how it relates to the concept of flow. If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to meditate, you’re not alone! Nick shares his personal insights and experiences from studying flow, ikigai, and time spent at a Chan Buddhist Centre, where meditation felt more like focused work than floating bliss.
How Lack of Ibasho Impacts Your Ikigai
Nick explores the profound link between ibasho—a sense of belonging—and ikigai. He explains how ibasho is more than just a physical place; it’s a critical part of feeling connected and finding meaning. He challenges the myth that all Japanese people easily identify with their ikigai, suggesting that a lack of ibasho may actually make it difficult to cultivate a sense of purpose.
One Word, Many Meanings: The Diverse Paths to Ikigai
Nick dives into the personal and varied nature of ikigai—why it means different things to different people. He shares a conversation with a friend who doesn’t actively think about ikigai and another with someone who found meaning in something as simple as camping with friends.
From Ikigai to Hatarakigai: Discovering Professional Fulfillment
Nick suggests an intriguing concept: the idea of a "professional ikigai," also known as hatarakigai. Unlike the well-known Venn diagram model often associated with ikigai, hatarakigai focuses on finding purpose and satisfaction in the workplace.
He explains how hatarakigai balances internal and external motivators, like feeling connected with coworkers, using your skills in a meaningful way, and contributing to a collective goal. Compensation, resources, and a supportive environment all play a role in shaping this sense of purpose.
The Power of Acceptance: Take Action on What You Can Control
Nick discusses the powerful shift that comes with cultivating awareness and learning to snap out of unhelpful, imagined scenarios. He reflects on those moments when fears—like financial worries or doubts about self-worth—feel overwhelming. But, by focusing on actionable steps, one action leads to another, building momentum and optimism.
How Japanese Culture Connects with Nature
Nick discusses how Japanese culture has a remarkable ability to notice and appreciate subtle aspects of nature and life, often to the point of creating words that capture these delicate moments—words that don't exist in English.
Nature’s Remedy: How Spending Time Outdoors Boosts Wellness
Nick explores the healing power of nature and how spending time outdoors can truly transform your well-being. Nick shares his experience of daily walks in the park without distractions—no phone, no music—just the sounds of birds and rustling leaves.
He reflects on how this simple act might become as essential as diet, exercise, and sleep in our health routines, envisioning a future where "half an hour in nature" is a health standard.
See Your Life Differently: How Naikan Shifts Your Perspective
Nick dives into a meaningful discussion about Naikan, a reflective practice that encourages you to widen your lens on life and see beyond pain and suffering. While writing his book Ikigai-kan, Nick faced concerns about how Naikan might be perceived, especially by readers in challenging or abusive relationships; he shares how a heartfelt exchange helped him clarify Naikan’s purpose—not as a way to excuse harmful behavior, but as a method to bring balance and healing by uncovering the full picture of one’s experiences.
Ikigai Isn’t One Thing: Finding Meaning in Many Areas of Life
Nick explores the rich, multifaceted nature of ikigai, diving into how it’s not just about finding one big purpose but uncovering and cultivating life-affirming moments every day. From a morning cup of coffee to facing fears like public speaking, ikigai can emerge from countless sources, each adding meaning and joy to our lives.
Ikigai and Connection: Finding Joy Through Meaningful Relationships
Nick dives deep into the heart of ikigai—exploring why who is your ikigai may matter more than what. He reflects on how relationships and meaningful connections often bring the most fulfillment, contrasting this with the endless pursuit of external success, wealth, and status that many of us are encouraged to chase.
Shared Compassion: A Path to Feeling Truly Accepted
Nick explores the profound connection between shared compassion and ikigai, referencing the work of Mieko Kamiya. Nick discusses how fear often triggers our fight-or-flight response, causing us to avoid difficult situations or lash out in blame. However, beneath that fear lies a deeper need for acceptance and love, which can be nurtured through compassion.
The Untold Reality: Ikigai Isn’t Easy for Everyone in Japan
Nick dives into the cultural realities of Japan that many foreigners overlook. While the concept of ikigai is often romanticized in the West, the reality is more nuanced. Contrary to Western perceptions, ikigai isn't always about lofty ambitions—it can be something as small as a cherished hobby or the joy of caring for a pet or grandchild.
Ikigai Is Not What You Think: It’s Personal, Not Grand
Nick dives into the fascinating cultural contrasts between Japan and the West, focusing on the concepts of yarigai (worth doing) and ikigai. In Japan, actions are often valued for their worthiness rather than their pleasure, contrasting with Western tendencies to prioritize enjoyment.
Nick explores how ikigai is deeply personal—sometimes a private, modest purpose, or, in other cases, a grand, life-defining goal akin to kokorozashi.
The Spirit of Japan: What Keeps Visitors Coming Back
Nick shares his heartfelt thoughts about living in Japan and the deep connection he feels with its unique culture and traditions. Reflecting on the balance between welcoming more people into the country and preserving its rich heritage, he explores the concept of nagomi—a harmony between foreign influences and indigenous customs. He dives into the challenges and hopes for Japan’s future, its cultural identity, and what makes it a must-visit destination.
Japanese Concepts the World Often Gets Wrong
Nick dives into the world of Japanese concepts that are often misused or misunderstood in the West. From ikigai being wrongly tied to a Venn diagram and longevity myths, to wabi-sabi being reduced to "imperfect beauty" for marketing, Nick unpacks the deeper cultural meanings behind these words.
Ikigai Misunderstood: How the Venn Diagram Sparks Deeper Exploration
Nick shares the amusing story of how a simple email exchange turned into a meaningful connection, leading to a transformative journey. He dives into the concept of ibasho, a key element of ikigai, and discusses its significance in building a supportive and emotional space.
Nick also shares thoughts on the popular Western Venn diagram often associated with ikigai—how it’s been misunderstood yet still serves as an inspiring gateway for deeper exploration.
Expat Life: Navigating Challenges and Finding Your Place
Nick dives into the emotional and cultural challenges of moving, whether it’s to a new country or just a new town. Nick shares his experiences of relocating to Japan, from the excitement to the tough realities of language barriers and not fully belonging to the local ibasho.
Living Abroad: A Journey of Discovery and Transformation
Nick shares his perspective on the life-changing impact of moving to another country. From personal growth to new friendships, he breaks down how the eight ikigai needs—like freedom, purpose, and life-satisfaction—are fulfilled in the expat journey.
Finding Peace in Japan: Lessons from a Unique Culture
Nick discusses the tranquility he discovered in focusing outward, living in the moment, and embracing the slower pace of life. Despite challenges—like running his own English school and juggling responsibilities—he found peace in Japan's culture and the harmonious nature of relationships.
Kou-Nai-Chou-Mi: A Flavor Explosion Right in Your Mouth!
Have you ever seen someone eat and thought, “That’s not how you’re supposed to do it”? Nick recalls a moment from his time as a trainee chef in Tokyo when he witnessed a chef eating in a way that seemed odd to him at first. The chef would have food in his mouth—whether it was eggplant (nasu) or chicken—and then continue adding rice to it. At first, Nick thought it was a strange and unrefined way of eating.
But then, he realized this was actually kou-nai-chou-mi, or "cooking in the mouth." In this video, Nick explores this unique food practice.
Why Embracing Your Inner Child is Essential for Growth
Nick dives deep into the fascinating concept of embracing your inner child, especially in the context of creativity and learning. Nick reflects on how every new piece of knowledge can change you, making you a new person with the ability to express yourself in fresh, creative ways.
Why Serious Leisure Is More Than Just a Hobby
Nick 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.
Finding Beauty in the Details: Lessons from Kodawari and Wabi-Sabi
Nick 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 and processes.
Embrace Tanoshimi: The Art of Looking Forward
Nick 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.
Finding Peace in the Moment: The Role of Sensory Pleasure
Nick 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.
Discovering the Multidimensional Harmony of Ikigai
Nick 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 embraces ambiguity and complexity.
Why Roles Matter: Connecting Values to a Sense of Purpose
Nick 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.
Strengthening Bonds: Why Relationships Are Key to Your Ikigai
Nick 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 work has become her own source of ikigai.
Discovering the Timeless Ways of Japan
Nick 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.
Master Any Language by Learning Its Culture First!
Nick 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 influenced classroom interactions.
The Beauty of Omoiyari: Everyday Kindness in Japan
Nick 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.