Nicholas Kemp

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.

PODCASTS:

045 – IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a life worth living


VIDEOS

Japan's positive psychology
Quality control
Ikigai and getting old
Beginner's mind
Japan Study Trips
Maintaining balance
Subtlety and vagueness
The existential nature of ikigai
It's not about happiness
Martial arts and life transformation
More than enough
Spending time in nature
That is not ikigai
Overcoming adversity
Being one with nature
Inner joy & satisfaction
Overcome challenges
We are interdependent
To serve the greater good
Overcome challenges
It's your place to be
Connected by diversity
Overcome challenges
To use your life
We've been shaped by others
Being vulnerable
Self-care practice
Have more experiences
Built around a hobby
Inherited beliefs
A stranger's impact
Ikigai and ibasho
Meaningful challenges
Your inner strength
Respect the master
The happiest moment
Releasing the ego
Digital fasting
Freeing yourself
Japanese concepts
How does ikigai feel?
Three levels of ikigai
ADHD variations
Self-acceptance and ibasho
Importance of role
An ikigai robot
The struggle to meditate
Lack of ikigai
It means different things
Professional ikigai
Accept what you can't change
The Japanese culture
Spend time in nature
Widening your lens
Sources of ikigai
People & relationships
Spend time with people
Values in action survey
People & relationships
A shared compassion
A lack of ikigai
It's something personal
Uniqueness of Japan
Misunderstood concepts
Western Venn Diagram
The expat experience
It can be life-changing
Peace and tranquility
Cooking in the mouth
Embrace your inner child
Serious leisure
Kodawari & wabi-sabi
Something to look forward to
Being in the here and now
Ikigai is multidimensional
Importance of roles
Relationships as ikigai
The ways of Japan
Language & culture
Acts of omoiyari

Episode 45: IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a life worth living

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.

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