How does our culture impact our identity?
Connecting with our ethnicity can enhance self-understanding. Familiarity with our cultural roots can shape the values we embrace in life.
In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Makoto Furuya joins Nick, to share how he was able to rediscover and reconnect with his Japanese roots.
Ikigai is not about money
"So I was attending a tech conference virtually. And the speaker started out with the question 'What's your ikigai?' And then it was about a career path, if I remember correctly, and I saw the Venn diagram, and it really bothered me. And I think what bothered me the most was the part about the money." - Makoto Furuya
Podcast Highlights
Growing up in Japan. At 1:45, Makoto shares what is it like growing up in Japan.
Moving to another country. At 16:01, Makoto shares how he ended up leaving Japan to move to the States.
Ikigai sources in the U.S. At 24:27, Makoto shares the things that made him feel ikigai in the States.
Rediscovering Japan. At 31:18, Makoto talks about his experience of reconnecting with his biological father which leads him to rediscover Japan.
Finding ikigai in Japanese roots. Makoto shares how he was able to find ikigai in his Japanese roots upon reconnecting with his father, at 38:54.
Discovering the Ikigai Venn Diagram. Makoto recalls the first time he encountered the Western interpretation of ikigai and shares what he felt upon seeing it, at 55:23
Makoto’s definition of ikigai. At 1:02:36, Makoto shares his definition of ikigai.
Ikigai’s role in the context of Japanese culture. Makoto shares his theory as to why the concept of ikigai exists, at 1:11:00.
Having a sense of freedom in a foreign country. At 1:21:35, Makoto talks about how he gained a sense of freedom living in the States.
Going back to Japan. At 1:24:13, Makoto shares his experience going back and visiting Japan.
Honne and tatemae - Nick and Makoto discuss the terms honne and tatemae, at 1:26:30.
Makoto’s ikigai - At 1:36:13, Makoto shares what his ikigai is.
Makoto Furuya
Makoto Furuya is a software engineer and visual artist. He was originally from Japan and immigrated to the U.S. over two decades ago; he and his wife are currently based in the Pacific Northwest.
Growing up in Japan
Makoto was born in Kokubunji-shi in Tokyo and spent most of his youth in Matsudo-shi in Chiba prefecture. Growing up wasn’t a pleasant experience for him; he was pretty tall for a Japanese person, and wasn’t good at physical activities, hence, he was made fun of a lot. He felt like he never fit in with the Japanese standards.
He was kind of outspoken which got him in trouble for quite often. He had a hard time expressing himself in Japan, which was different when he started learning the English language. As he describes it, English became his ‘heart language.’ Allowing him to fully express himself.
Moving to another country
At the age of 15, Makoto applied for a homestay program at his English conversation school. He stayed for a month in Oregon during his summer break, where he was able to make meaningful connections, which later on, the family he stayed with, ended up being his in-laws. During the homestay program, Makoto learned a lot and experienced what a family is really like.
After finishing high school education in Japan, Makoto decided to move to the States to attend university. Initially, he was going to study veterinary science, with the influence of his mother and stepfather who were both veterinarians. However, after he started college, he discovered that he could switch majors, which is something that can’t be done in Japan. Changing majors helped him to explore his interests in different areas.
Ikigai sources in the U.S.
Makoto is very fond of the U.S. where he found a lot of ikigai in. Living in a small town, he enjoys being outside and being in touch with nature, going on a bike ride, which for him was hard to do in his hometown, Matsudo-shi. Living in the U.S. makes him feel more like himself – something he considers his ibasho (the place where you can be yourself).
Rediscovering Japan and finding ikigai in Japanese roots
When Makoto was registering his marriage in Japan, the first thing he needed to do was to get his koseki (family register); to his surprise, upon getting his koseki, there was an unfamiliar name listed as his biological father. It was a secret kept from him all his life. Initially, he tried to put it aside and not think about it too much, but later on, decided to look for his biological father, and was fortunate enough to find him.I didn't really like growing up in Japan, but I felt like there are some things that I learned in that culture that now shows up in my work ethic or my approach to life. And as I get older, I'm starting to appreciate them. - Makoto Furuya
Makoto reconnecting with his father led him to rediscover Japan and find ikigai in his Japanese roots. Growing up, he didn’t have a strong connection with his mom and stepfather, hence, he did not feel like Japan was a home for him.
However, upon meeting his biological father, with warm and happy energy, Makoto shares that he instantly felt that he found another family, together with his half brother and sister. This encounter changed his perspective of Japan; it made him realize that his values are shaped by the culture he grew up in, and still a part of him.
Discovering the Ikigai Venn Diagram
Makoto encountered the Western interpretation of ikigai through a tech conference, where one of his colleagues presented the concept of ikigai using the Ikigai Venn Diagram. It bothered him upon seeing the diagram, especially the part where they associate it with money.
He kept thinking about it for days; the diagram just felt all wrong for him. However, he couldn’t find a comfortable way to express what ikigai meant. Then he stumbled upon Nick’s blog post about ikigai, which provided him with a way to articulate the concept in English.
Makoto’s definition of ikigai
For Makoto, ikigai is on a smaller scale where he experiences ikigai-kan frequently – something that motivates him and keeps him going, especially when life is hard. For him, it is going for a walk, observing some interesting things during his walk, hiking, going to the coast, and just watching the waves. Makoto feels immersed in the moment when experiencing the feeling of ikigai, and it is not just being in the moment, but also finding a purpose or life meaning.
Feeling your life is moving forward is crucial. This sense of purpose will help you through dark times. I always try to remind myself to remind other people that ikigai is something you feel, it's not something you chase. - Nicholas Kemp
"Feeling your life is moving forward is crucial. This sense of purpose will help you through dark times. I always try to remind myself to remind other people that ikigai is something you feel, it's not something you chase." - Nicholas Kemp
Ikigai’s role in the context of Japanese culture
Makoto believes that the concept of ikigai emerged to provide individual freedom in Japan’s group-oriented culture. In Japan, it is difficult for an individual to express his/her feelings, hence, with the help of ikigai, people gain individual freedom because it is something people can experience privately.
Having a sense of freedom in a foreign country
While moving to a foreign country freed him from the pressure of living in Japan, it took Makoto a while to feel a sense of freedom. He is still on his journey of self-discovery, especially now that he has reconnected with his Japanese roots.
Going back to Japan
It was the summer of 2018 when Makoto last visited Japan to see his father. He felt like a foreigner visiting Japan, trying to be mindful of his actions: being cautious of not being too loud and obnoxious.
When people voice an opinion or simply say what they want to say, there’s a possibility that they are alienating someone else. It might feel great to voice their opinion but they don’t know the impact that comment or disagreement could have. Therefore, finding a balance between voicing an opinion and considering others is a good practice.
Makoto’s ikigai
Aside from his love for nature, Makoto also finds ikigai in craftsmanship and doing his job properly. For him, ikigai is all about his values, work, and hobbies.
Conclusion
In Ikigai, it's essential to match our purpose with our values. To do this, we connect with the culture we were raised in. Reconnecting with our roots can reveal insights about ourselves. Even if we didn't realize it when we were younger, the values we absorbed while growing up shape our identity. They guide us in understanding ourselves, giving us more control over our lives.
