In this video, Nick Kemp 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.
The interpersonal aspect of ikigai
Jennifer: I did an inclusion workshop a couple of years ago in an organization. And we were talking about like experiences, like when I felt excluded and when I felt included. And one of the participants said, "People are describing these feelings of inclusion and what it's like, I’ve never felt included." And so this concept of ibasho, he's never experienced.
Nick: There is this sub-theory of ikigai that's called ibasho. And ibasho essentially translates to and used to just mean whereabouts, but now it translates to "your place to be". And there is this theory that I discussed with Dr. Shintaro Kono on Episode 17, where it is about this place of belonging where you feel accepted and genuinely cared for.
And this strongly relates to ikigai. Because ikigai has this important social element, and ibasho could be the interpersonal aspect of ikigai. And obviously, this would relate to inclusion. So this example you've just offered, I think it'd be very hard for that man to feel ikigai if they're thinking I don't belong anywhere.
I mean, as you know, I'm trying to bust all these myths about ikigai. And one is that, you know, all Japanese who have ikigai can easily identify it. And so I think because of this lack of ibasho that many Japanese go through, they certainly have a lack of ikigai.