Waki Kamino, a Research Assistant and a PhD student at Cornell University, explores how designing social robots can enrich the ikigai of older adults, fostering purpose, connection, and well-being in episode 63 of the Ikigai Podcast.
*Watch the full playlist above.
A Study on Human-Robot Interaction
Waki shares that her fascination with human behavior greatly influenced and motivated her to pursue the study of human-robot interaction, which took her almost two years to complete.
Delving into the realm of human-robot interaction
Nick: Small world in the world of ikigai and robot design. So it's fascinating. And I was reflecting, we’re probably not too far off with all the advancement of AI, and all these AI tools we're seeing. So this could be a reality in the next couple of years. So with that, what attracted you to study human-robot interaction?
Waki: So I think I'm kind of more interested in human side. I'm always interested in human behavior. But it's big, you know, what it means to be a human and how do we act in public spaces or in presence of others? What kinds of emotions do we have?
So I think for me, at least HRI gives me a more accessible window to study human behavior. Then you get to talk to a lot of different people like engineers, social scientists, psychologist, designers, it's really all exciting.
Nick: Awesome. So HRI is human-robot interaction?
Waki: Oh, yeah. Sorry, yes it’s human-robot interaction.
Nick: Just want to make sure for our audience. That's one of the things, your paper is like, that paper was a lot of work. It must’ve taken you months. And yeah, I had to go back and keep reminding myself, what these initials stand for, again. So well done. How long did it take you to put this paper together?
Waki: Actually, before interviewing those participants who are ikigai experts, I actually went through like, you know, ikigai training. So including the preparation, I think it took about… Well, you know, it gets rejected, and review and everything, so I think overall, two years.
Nick: Wow.
Waki: I think actual writing and preparation was about half a year or a year or something. But then its audience is a bit different from, you know. The audiences are roboticists or social roboticists. So we have to kind of make sure the messages are clear for those who don't know anything about ikigai. So that took a while as well.
Nick: Two years and half a year on just writing. I think I said this actually on the podcast with Natasha, it's like you're spending the same amount of time that you would on writing a book yet it's very niche, and your target audience who would read your paper’s quite small.
So it's a lot of work to put into a paper where readership might be at best in the hundreds or hopefully a few thousands. So I hope this podcast helps your paper get widely read.
Waki: We've known your work for quite a while actually, by the way. We've been following your work for awhile.
Nick: That’s good to know.
Discovering Ikigai Tribe: Uniting Enthusiasts of Japanese Culture
What makes the Ikigai Tribe unique? Ikigai Tribe is a community that unites individuals with a keen interest in Japanese culture, particularly the concept of ikigai. It serves as a platform for people to share their insights and thoughts on this fascinating concept from Japan.
Creating connections among individuals
Nick: It's strange, because I was introduced to the word back in 1998. When I first, or not when I first went to Japan, like on my third trip to Japan, very casually. And then 20 years later, you've probably heard this story, I saw the Venn diagram, and I thought, I remember that word but that's not what it means, I think.
And then, that inspired me to really research the concept. And yeah, I keep bumping into these amazing people online who graciously come on to the podcast and have these really meaningful and engaging conversations. So it's been life changing for me.
Waki: You know, when when we first came across your Ikigai Tribe thing, we're just doing Google search as well, and was like, Ikigai Tribe, what is that? And you’re Australian, right? This Aussie guy running this Ikigai Tribe, defending the Japanese. I was like, what is it?
Nick: Yeah, it's a bit strange, I'm always a little bit worried, that, Oh, who's this Aussie guy, you know, maybe profiteering from ikigai, or, I mean, certainly not culturally appropriating.
Waki: I think you understand ikigai much better than a lot of us. And I think you're doing a fascinating job of connecting all these people who are interested in ikigai. So you're at the center of the hub. And I think your work is great.
Nick: Well, thank you. That means a lot. Yeah, it's true joy, I never imagined I'd be talking to all these people across the globe on this fascinating concept that's articulated by this one word, and it is unique. And that's what makes Japanese so fascinating. They have hundreds of words like this, that articulate our way of thinking, or philosophy, or psychology. And yeah, ikigai is one of them.
For the full podcast converstation, go to: Co-Designing Companion Robots: Enhancing Ikigai for Older Adults