Dr. Mieko Kamiya, renowned for her foundational contributions to Ikigai Psychology and her devoted work with leprosy patients, was honored by Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara, a distinguished Japanese physician, during the 20th anniversary of the National Hansen's Disease Museum. Her efforts extended beyond medical treatment to include psychological support and social integration, aiming to give those affected a sense of purpose and belonging. Dr. Hinohara, who passed away at the age of 105, exemplified longevity and dedication, basing his life philosophy on staying active, enjoying life, and contributing to society. The recognition of Kamiya's life by Hinohara highlights the importance of compassion and commitment to others' well-being in the medical and psychological fields.

Why do you get up in the morning? This simple yet profound question lies at the heart of Ikigai, as we explore the true essence of this concept in the lives of the people of Okinawa. But is the question entirely accurate? Our ikigai tests, with over 3000 participants, have yielded diverse responses.

When we sense danger, we look around - we try to spot it in the visible. However, much transpires beneath the surface.

Discover insights from over 3,500 ikigai test entries, revealing profound reflections on personal joy, life-changing events, gratitude, self-expression, and visions for the future. Dive into the collective consciousness of individuals exploring their purpose, passions, and aspirations. From childhood memories to future dreams, this analysis offers a deep dive into what truly matters to people today.

Kintsugi is everywhere.

In the cracks of our city,

under our feet,

in our lives,

in our faith,

in our dreams,

in our tears,

in our relationships

in ourselves,

in others.

Gold connects,

gold changes,

gold awakens,

and renews

the cracks of the past.

The Ikigai blessings, in this context, serve as a form of self-awareness practice. They remind us of our strengths, aspirations, and the qualities we wish to develop. They are gentle nudges that keep us grounded, grateful, and focused on our Ikigai. Blessings are a conscious acknowledgement of our journey, a way of setting intentions, and a method of practising humility.

In this article, we explore the relationship between love and ikigai through the life and work of Mieko Kamiya. Kamiya's experiences shaped her understanding of ikigai's seven dimensions. The article also connects Kamiya's ideas with those of Henri Nouwen, focusing on the "wounded healer" concept, emphasizing how personal pain can lead to empathy and self-realization. It underscores the importance of personal experiences in finding purpose and love, serving as a guide to discovering one's ikigai.

Make your free Ikigai-Test today: The Ikigai-9 Test. Discover the scientifically validated method to measure your sense of purpose and well-being. Explore the dimensions of Ikigai and find your path to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Take the Ikigai-9 test and unlock your true potential today.

Explore the profound philosophy of Ikigai and its implications on mental resilience. The article delves into how the pursuit of meaning, as emphasized by Viktor E. Frankl, guides us to our existential origins. We explore how Ikigai transcends social status and career aspirations, focusing on enriching our lives beyond material wealth. The narrative also highlights key insights from Motoki Tonn on Ikigai and resilience. It outlines how Ikigai can bolster our resilience, emphasizing its alignment with logotherapy principles. It further delves into the health benefits of Ikigai, backed by scientific research demonstrating its positive impact on physical, mental, and spiritual health. We also discuss the value of establishing meaningful rituals, embodying Ikigai in daily activities, and fostering mental resilience by utilizing our inherent gifts and talents. In summary, the content provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of Ikigai, its role in promoting mental resilience, and the diverse benefits it offers for overall well-being.

For us, Mieko Kamiya is a heroine. She also became famous in Japan. The TV channel NHK dedicated its own series to her. An animated film about her life was even developed.

Beyond Japan, she has remained unknown in view of her significant work. Yet she laid the foundations of Ikigai research and Ikigai psychology.

The Ikigai is very fashionable today - due to a confusion with a Venn diagram by the Spaniard Andrés Zuzunaga, many believe that this is the Japanese Ikigai.

In truth, however, the Ikigai is much more complex and in-depth than the famous Venn Diagram. Ken Mogi speaks of a spectrum. The Ikigai is "as complex as life itself".

Why are we discussing Ikigai and Kintsugi at Finde Zukunft?

The Japanese Ikigai philosophy has a connection to Kintsugi.

Kintsugi is a puzzle, life is too,
broken pieces, mended with gold,
each scar tells a story, old
of pain and growth,
of what we've been through.

Ten years ago, we made a short film about the art of Kintsugi in Tokyo and Kyoto. When I first learned about Kintsugi, I discovered that the repaired cups often need to be left in a wooden cabinet to allow the glue to set and for the repair to become strong fully. This process can take some time.