Finding Purpose in Everyday Life: The Japanese Concept of Ikigai and Its Role in Longevity, Happiness, and Personal Fulfillment
For office workers in Japan’s bustling cities, the daily commute is a ritual both familiar and stressful. Every morning, people squeeze into overcrowded subway cars, chest pressing against someone’s back, packed together like rice in a sushi roll. There is even a Japanese term for this: sushi-zume. This term does more than describe commuting; it reflects the congestion, urgency, and pressure of urban life. Within this environment, the pace of life for Japanese workers is relentless. Work pressure is immense, and overtime has become commonplace. On the last trains of the night, it is common to see people in suits, exhausted and barely awake, heading home after a full day, as if the day’s fatigue and stress have been compressed into the confined space of the subway car.
Despite this high-pressure lifestyle, there is a philosophy in Japanese life that helps people maintain mental resilience and a sense of purpose—the concept of Ikigai. The word combines iki (life) and gai (value or worth), which can be translated as “a reason for being” or “life’s worth.” However, the meaning goes far beyond the literal translation; it refers to the reason people get up every day and face life with energy and intention. For those familiar with the concept from a Western perspective, Ikigai is often illustrated as the intersection of four overlapping qualities: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for. Though the diagram seems simple, the philosophy it represents is profound. For many Japanese people, the core of Ikigai is not necessarily tied to income but is deeply connected to daily experiences that bring value, satisfaction, and a sense of contribution to society. Indeed, a 2010 survey in Japan found that only about one-third of respondents believed that work itself was the source of life’s meaning; for most, life’s purpose extends beyond the workplace into the small, everyday moments.
Clinical psychologist and associate professor Akihiro Hasegawa at Toyo Eiwa University explains that the concept of Ikigai dates back to the Heian period (794–1185). The character gai originates from kai, meaning shell, which at the time was considered valuable, extending to signify something meaningful in life. Hasegawa emphasizes that Ikigai is not merely a philosophical or psychological concept; it is a life approach embedded in daily routines. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to provide motivation even in the face of pain and difficulty, allowing people to maintain hope and anticipation for the future. Compared with the Western notion of happiness, Ikigai is more grounded in daily life. It focuses not only on personal satisfaction but also on small pleasures and actions that positively affect others.
In Japan’s culture of longevity, Ikigai is considered an important factor. Japanese women have an average life expectancy of 87 years, and men 81 years—the highest in the world. While diet, healthcare, and social security contribute to this longevity, psychological factors also play a crucial role. Author Dan Buettner, who studied global longevity in “Blue Zones,” highlighted Okinawa as a prime example, where centenarians are numerous. Okinawan longevity is partly due to a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and seaweed, but Buettner also notes that the philosophy of Ikigai plays a significant role. Elderly residents feel valued by society and take responsibility for passing on wisdom to younger generations. This lifestyle helps them maintain a sense of purpose and engagement well into old age.
Ikigai is not only a mental support system; it can manifest in concrete actions. Consider a 92-year-old Okinawan woman whose Ikigai lies in dancing daily with members of the KBG84 women’s choir. For her, each dance is an expression of life’s meaning, combining social engagement, recreation, and self-fulfillment. In urban contexts, the philosophy works similarly: one does not need to solve global problems. Starting with small, meaningful actions—volunteering in the community, helping neighbors, or supporting colleagues at work—can give life purpose and fulfillment. Management research supports this notion. Wharton professor Adam Grant found that employees who can see their work directly improve others’ lives perform significantly better. In one experiment, Michigan University students raising funds by phone collected 171% more donations when they saw the students benefiting from their contributions. This demonstrates how witnessing the tangible impact of one’s actions can greatly enhance motivation and satisfaction.
The application of Ikigai also extends to career and retirement planning. For those whose Ikigai is closely tied to work, retirement can bring emptiness or a sense of loss. Take former Japanese hurdler Toma Sue, who struggled with questions about the purpose of his athletic career after retiring. Eventually, he found meaning in transforming people’s perceptions of sports and creating a company that supports athletic development. This experience illustrates that Ikigai is adaptable—it can evolve with life stages and personal needs, helping individuals find new motivation and direction. For ordinary office workers, Ikigai does not imply endless work or overtime but rather improving the quality of life for oneself and others through meaningful actions, thereby maintaining balance and fulfillment even amidst a busy work schedule.
Psychologically, research shows that human happiness and mental health are strongly linked to a sense of purpose. Ikigai provides a framework to find value in daily life—taking care of family, supporting colleagues, or contributing to one’s community. The accumulation of these small, purposeful actions not only strengthens self-worth but also enhances social connectedness, a key factor in long-term well-being and resilience.
Ikigai also carries cultural significance in Japan. The society often prioritizes group value over individual achievement. Office workers’ motivation stems not only from salary but also from contributing value to others and gaining respect and appreciation from colleagues. This cultural backdrop gives Ikigai a strong practical foundation in Japanese social and work environments. Even in high-pressure workplaces, Ikigai offers psychological comfort and a reason to keep moving forward, helping individuals maintain enthusiasm and mental health.
In summary, Ikigai is a philosophy that integrates daily life with personal value and social contribution. It does not pursue short-term material rewards but emphasizes finding meaning in small actions, building long-term psychological satisfaction and happiness. From the crowded subway cars of urban commuters to the daily dances of centenarians in Okinawa, from small acts of helping colleagues to athletes redefining purpose after retirement, Ikigai is pervasive in Japanese life, providing stability and profound impact. It reminds us that the value of life is not measured by external pressures or competition but by the love, responsibility, and positive influence found in each day’s actions. Embracing the philosophy of Ikigai can help individuals discover true direction in life, making existence more fulfilling and meaningful.
By grounding life in small yet purposeful actions, Ikigai becomes more than a concept—it becomes a practical guide to everyday living. Whether it is savoring morning tea while reflecting on the day ahead, supporting a colleague, or pursuing a creative hobby, these seemingly minor acts accumulate into a life rich with meaning. The philosophy encourages mindfulness, resilience, and compassion, reminding us that happiness is not a distant goal but the product of intentional, value-driven living. In a society often dominated by stress and rapid pace, Ikigai offers a gentle but powerful framework to sustain motivation, health, and overall well-being.