Embedded Files
Rob Bell, an author and spiritual teacher, discusses the concept of ikigai in a video published on youtube under the channel Big Think, titled: “How to reboot your life with the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai | Rob Bell.” Pronounced “ee-key-guy,” He introduces ikigai as a continuously improving idea for something that an individual is propelled to accomplish. He professes that despite success, people truly wish for enthusiastic anticipation, otherwise it leads to dread and despair. He highlights the idea from ikigai that life should be continuously improved to create a balance between what an individual love, what is the individual good at, what the world needs, and what can the individual get paid for. Disregarding fear and doubt, he advocates for viewers to use ikigai to determine one’s life purpose and take the next step for the endeavor. The definition of ikigai, discussed by Bell, is a grand Americanized representation of a Japanese term that is identical in literal meaning, but vastly different in nuances, given that the word originally carried different connotations, expressed contrasting messages, and is more often associated with communities rather than individuals.
Rob Bell, an author and spiritual teacher, discusses the concept of ikigai in a video published on youtube under the channel Big Think, titled: “How to reboot your life with the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai | Rob Bell.” Pronounced “ee-key-guy,” He introduces ikigai as a continuously improving idea for something that an individual is propelled to accomplish. He professes that despite success, people truly wish for enthusiastic anticipation, otherwise it leads to dread and despair. He highlights the idea from ikigai that life should be continuously improved to create a balance between what an individual love, what is the individual good at, what the world needs, and what can the individual get paid for. Disregarding fear and doubt, he advocates for viewers to use ikigai to determine one’s life purpose and take the next step for the endeavor. The definition of ikigai, discussed by Bell, is a grand Americanized representation of a Japanese term that is identical in literal meaning, but vastly different in nuances, given that the word originally carried different connotations, expressed contrasting messages, and is more often associated with communities rather than individuals.
According to Jisho, an online Japanese-english dictionary, the word ikigai is composed of two different words in Japanese: iki(生き), meaning life or living and kai(甲斐) although voiced as “gai,” meaning worth, use, or avail. Combined, it translates to a “reason for living” or a “purpose in life.” In the western world, ikigai is commonly associated with a venn diagram encompassing four aspects of one’s life that should, when balanced, represent the idea of ikigai. It is perceived as a mystical and illuminating philosophical idea that brings longevity and happiness. For that reason, this diagram is often used to introduce the concept by career counselors and motivational speakers.
According to Jisho, an online Japanese-english dictionary, the word ikigai is composed of two different words in Japanese: iki(生き), meaning life or living and kai(甲斐) although voiced as “gai,” meaning worth, use, or avail. Combined, it translates to a “reason for living” or a “purpose in life.” In the western world, ikigai is commonly associated with a venn diagram encompassing four aspects of one’s life that should, when balanced, represent the idea of ikigai. It is perceived as a mystical and illuminating philosophical idea that brings longevity and happiness. For that reason, this diagram is often used to introduce the concept by career counselors and motivational speakers.
The diagram above showcases the elements that one should aspire to continually bring to equilibrium. Much of the western interpretation of ikigai is represented within and is used by many westerners such as Bell. Although correct in literal meaning, the American definition carries significantly different nuances than its Japanese counterpart.
The diagram above showcases the elements that one should aspire to continually bring to equilibrium. Much of the western interpretation of ikigai is represented within and is used by many westerners such as Bell. Although correct in literal meaning, the American definition carries significantly different nuances than its Japanese counterpart.
This tweet by Ryan Nall on the left perfectly captures the Americanization of a simple philosophical concept. It becomes a soul-searching tool that endorses a perfect balance that would produce greater clarity in one's aspirations, ultimately leading to happiness.
This tweet by Ryan Nall on the left perfectly captures the Americanization of a simple philosophical concept. It becomes a soul-searching tool that endorses a perfect balance that would produce greater clarity in one's aspirations, ultimately leading to happiness.
The first major difference lies in the connotation of the phrase itself. In Bell’s video, he introduces ikigai with a common phrase that is often associated with: “And ikigai is essentially that which gets you out of bed in the morning...sometimes it’s translated as your “reason for being”” (Bell 00:01:02 - 00:01:05). By that statement, ikigai is thought to encompass the entirety of a person’s life. It is integral with one’s desire to live. However, Yukari Mitsuhashi, the author of Ikigai: The Japanese Art of a Meaningful Life, showcases a much different idea regarding its meaning in her article: “Ikigai: A Japanese Concept to Improve Work and Life.” Citing Akihiro Hasegawa, a professor and psychologist, Mitsuhashi exhibits a difference in connotation between the english and Japanese phrase: “...in English, the word life means both lifetime and everyday life. So, ikigai translated as life’s purpose sounds very grand. “But in Japan we have jinsei, which means lifetime and seikatsu, which means everyday life,” he says. The concept of ikigai aligns more to seikatsu” (qtd. In Mitsuhashi, par. 11). With an emphasis on day-to-day activities rather than the entirety of one’s life, the concept of ikigai in Japanese culture is considerably smaller in scope. It radically changes the idea to value small everyday joys, as opposed to determine one’s entire reason for being. In addition to diverging connotations that completely alter its meaning, ikigai offers vastly different messages.
The first major difference lies in the connotation of the phrase itself. In Bell’s video, he introduces ikigai with a common phrase that is often associated with: “And ikigai is essentially that which gets you out of bed in the morning...sometimes it’s translated as your “reason for being”” (Bell 00:01:02 - 00:01:05). By that statement, ikigai is thought to encompass the entirety of a person’s life. It is integral with one’s desire to live. However, Yukari Mitsuhashi, the author of Ikigai: The Japanese Art of a Meaningful Life, showcases a much different idea regarding its meaning in her article: “Ikigai: A Japanese Concept to Improve Work and Life.” Citing Akihiro Hasegawa, a professor and psychologist, Mitsuhashi exhibits a difference in connotation between the english and Japanese phrase: “...in English, the word life means both lifetime and everyday life. So, ikigai translated as life’s purpose sounds very grand. “But in Japan we have jinsei, which means lifetime and seikatsu, which means everyday life,” he says. The concept of ikigai aligns more to seikatsu” (qtd. In Mitsuhashi, par. 11). With an emphasis on day-to-day activities rather than the entirety of one’s life, the concept of ikigai in Japanese culture is considerably smaller in scope. It radically changes the idea to value small everyday joys, as opposed to determine one’s entire reason for being. In addition to diverging connotations that completely alter its meaning, ikigai offers vastly different messages.
The message that is conveyed through ikigai could not be more different between western and Japanese society. Bell further elaborates on the inferred instruction of ikigai, stating that ““What we really want, no matter how educated, sophisticated, accomplished we are, we want to wake up in the morning with this sense of anticipation” (Bell 00:02:27 - 00:02:39). The message of ikigai as explained: to disregard every other aspect of one’s life and focus only on the thing that propels one to get out of bed. The western interpretation for ikigai is that of a spiritual understanding for life’s purpose, a personal enlightenment that clarifies the goals and values of an individual. Mitsuhashi, however, presents a much different idea as she cites the author of the book that popularized the concept: Mieko Kamiya - stating that “Ikigai is what allows you to look forward to the future even if you’re miserable right now” (qtd. In Mitsuhashi, par. 10). From her article, ikigai is instead thought to advocate for endurance. It sends the message that the small joys of everyday life give strength in times of hardship. The western interpretation advocates for self-absorbing introspection as opposed to the all-encompassing appreciation of its Japanese counterpart. Individual enlightenment against joyful endurance, the meaning of ikigai is further divided, especially in its involvement.
The message that is conveyed through ikigai could not be more different between western and Japanese society. Bell further elaborates on the inferred instruction of ikigai, stating that ““What we really want, no matter how educated, sophisticated, accomplished we are, we want to wake up in the morning with this sense of anticipation” (Bell 00:02:27 - 00:02:39). The message of ikigai as explained: to disregard every other aspect of one’s life and focus only on the thing that propels one to get out of bed. The western interpretation for ikigai is that of a spiritual understanding for life’s purpose, a personal enlightenment that clarifies the goals and values of an individual. Mitsuhashi, however, presents a much different idea as she cites the author of the book that popularized the concept: Mieko Kamiya - stating that “Ikigai is what allows you to look forward to the future even if you’re miserable right now” (qtd. In Mitsuhashi, par. 10). From her article, ikigai is instead thought to advocate for endurance. It sends the message that the small joys of everyday life give strength in times of hardship. The western interpretation advocates for self-absorbing introspection as opposed to the all-encompassing appreciation of its Japanese counterpart. Individual enlightenment against joyful endurance, the meaning of ikigai is further divided, especially in its involvement.
The scale of inclusion in ikigai philosophy is also an aspect that widely differs. Bell emphasizes the need to dismiss doubt and pessimism and address the only important concern: “You finding your path, the only question is, “what is the thing that you’re here to do, and what is the next step?” (Bell 00:05:04 - 00:05:12). According to him, ikigai involves isolation from exterior elements. It embraces a deep focus on oneself. Mitsuhashi, contrarily, expresses ikigai as more communal. She discusses the philosophy of ikigai as not just giving more time and effort, but “Rather, ikigai is about feeling your work makes a difference in people’s lives” (Mitsuhashi, par. 24). A much broader approach to the idea that considers the impact of the individual on those affected by one’s actions. Ikigai drives people to consider the impact of small everyday activities and take joy from it. One side considers the concept wholly individualistic, while the other emphasizes community - the definition of ikigai could not be more different between two distinct cultures.
The scale of inclusion in ikigai philosophy is also an aspect that widely differs. Bell emphasizes the need to dismiss doubt and pessimism and address the only important concern: “You finding your path, the only question is, “what is the thing that you’re here to do, and what is the next step?” (Bell 00:05:04 - 00:05:12). According to him, ikigai involves isolation from exterior elements. It embraces a deep focus on oneself. Mitsuhashi, contrarily, expresses ikigai as more communal. She discusses the philosophy of ikigai as not just giving more time and effort, but “Rather, ikigai is about feeling your work makes a difference in people’s lives” (Mitsuhashi, par. 24). A much broader approach to the idea that considers the impact of the individual on those affected by one’s actions. Ikigai drives people to consider the impact of small everyday activities and take joy from it. One side considers the concept wholly individualistic, while the other emphasizes community - the definition of ikigai could not be more different between two distinct cultures.
A difference in connotation changes the theme from everyday activities to life as a whole. That difference altered the message from one of endurance to that of personal enlightenment. The concept that focuses on one’s impact on the community turns into an individual affair. Ikigai, the Japanese philosophical concept of finding joy in the impact of small everyday achievements, is Americanized to become a grand idea that promotes personal introspection.
A difference in connotation changes the theme from everyday activities to life as a whole. That difference altered the message from one of endurance to that of personal enlightenment. The concept that focuses on one’s impact on the community turns into an individual affair. Ikigai, the Japanese philosophical concept of finding joy in the impact of small everyday achievements, is Americanized to become a grand idea that promotes personal introspection.
Google Sites
Report abuse