by Colin Bell
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6 March 2025
IKIGAI Instruction Guide Background & origin Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a Japanese concept that roughly translates to 'reason for being' or 'purpose in life.' The term originates from Okinawa, Japan, one of the world's Blue Zones, where people live exceptionally long and fulfilling lives. The philosophy behind Ikigai is rooted in the balance between passion, vocation, mission, and profession. It is used as a framework for personal fulfillment and professional alignment, helping individuals and businesses find a deep sense of purpose and motivation. When & where to Use Ikigai Ikigai can be used in various settings, including: Personal development – To gain clarity on life direction and purpose. Career planning – To align work with passion and strengths. Business strategy – To ensure a company’s purpose aligns with its values, market needs, and profitability. Coaching & leadership – To help individuals and teams discover meaningful work that fosters engagement and motivation. Wellbeing & resilience – To cultivate a sense of fulfillment, reducing stress and burnout. Benefits of using the Ikigai framework Helps identify purpose and fulfillment in work and life. Aligns strengths with career opportunities. Improves motivation and engagement by focusing on meaningful activities. Supports strategic business decisions to align with purpose driven leadership. Increases happiness and life satisfaction by clarifying personal and professional goals.