Finding and Feeling Ikigai at Work with Kensuke Yamamoto

What happens when your body can no longer endure the crushing weight of corporate expectations? For Nanako Aramaki, a Japanese-Canadian marketing executive in Tokyo, the answer came through panic attacks, hives, hair loss, and finally, a complete inability to function at work. Diagnosed with "adjustment disorder"—a condition so common in Japan it has its own term—she found herself at a crossroads that would ultimately lead to transformation.Nanako's story weaves through continents and careers, from her childhood in Canada to her years as a professional flamenco dancer touring Europe, before returning to her birth country of Japan. Her journey reveals the stark contrast between Japan's beautiful cultural concepts like "ikigai" (life purpose) and the harsh reality of its modern work culture where "karoshi" (death from overwork) has become normalized. "Had I continued for another six months," she reflects, "I think I would have been close to dying."During her recovery, Nanako discovered the healing power of Tibetan singing bowls—metal instruments that produce vibrations capable of inducing theta brainwave states similar to deep meditation. Unlike traditional therapy that requires verbal processing, sound therapy offered a non-invasive approach that resonated deeply with her. The vibrations penetrate muscles, organs, and bones, helping release emotions stored within the body. For a society where openly discussing mental health remains stigmatized, this approach provides a culturally compatible entry point to healing.Now armed with twenty singing bowls and a newfound purpose, Nanako has dedicated herself to bringing this healing modality to Japan's stressed workforce. "I've always felt like there must be a way that I can help Japanese people work less or help them find their purpose," she shares. Her unique positioning as both culturally Japanese yet influenced by Western perspectives allows her to bridge worlds and create safe spaces for transformation.Ready to experience the healing power of sound? Connect with Nanako on social media @zensowellnesstherapy or visit zenso-wellness.com to learn how ancient vibrations might be the key to modern wellness.

What if work wasn't something we simply endured, but instead became a vibrant source of meaning and purpose? Kensuke Yamamoto, senior consultant at Vanto Group, joins us to challenge the deeply ingrained assumption that work must be an obligation rather than a wellspring of fulfillment.Against the backdrop of Japan's evolving business landscape—where 99.7% of companies are small and medium enterprises facing unprecedented demographic challenges—Kensuke reveals how the concept of ikigai (life purpose) can transform workplace cultures. Drawing from his experience implementing high-performance initiatives across Japanese organizations, he explores the striking contrast between Western individualistic approaches to job satisfaction and the Japanese emphasis on finding meaning through relationships, harmony, and contribution to others.Delving into Vanto Group's groundbreaking methodology, Kensuke illuminates how changing the way situations "occur" to people fundamentally shifts their actions and engagement. Using the powerful metaphor of three bricklayers—one merely laying bricks, another building a wall, and a third constructing a cathedral—he demonstrates how vision and purpose elevate ordinary tasks into meaningful contributions. The conversation weaves together Japanese concepts like yarigai (sense of meaning in tasks), hatarakigai (fulfillment from the work environment), and ibasho (psychological belonging) to paint a comprehensive picture of what truly enables people to thrive at work.Whether you're leading a team, reimagining your organization's culture, or seeking greater meaning in your own career, this conversation offers profound insights into creating workplaces where both people and results flourish. Join us as we explore how intentional dialogue about purpose can transform obligation into opportunity, and how the integration of ikigai principles might just be the key to sustainable business success in our rapidly changing world.

What gives meaning to your life when faced with loss and challenge? For Andriana Ubuduki-Kalfa, the answer emerged at her mother's funeral when a Japanese friend approached her about meeting her daughter, saying simply: "she was your mother's ikigai."This profound moment transformed Andriana's understanding of ikigai beyond the familiar Western interpretation of four overlapping circles. As a Japanese-Greek performance coach with over 30 years of experience bridging cultural differences, Andriana discovered that ikigai can be found in the simplest pleasures—a morning coffee, a dog's greeting—or in profound connections to people and places that sustain us through life's darkest moments.Our conversation explores how Andriana blends the Greek love of dialogue (rooted in the Socratic method) with Japanese concepts like mindfulness, kaizen, and kokorozashi (warrior spirit) to help Olympic athletes and executives achieve remarkable results. She shares moving personal stories, including how visualizing a small harbor in the Greek islands became her mental "resting port" during a serious health challenge, carrying her through surgery and recovery with hope and purpose.Most powerfully, Andriana reveals how reconnecting with our inner child leads us back to our authentic selves—"where real clarity lives." By approaching life with shoshin (beginner's mind) and kokishin (curiosity), we create space for deep observation and reconnection with what truly matters.Whether you're seeking better performance, deeper meaning, or simply a fresh perspective on life's challenges, this conversation offers wisdom that bridges Eastern and Western traditions in surprisingly practical ways. The insights shared might just help you discover your own ikigai—that special something that makes your life worth living each day.

What if the secret to living longer isn't found in cutting-edge supplements or complex biohacking, but in the timeless wisdom of Japanese rural communities? In this revealing conversation, 63-year-old biohacker and Ikigai Diet expert Sachiaki Takamiya shares groundbreaking findings from the World Longevity Summit held in Kyotango, Japan – a remarkable longevity hotspot with three times more centenarians than the national average.Forget what you thought you knew about Okinawa. The latest research shows other Japanese regions now lead in longevity statistics, with Kyotango emerging as a living laboratory for understanding what truly contributes to a long, healthy life. Through the Kyotango Longevity Cohort Study, researchers have identified four interconnected pillars that support exceptional longevity: a primarily plant and fish-based diet rich in fiber, functional movement integrated into daily life, strong community connections, and a deep sense of purpose through contributing to others.Sachi challenges Western misconceptions about ikigai, explaining how this concept relates to longevity in more nuanced ways than typically portrayed. Rather than simply "following your passion," the ikigai that supports longevity comes from feeling needed by others and having meaningful ways to contribute to your community. This perspective transforms how we might approach purpose in our later years.The conversation explores practical applications of these principles, from the ideal ratio of plant to animal proteins (hint: it's 50/50), to simple movements that maintain crucial functional abilities like walking speed and grip strength. You'll learn about "Mago wa Yasashii Koku," the Japanese mnemonic for remembering essential food categories, and how community-based exercise naturally combines physical activity with social connection.Whether you're fascinated by Blue Zones research, interested in Japanese culture, or simply want to understand how to live better for longer, this episode offers accessible wisdom that stands in refreshing contrast to complicated health protocols. Connect with Sachiaki through his YouTube channel "The Ikigai Diet Channel" or website theikigaidiet.com to continue your journey toward a more balanced, connected approach to longevity.

What happens when a successful financial advisor abandons commissions to build an ethical wealth management company? Christopher Tan takes us through his remarkable journey from sleeping on his family's living room floor to founding Provident, a fee-only wealth advisory firm in Singapore that's redefining how financial decisions serve life's most meaningful pursuits.Chris reveals the formative experiences that shaped his ethical compass: growing up in a humble family where his bus driver father's earnings were stretched by his resourceful mother, developing leadership skills during six years as an army officer, and experiencing a moral awakening when a client questioned why he kept selling him unnecessary insurance products. This pivotal moment led Chris to walk away from lucrative recurring commissions to establish a company aligned with his values.The path wasn't easy. Launching his firm on September 11, 2001, facing licensing delays, and navigating the 2008 financial crisis where his company lost $100 million in three months tested his resolve. Yet these challenges crystallized his "philosophy of sufficiency" – a powerful approach that reframes contentment not as settling for less, but actively identifying what truly matters and arranging finances to support those priorities.What makes Chris's approach extraordinary is how he's integrated the Japanese concept of ikigai into wealth management. Rather than pushing clients to accumulate endlessly, he helps them make what he calls "ikigai decisions" – life choices that reflect their deepest values – before making financial ones. This paradigm shift has transformed how his clients view money: not as the goal, but as the enabler of a life worth living.Beyond client relationships, Chris has created what he calls a "corporate family" culture where employees find psychological safety, grace, and forgiveness alongside professional accountability. His dedication to developing the next generation of ethical leaders while honoring their own sources of meaning exemplifies his holistic understanding of true wealth.Ready to rethink your relationship with money? Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional financial wisdom and offers a more fulfilling path forward. How might your life change if your financial decisions followed your life decisions, not led them?

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick welcomes back Daiki Kato to explore their new book on rolefulness—a concept that empowers people to live more intentionally by embracing meaningful roles in everyday life.

Ready to let ikigai rock your world?In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Sunplaza Nakano Kun to explore how his music captures the spirit of ikigai and inspires his fans.Sunplaza Nakano Kun is a Japanese musician, writer, and singer for the band BAKUFU- SLUMP (爆風スランプ). Beyond his music career, he has also worked as a radio personality and author—a man of many talents.

How can we quiet our minds in a chaotic world?In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Tosei Shinabe about how Zen meditation offers a path to deep contemplation and inner stillness amidst the noise of modern life.

What can a single sip of tea reveal?In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Dairik Amae on how the simple act of drinking tea can become a doorway to stillness.

Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion, is strongly rooted in animism, with Japanese believing that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. Shinto does not have a single creator or specific doctrine, and instead exists in a diverse range of local and regional forms emphasising a sacred connection between humans and the natural world.In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Taishi Kato about the deep-rooted significance of Shinto and the ongoing efforts to preserve its rich heritage.