Ikigai is a Japanese concept for that which gives your life value, direction, and satisfaction. It refers to what makes life worth living, ranging from career goals to small daily habits and relationships.

Ikigai explained: Meaning and Chart

kigai for finding your purpose in life - Toolshero

Article by: Anneke Kuijk

Last update: July 1, 2026

Ikigai helps you find your path in life. You will find purpose again in something. You might be busy but feel unfulfilled. Ikigai shows you a reason for what you do. It is a Japanese word meaning something like your reason for being, and it is about what makes your life worth living, even in small decisions every day. There is a model that helps you visualize where four things meet: things you like, things you are good at, things the world needs, and things that pay money. It makes sense. It gives you a starting point, helping you make decisions about how to invest your time, energy, and important things in life.

In this article, you will learn what Ikigai means, what it gets you, and how to use the model in steps. You will also find two examples you can use in your life and an Ikigai template to find your own Ikigai. Enjoy!

What is Ikigai? The explanation

Ikigai originates from Japan and translates into something like “reason for being” or “that which makes life worth living”. People in Japan pursue their life purpose through both their main objectives and their daily activities which include family time and garden work and strict morning schedules and personal interests and community service and social support roles. People discover their life purpose through Ikigai which helps them find meaning in their daily existence. People do not work or live with ikigai only because of status, success, or a job.

Writer and researcher Dan Buettner has researched places in the world where people live significantly longer than others. He named these areas Blue Zones. Japan is one of the Blue Zones. The island of Okinawa is an example of this. Buettner discovered that the food people eat and how much they exercise is important. So are the people around them. It is good to know why you get up in the morning. This is called ikigai.

Most people in Okinawa do not find this way of thinking vague. For the people of Okinawa, it is just a part of their everyday life. People should maintain contact with their relatives while continuing their employment and participating in local activities and spending time on hobbies throughout their senior years. The system directs you through the correct path by providing navigation assistance. You feel like you have something to take care of. The tool provides support which enables you to overcome difficult situations. Buettner explains in his TED Talk “How to Live to 100+” that people who maintain purposeful lives will develop superior physical condition and vitality during their later years.

In recent years, ikigai has become internationally known. Spanish author Héctor García brought the concept to the attention of a broad audience with his book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. The book describes ikigai through four essential components which include pursuing your passions and using your natural abilities and making a difference in the world and receiving financial compensation for your work. Western publications use a four-circle diagram as their standard method to represent work and career and life choices to their readers.

National Geographic and other media outlets have also picked up on ikigai and the Blue Zones, mainly because of the association with happiness, vitality, and longevity. That is why this way of thinking was originally common place in Japan. Now, people all over the world use to help them figure out what gives their life meaning, direction and satisfaction.

The Ikigai model

This motivation concept is the part where your passion, mission, calling, and profession or occupation come together. This is best illustrated with the overlapping circles of a Venn diagram.

The four circles represent:

What you love
What you are good at
What the world needs
What you can/are paid for

Where the four circles overlap, you will find your ‘Ikigai’.

Figure 1 – Ikigai Visual Representation (Chart)

How do you apply this?

You can only apply this beautiful philosophy once you have defined what it means to you. People must travel through a lengthy path to find their true identity. However, if you would like to start gaining insights into your Ikigai, you can start making your own Venn diagram with overlapping circles.

Complete each circle by adding keywords and concepts and images and phrases which belong to the following four sections: “You love it”, “You’re good at it”, “The world needs it”, “You get paid for it”.

Start by asking yourself these questions: What activities do you enjoy? Which activities make you feel excited? What skills do you possess? Which abilities have you mastered and which ones can you learn to improve? What methods exist for you to serve other people? What activities do you perform which produce advantages for other people? What kind of global transformation do you want to achieve?

Look for the (natural) overlap between the different circles. Step back and try to see the bigger picture and make connections. Take your time with this. Let ideas and impulses guide you and remain open. Your ‘Ikigai’ will emerge.

Benefits

The benefits of embracing this Japanese concept seem clear. It gives you a reason to get up in the morning. Enjoying your work, loving what you do, giving meaning to your existence. Combined with healthy eating and a pleasant living environment, your version is an important ingredient for healthy aging.

Examples

People today search for methods to unite their interests with their abilities to make social contributions. The following two examples demonstrate this concept.

David de Kock and Arjan Vergeer from 365 dagen succesvol demonstrate daily application of their Ikigai through their work at 365 days of success. The organization works to create the happiest nation on Earth through programs which empower people to achieve their full potential.

As they say on their website: em>“One thing we have learned in recent years is that if you really want something and you choose a method to get there, anything is possible. Not just in your head, but especially in real life.”

Another example is building houses. The world requires this work because someone could enjoy it while possessing the necessary skills to make it their career choice. People can select their life purpose through their individual approaches to this situation. If you lack inspiration, it can’t hurt to look at someone else’s.

Ikigai Chart template

Discover your own Ikigai by following the step-by-step plan in this Chart template. Available as an editable template.

Download the Ikigai template

For members only | Get instant access to this Ikigai template — plus unlimited access to 1,200+ expert articles and tools. Explore Membership Options

Ikigai and science: what the studies show

The thinking approach receives support from people because researchers have validated it through studies which include Okinawa and Blue Zones research. People in Japan and other countries have looked at how the feeling of ikigai relates to health, well-being, and longevity. Research shows that people who possess a strong life purpose during their mornings tend to have better health. People who possess this emotion develop better abilities to handle obstacles while they tend to live longer than those who lack it.

Large studies in Japan show that people who say they have no ikigai are more likely to die. These people are particularly likely to die from cardiovascular disease or accidents. Research demonstrates that individuals who possess a strong ikigai will experience fewer physical health issues as they age and they will maintain better health throughout their lives.

The links are also clear on the mental side. Research shows that people who develop ikigai purpose will experience fewer depressive symptoms while they reject the idea that everything lacks value. The group obtains better results in life satisfaction and resilience and perceived quality of life. The research uses ikigai as a conceptual framework to represent life purpose. The practice offers guidance which produces direction and significance to help people manage their stress while dealing with unexpected events.

It is then good to remain calm. Research into this beautiful philosophy mainly shows correlations. The definition of ikigai does not bring about immediate positive changes in all aspects of life. Health matters. The people around you are important. Your identity serves as a vital element which shapes your entire existence. Your genes determine your physical characteristics and biological traits. Your life choices determine your personal identity. The statistics reveal what Okinawa residents experience through their routine activities. People who find purpose and experience involvement in activities and meaningful existence will experience improved physical health and mental wellness.

The philosophy connects with different research approaches which study meaning and well-being through their established framework. Research in positive psychology and purpose in life shows that people who understand their life purpose will experience longer life spans and better health and more positive emotions than those who lack life direction. Ikigai comes from Japan. People discuss ikigai with many other people. The system allows users to use ikigai as their daily life foundation.

Ikigai in relation to other motivation models

The concept requires additional elements to function as an independent system. Psychology and philosophy have developed multiple approaches which work similarly to ikigai by studying life purpose and life path and personal drivers. The concept needs to be placed within its complete framework for proper understanding.

Viktor Frankl stands as a recognized expert who made significant contributions to this field. His work and logotherapy are important. People continuously strive to understand their life purpose according to Frankl even when they face challenging situations. According to him, if someone has a reason, that person can cope better with misfortune and pain. This ties in with this idea. People need to establish an internal guiding system which functions as their navigation system. A compass enables individuals to select their path while it helps them continue their journey and preserves their direction during difficult times.

Positive psychology demonstrates that certain elements remain constant throughout its system. In Martin Seligman‘s PERMA model, meaning is one of the five aspects of well-being. The other aspects are positive emotions, engagement, relationships, and accomplishment. Ikigai represents the actualization of the “Meaning” element because it enables people to find meaning through their daily activities and their social connections and their personal responsibilities.

The philosophy which I describe here aligns perfectly with the self-determination theory. The theory establishes three essential needs which all humans require to survive. People want to make their own choices and they seek bonds with others and they desire to prove their abilities.

People who have ikigai experience these three elements as their core purpose in life. You can select your own path through life which represents autonomy while you build significant bonds with others and make an impact on their lives through your work which demonstrates connectedness. Your activities enable you to develop skills while you maintain your ability level through activities which you find meaningful and valuable.

People can better understand ikigai when they study it alongside their personal values. The term Ikigai holds a well-established cultural significance which people widely recognize.
Multiple theories support the same fundamental principle which states that people achieve success when they believe their work matters and their tasks match their abilities and their efforts produce results that matter to others. You can apply ikigai to your daily life through its integration with other Toolshero models which help people enjoy life and stay motivated and maintain their well-being. The coaching process allows you to use ikigai through your questions which focus on work and your interest in learning leadership and your examination of team dynamics.

FAQ: Ikigai

What is Ikigai?

Ikigai is a Japanese concept for that which gives your life value, direction, and satisfaction. At its core, it is about what makes your life worth living. This can be significant, such as a career or life purpose, but also small and daily, like relationships, rhythm, hobbies, or the feeling of being needed. The Toolshero article aligns with this by linking Ikigai not just to work, but specifically to everyday life.

What does Ikigai mean in Japanese?

In Japanese, Ikigai roughly means “reason for being” or “that which makes life worth living”. This encompasses more than just ambition or success; it includes everything that gives life meaning. This broader, more everyday character is vital, as the original Japanese meaning is more extensive than the popular Western career-focused explanation.

What is the difference between the Japanese concept and the Western Ikigai model?

The Japanese idea focuses on meaning and pleasure in small, daily things. The Western model is based on a diagram with four circles: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. This diagram is not of Japanese origin. Sources regarding the history of the diagram attribute the original “purpose” schema to Andrés Zuzunaga in 2011 (Zuzunaga, 2011) → This book or publication describes the model that was later linked to the term Ikigai by Marc Winn and became globally popular.

What are the 4 elements of the Ikigai model?

The modern Ikigai model uses four pillars to provide direction to life and work:

What you love
What you are good at
What the world needs
What you can be paid for

(Garcia & Miralles, 2016) → This popular book explains how the overlap between these four areas is seen as a practical way to reflect on meaning, talent, contribution, and work.

How do you find your Ikigai?

You find your Ikigai by step-by-step investigating what gives you energy, where your talent lies, how you are of value to others, and the role of work or reward. The Toolshero article recommends creating your own Venn diagram and gathering words, ideas, and examples for each part. By consciously looking for overlap and patterns, more clarity often arises regarding what is truly meaningful to you.