Finding Ikigai: Lessons from Japan on Living with Purpose and Joy

Recently, we returned from the most incredible 3-week adventure through Japan—exploring the buzz of Tokyo, soaking in the peaceful onsens of Nozawa, wandering the temples of Kyoto, and getting a taste of the culture and creativity in Osaka. There’s something truly special about Japan. The attention to detail, the deep-rooted traditions, the sense of respect and presence in everyday life—it all left a lasting impression on me.

During the trip, I found myself slowing down, being more mindful, and tuning into the little joys of daily life (which is very ikigai, as I later discovered!). On our first train ride through the countryside, I dove into a book that had been on my list for a while: Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles (commission earned on purchases). It felt like the perfect read for where I was, both literally and metaphorically. The way this book—and Japan itself—touched my heart and left a lasting impression inspired me to share more about this beautiful way of living.

So, what is Ikigai?

At its heart, ikigai (pronounced ee-kee-guy) is a Japanese concept that roughly translates to “a reason for being” or “a reason to wake up in the morning.” It’s that sweet spot where what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for intersect (see diagram below). But beyond this popular Venn diagram version of ikigai, the book dives deeper into how Japanese people—especially in the village of Ogimi in Okinawa, known for its high concentration of centenarians—live with purpose, connection, and joy each day. I believe we can all learn from this concept to create a more harmonious way of living.

What I Loved About the Book

The book blends beautiful storytelling with practical insights. It explores the daily habits of some of the world’s longest-living people and reveals that their secret isn’t found in some wild diet or extreme lifestyle—it’s in simplicity, community, and doing things you love consistently over time.

Here are a few of my key takeaways from Ikigai that I think are so relevant for all of us, no matter where we live:

1. Stay Active and Keep Moving

One of the things I loved most about the concept of Ikigai is the idea that once we discover our true passion or purpose, it becomes a lifelong labour of love—something we feel called to do every day, for as long as we can. In Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, the Okinawan elders interviewed never really “retire.” Instead, they keep doing what they love—whether it’s practicing a craft, cooking for others, or volunteering in their community. It may not look like “work” in the traditional sense, but it’s a way they can contribute to society that feels good and fulfilling.

In fact, in Okinawa and other parts of Japan, there isn’t even a word for retirement. The culture honours a way of life where joy and purpose are interwoven into daily routines—and this kind of work continues well into old age. This sense of purpose naturally keeps the body moving, and research has shown that regular movement—especially when it’s connected to something we enjoy—is one of the key contributors to longevity.

Movement and meaning go hand-in-hand, and together they help us live longer, healthier, and more fulfilled lives.

Reflecting on this concept made me realise how blessed I feel doing the work that I do. Creating space for people to relax and heal brings me so much joy. In many ways, I’ve found my own version of ikigai. While my work not always easy, the challenges bring me growth, fulfilment, and a deeper sense of abundance.

It’s also a beautiful reminder of how important it is to keep our bodies moving. Those weeks where I get out in the garden or do regular yoga classes are the weeks I feel my best —I feel clearer, lighter, and more energised. And of course, science backs this up too: regular movement boosts feel-good chemicals in the body and supports long-term wellbeing.

So here’s my takeaway—keep moving your body in ways that feel good or align with your passions, and make it part of your everyday life. As they say, “move it or lose it”—and it’s so much easier to stay active when you’re doing something you love.

Try this: Find small, enjoyable ways to stay active. It doesn’t have to be intense—think yoga, dancing in your kitchen, tending to a garden, cooking meals for loved ones, making art, or volunteering your time. Movement is medicine—especially when it brings you joy. The key is finding something that lights you up and gives you a reason to move each day. When your movement is tied to joy and purpose, it becomes something you want to do—not something you have to do.

2. Cultivate Friendships and Community

For me, community and connection are core values of our business, Heart Resonance. So when I began reading about the concept of moai—a social group or community that provides support throughout life—it instantly resonated with me. Moai is a cornerstone of Okinawan culture, and there’s a deep emphasis on connection, belonging, and looking out for one another across Japan. How beautiful is that?

I believe this sense of deeper purpose and unconditional support creates an environment where contentment and joy naturally thrive.

Research suggests that strong social connections, like those fostered within moais, are a key factor in the longevity and well-being of Okinawans. It’s a powerful reminder that we are wired for connection—and that community can be one of the most healing and life-affirming parts of our lives.

Try this: Nourish your friendships (or create new ones!) and make time for meaningful conversations. Join a local group, host a potluck, or simply check in with someone you care about. Embrace opportunities to get involved in your community or attend a gathering of like-minded individuals. These moments of connection are what make life truly special.

3. Eat Light and With Gratitude

A simple yet powerful practice. In Japan, there's a phrase—hara hachi bu—which means “eat until you are 80% full.” Meals are often enjoyed slowly, with seasonal ingredients and a deep sense of appreciation. This gentle approach to eating is said to support longevity and overall wellbeing.

One thing we especially loved in Japan was eating with chopsticks—it naturally encouraged us to slow down and savour each bite (though maybe that’s partly because our skills could use a little work 😅). Still, it reminded me how easily a meal can become a meditation when we eat with mindfulness and presence. I’ve also noticed how much better my digestion is when I take time to eat slowly and consciously.

Creating these small, intentional moments each day helps us find purpose and joy in even the most ordinary activities.

Ikigai is about living with gratitude and finding meaning in all aspects of life—including what’s on our plate.

Try this: Practice mindful eating. Slow down, savour each bite, and take a moment to give thanks before your meal.

4. Find Flow in What You Do

Part of the book Ikagai explores the concept of Flow. Flow is that magical feeling when you're so immersed in an activity that you lose track of time. You’re fully present, focused, and deeply engaged—whether you’re painting, writing, cooking, gardening, or working on something you care about. For me, I instantly enter a state of 'flow' when I am playing my crystal singing bowls - it is as though my conscious mind simply steps out of the way as my higher self and source energy take the lead. It is a dream-like space and makes me feel deeply connected and at peace.

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who coined the term "flow," described it as a state of optimal experience—where you're functioning at your best with a sense of ease and joy. What’s fascinating is that this state isn’t just enjoyable—it’s also incredibly good for us.

Flow states have been linked to improved mood, creativity, and even greater life satisfaction.

Achieving flow creates a feeling of purpose and fulfilment that Ikigai points to. When you’re in flow, you’re not overthinking or stressing—you’re simply being. You're aligned, present, and more connected to your intuition or higher self.

So, have you ever experienced a time where you have felt flow? This could have been whilst painting, surfing or solving a complex problem. The things that help you enter a flow state are usually the very things your soul is calling you toward. They come naturally, feel nourishing, and often benefit others too.

When we follow these activities, they guide us gently toward our Ikigai—toward a life that feels meaningful and alive. Flow with the activities that give you meaning and connect you deeper to your souls light - here is where the magic is born and we become more aligned with a frequency of love and abundance.

Try this: Notice the activities that make you lose track of time. What are you doing? How do you feel during and after? Make space in your week to do more of that—whether it’s something creative, something in service to others, or something that challenges and excites you in just the right way.

5. Embrace Simplicity, Joy and Purpose

One of the most beautiful things we noticed in Japan was how much joy can be found in the simple things—tea served with care, a perfectly placed flower, quiet moments walking through a garden, or the peacefulness of a well-kept home. The Japanese have a deep reverence for simplicity, and it’s woven into so many aspects of daily life.

In the book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, the authors speak about the importance of living slowly and intentionally. This gentle pace of life allows space to tune in, be present, and rediscover what truly brings you joy.

Often, it’s in those small, quiet moments that we hear the whispers of our Ikigai—the inner calling toward what lights us up.

By simplifying life and creating room for stillness, we become more connected to ourselves and more able to recognise what we love doing.

Ikigai doesn’t have to be about saving the world. It might be waking up to water your plants, care for your family or animals, or continue learning something new. It’s deeply personal and doesn’t need to be grand. When we give those small joys our attention, they often grow into something deeper. Simplicity clears the clutter so we can hear the soul’s voice, and from that space, purpose can naturally unfold. Remember not to force finding your Ikagai, just simply follow your joy and share it with others.

Try this: Ask yourself—what brings me joy? What do I look forward to each day? Your ikigai might already be part of your life, waiting to be noticed and nurtured. Let joy live in the small things, and you may find your Ikigai blooming from within them.

Why We Should All Explore Our Ikigai

Reading Ikigai while traveling through Japan was more than just a good read—it was a mirror, reflecting back how I could choose to live more intentionally, with joy and balance. The book reminded me that happiness isn’t something to chase; it’s something to cultivate through daily rituals, meaningful connections, simplicity and purpose-driven living...and the longevity that comes along with it is just a bonus!

If you haven’t yet read Ikigai, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s gentle, inspiring, and full of wisdom that feels both ancient and incredibly relevant to our modern lives.

Buy your copy of Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles by clicking below

(This link will take you to Amazon to purchase a copy, and as an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases).

I bought the hard cover version of the book - it is small and so beautiful, so it is a wonderful keepsake or coffee table book.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR COPY 👇

Our time in Japan taught me so much about simplicity, presence, and the beauty of everyday life. Ikigai is not just a concept—it’s a way of living. It’s tuning in, finding joy in the little things, and aligning our days with what matters most.

So, what’s your ikigai? Maybe it’s creating, connecting, cooking, teaching, exploring, or healing. Whatever it is, may you follow it with heart 🌸

With an open heart,

Courtney - Heart Resonance