The Japanese Philosophy of “Ikigai” means ‘reason for living’ or ‘purpose in life’. Life is not just about surviving, but also about living each day with vitality, joy, and value.
Below are ten key aspects that, if applied in daily life, can help you move towards a long and peaceful life.
1. Find your “why” — the purpose of life
Wake up every morning and start with excitement and enthusiasm. It may not be a big task, it may be taking care of your family, gardening or perfecting one of your skills. Ikigai is the “why” that you feel in life every day.
Setting a purpose will not only break the routine of life, but it will also become meaningful.
2. Improve slowly, honestly – the Kaizen philosophy
The Japanese Kaizen philosophy says: Even if it is not a big task, making small improvements regularly can make a big difference in life. Read a page a day, take a walk, or learn a new word — these steps will eventually pay off.
By constantly striving to improve, you can capture the potential that you have unconsciously and habitually lost.
3. Stay active in your free time — keep your mind and body active
In Japan’s “Blue Zone” region, such as Okinawa, people do not completely withdraw from work or activities as they age. Gardening, cooking, and teaching are important for maintaining physical and mental health.
It’s not about moving to a place where you can just relax — but staying active keeps life moving.
4. Build meaningful social relationships, be better together
Loneliness or social isolation can reduce vitality. In Japan, there are social bonds called “Moai,” where good people live together and support each other — emotionally and financially.
Surround yourself with people who lift your spirits and lift your spirits.
5. Eat mindfully – the ‘Hara Hachi Bu’ rule
According to an Okinawan rule, stop eating “about 80%” of the time — that is, stop before your stomach is full.
This practice helps control weight, reduces the risk of disease, and creates a sense of gratitude for each meal.
6. Live in harmony with nature
The Japanese lifestyle is largely based on nature — such as going to see cherry blossoms (Sakura), forest bathing, or “Shinrin-yoku.”
Connecting with nature reduces stress, brings peace, and creates a place to slow down and enjoy life.
7. Choose simplicity – rarely Perfect
Minimalism means keeping everything to a minimum and mastering the important things well. Removing unnecessary things from your home, mind, time, and everywhere in life.
Even if you have fewer things, it does not mean less; rather, pulling out the most valuable things.
8. Practice gratitude – in small joys every day
In Japanese culture, before meals, there is a saying, “Itadakimasu,” which includes respect for food and the food provider.
Every Sunday in life, every smile, every sunshine and shade — you can look at everything with gratitude.
9. Accept imperfection – the philosophy of Wabi-sabi
Wabi-sabi is said, “Beauty is not perfection; imperfection and change are the things that make beauty”. Not everything in life is perfect; mistakes and changes are part of our journey.
If you can change with the value of “mistakes”, then every moment of life will be instructive and special.
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10. Stay awake in the present moment – live mindfully. Stay
In Japanese mindfulness practices like Zen or the tea ceremony, the importance of the awakened sense of “Here and Now” is paramount.
Do one thing at a time, do that thing mindfully — eat while eating, walk while walking. This attitude will make even the ordinary moments of your life more present and meaningful.
Life should be seen not just as a measure of time, but as a matter of purpose, connection, awareness, and enjoyment. If you start to apply one step at a time every day — like being active, making progress slowly, connecting with nature, and being grateful — then your “why” or ikigai in life will gradually become clear.
This ancient Japanese philosophy can also bring peace and value to today’s fast-paced life. Have you ever wondered — what motivates you to get up in the morning? By finding that answer, you can move forward towards your ikigai.
Hi readers. I’m Piyali Batabyal, a passionate blogger who loves to share her thoughts, ideas, and experiences across a variety of topics—from lifestyle and beauty to personal growth and creativity. With a curious mind and a love for words.
Alongside my writing, I am also a professional makeup artist with a flair for enhancing natural beauty and creating transformative looks.