Ceramic artist Noriko Nagaoka traces her journey from Osaka to London, where a chance encounter with pottery reshaped her life. Her Ikigai lives in the rhythm of creating, meeting others, and staying open to inspiration. Through her craft and daily rituals, Noriko reminds us that meaning is found in presence, curiosity, and the small moments that gently guide us forward.

In our Ikigai Spotlight Series, Senior Artist **Yuumi Yamada** of *The Australian Ballet* shares how a lifelong devotion to dance, moments of doubt, and rediscovery continue to shape her evolving sense of *ikigai*. From leaving Japan at fifteen to pursue her dream in Australia to performing the lead in *Don Quixote* years later, Yuumi’s story reveals that purpose is not a destination, but a dance — one of perseverance, growth, and joy in every step.

In our Ikigai Spotlight Series, writer and coach Tom Frengos shares how Ma (the Japanese art of pause), cross-cultural identity, and authenticity shape his evolving ikigai. From embracing impermanence to finding meaning in silence and nature, Tom shows that ikigai is not fixed but discovered through life’s pauses, uncertainties, and everyday beauty.

Ikigai Spotlight Series - Beyond the Venn Diagram. Hibiki Iha, Dancer and Choreographer from Okinawa gives us a glimpse into his journey from a 'shy kid' to a dance choreographer, sharing his ikigai of dancing to the world.

Ikigai Spotlight Series - Beyond the Venn Diagram. Dean Aizawa, Illustrator and Creative based in Tokyo, Japan.

Ikigai Spotlight Series - Beyond the Venn Diagram. Hiko Konami, a certified sound therapist and artist, and founder of Freakin’Calm

Hibiki Ichikawa: I felt an incredible sense of Ikigai—as if I had truly found my calling. Ikigai is a concept that is very much integral...

Explore Nori-san’s journey of discovering Ikigai through creativity, cultural challenges, and self-expression.

Chiari Matsumoto, a Tokyo Kintsugi artist, found her Ikigai in pottery restoration, blending tradition with a fulfilling balance.

Discover Junko Mori's journey with Ikigai, exploring her evolving purpose through metalworking and the joy found in repetitive creation.

Discover Akiko Tejima's journey of finding her Ikigai through motherhood and entrepreneurship.

Rie: I was mentally unwell due to personal relationships... Ikigai is a concept that is very much integral to Japanese culture. The word...

Ikuko: My high school art teacher shattered my dreams... Ikigai is a concept that is very much integral to Japanese culture. The word...

Tad: Kintsugi plays a valuable role in... Ikigai is a concept that is very much integral to Japanese culture. The word 'Ikigai' can be...

Aya: When the pandemic halted my regular work... Ikigai is a concept that is very much integral to Japanese culture. The word 'Ikigai'...

Ikigai on the Golf Course with Maho Ikigai is a concept that is very much integral to Japanese culture. The word 'Ikigai' can be roughly...

Yumiko: When faced with a yes-or-no question... Ikigai is a concept that is very much integral to Japanese culture. The word 'Ikigai' can...

Ikigai is a concept that is very much integral to Japanese culture. The word 'Ikigai' can be roughly translated to your 'reason for...

Minami: Confronting my true self... Ikigai is a concept that is very much integral to Japanese culture. The word 'Ikigai' can be roughly...

Getting personal with our Mogami Founder A Message from Our Founder, Saori September marks a very special month as we celebrate two years...