Chiari: I can heal people’s hearts through Kintsugi...
Ikigai is a concept that is very much integral to Japanese culture. The word 'Ikigai' can be roughly translated to your 'reason for being', or purpose and is not confined to the ‘Venn Diagram’. More on its authentic definition can be explored here.
While Ikigai is essential to one's well-being, the true beauty is that it does not have a fixed equation and can change over time.
At Mogami, we would like to highlight this nuance with our 'Ikigai Spotlight Series'.
This month's featured guest is Chiari Matsumoto (28), Kintsugi Artist: Restoring Broken Pottery with Traditional Japanese Techniques, based in Tokyo, Japan.
Tell us your story.
I am originally from Mie Prefecture and moved to Tokyo when I started university, where I am still based today. After graduating from university, I worked at a video advertising company, but a few years later, due to the impact of COVID, I began to work remotely full-time. During that time, I started to deeply reflect on my work and myself, and I wanted to pursue a profession that would still hold value 100 years from now. This inspired me to become an artisan, and I started working at a Kintsugi workshop. Since last year, I have been working independently as a Kintsugi artist.
When was the first time you remember coming across the concept of Ikigai?
I'm not quite sure, but I think it was around when I was in elementary school.
What has been your personal journey with your Ikigai(s) or reason for being?
Kintsugi is a craft that only humans, not robots, can perform, which makes it deeply fulfilling. I can feel I am living my Ikigai when I can heal people’s hearts through Kintsugi.
My Ikigai lies in both my work and my personal life, and I have recently come to realise how important that balance is. In my personal life, I feel my Ikigai when I'm enjoying delicious food with family and friends!
How does your life today reflect your authentic self and life priorities?
When I am spending time with family and friends; when I'm hiking, which is my hobby.
Can you walk us through a time in your life when you felt lost? What ideas or tools helped you overcome this period?
I think the time I struggled the most in my life was when I decided to switch from the advertising industry to becoming a Kintsugi artist. I live by the mindset of 'acting without regrets, as if I could die tomorrow,' so the decision was significant for me. However, I chose to trust this guiding principle that I always value. I encouraged myself with the thought that I could give it a try, and if it didn’t work out, I could always start over.
What would be your advice to anyone struggling to live a life of Ikigai?
When people hear the word "Ikigai," some may feel pressured, but I believe that anything that makes you feel comfortable and at ease can be considered your Ikigai!
Saori's reflection
"What makes you feel comfortable and at ease?" There is so much value in reflecting on this question. Thank you, Chiari-san, for gifting us with this meaningful question. I found Chiari-san's desire to pursue an artisan profession that would still hold value 100 years from now an essential reminder that there is power in craftsmanship that will never be replaced. While technological advancements are occurring as we speak, there is always something special about the human touch. Let's lean into our creative souls as Chiari-san has.
Do you want to learn more?
You can follow and support Chiari-san and her work below.
What did this story bring up for you? Comment below.
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