Junko: I asked myself what I truly love...
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 Junko Mori (50), Artist obsessed with repetition in metal, based in North Wales, UK.
Tell us your story.
Throughout childhood, I was fascinated by "how things grow". Observations of pond water through a microscope formed the origins of my concept. Having graduated from Musashino Art University, Tokyo, in 1997, I became a welding assistant to a fabricator. Metalworking skills obtained during this period naturally led to an increase in confidence, encouraging me to enrol on the Silversmithing & Metalworking BA at Camberwell College of Arts, London, in 1998. My core concept, “growing forms through repetition”, evolved around graduation in 2000. I simplified my practice and developed more sculptural forms using traditional blacksmithing techniques, such as forging and hammering.
When was the first time you remember coming across the concept of Ikigai?
Most likely in 1994, when I was 20 years old. I asked myself what I truly love. I gathered visual images very randomly and found some patterns in particular since there were so many images of accumulated groups of small components, i.e. images of algae, a hoard of crystals, a pile of timbers and so on. “Repetition” was also a key element. I am still in search of why I love this, but I know my Ikigai is related to the feeling of achievement after completing a certain amount of repetitive work.
What has been your personal journey with your Ikigai(s) or reason for being?
At the beginning of my practice, I was just happy to have the opportunity to spend time forging metal in the studio by myself. When I am fully immersed in a physically repetitive task, I feel so free; this has not changed at all. When I found my work to be “sellable,” I felt I had found another level of happiness. I met my first assistant, and the development between us created another layer to the story. I met my husband and had children, which added another responsibility and love to my life. Now, I have a team of makers to manage in my studio; the term “Ikigai” has evolved to include making the people I love grow together along with my own practice.
How does your life today reflect your authentic self and life priorities?
I have many roles in my life now, I no longer know what is my authentic self. I love one of the TED talks by Amy Cuddy “Fake It Till You Make It”. I imagine what I want to be rather than deciding who I am.
Can you walk us through a time in your life when you felt lost? What ideas or tools helped you overcome this period?
For any physical, or technical issues, I practically make a list of what I need to do to improve the situation and tick items off one by one. However, for anything emotional, I need to talk, talk, and talk with friends and family. I have many friends who are so inspirational and often surprise me with how they respond to my issues. It is a miracle. I love those moments when human exchange leads to solutions.
What would be your advice to anyone struggling to live a life of Ikigai?
“Do” rather than “read”… sorry if I am contradicting the fact that I am contributing to this interview. That said, anything you want to do, anything achievable, please try. When I had a panic attack about 20 years ago, I went for a long walk and realised there was so much beauty around me. I found a half-dying pot plant just outside my house. I took it back to my room and cleaned it. I remember it looked instantly prettier and started growing well. I still have the plant and have propagated it into many pots. It is a small thing, but it saved me when I was going through a tough time.
Saori's reflection
I found Junko-san's interview to be a breath of fresh air. Her clarity regarding what she loves doing, in addition to her openness to let her IIkigai evolve over time, is something that we can all reflect on. I also found her point about relying on her friends when she feels lost and loving those moments where "human exchange leads to solutions" a beautiful reflection. Who are those friends that make you feel seen, valued, and listened to? Let's use this as an opportunity to assess who those people are in our lives and make a conscious effort to connect with them, as they are a vital component of taking care of our souls.
Do you want to learn more?
You can follow and support Junko-san and her work below.
What did this story bring up for you? Comment below.
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