Ikigai Spotlight Series: Noriko Nagaoka, Japanese ceramics artist in North London, UK

Finding Ikigai through Craft and Connection

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 Noriko Nagaoka, Japanese ceramics artist in North London, UK.

Can you share a little about yourself and your journey?

I was born and raised in Hirakata, Osaka. After qualifying as a nutritionist and working in Japan for a few years, my long-standing interest in living abroad led me to study English in Hastings, UK. I then spent a year in Vancouver, Canada on a working holiday—studying and working locally—followed by another language program in London. I worked in office administration at a London fashion company, where I met designers, pattern cutters, and seamstresses. Seeing their craft made me want skills of my own, so I took courses in metalwork and ceramics—an encounter that changed my life. I discovered the world of pottery, and now I spend my days creating in my home studio while also teaching private wheel-throwing lessons and courses.

When did you first come across the word or idea of Ikigai? What does it mean to you today?

I often heard the word Ikigai from my grandparents when I was little. Back then I only grasped it vaguely. Today, my Ikigai is connecting with more art, meeting more people, and seeing how I can create better ceramic works through those encounters.

Do you feel you have one Ikigai or many? How have they shifted at different stages of your life?

I believe there are many forms of Ikigai. In daily life, it changes with what I can immerse myself in and with the turning of the seasons—it’s continually evolving.

Noriko collecting raw clay at a site, used for her ceramic works.

How have your Japanese roots/your connection to Japan and your experiences abroad shaped your sense of Ikigai?

I think Ikigai is deeply shaped by the experiences, culture, and customs I’ve cultivated so far. Ikigai is the driving force that keeps me going.

Can you tell us about a time when you felt lost, uncertain, or experienced a turning point? How did you find your way through? 

I’m a very simple person at heart, so when something comes to mind or when inspiration strikes, that’s the best day to start. I try to choose what feels fun, exciting, and challenging, and I live each day that way.

Are there small daily practices, rituals, or communities that help you stay connected to your Ikigai?

Because I spend much of my day working in my home studio, I make a habit of going to the gym in the morning or evening (spin class, body-conditioning classes) and doing yoga. Keeping up regular movement helps me maintain balance in my days.

Japanese has many beautiful words, phrases, and characters that are hard to translate. Is there one that holds special meaning for you, and why?

思い立った時が吉日 — “The day you decide is the lucky day.” Trust your instincts. When inspiration strikes, that moment itself is the right time to begin.

一期一会 — “Once-in-a-lifetime encounter.” Treasure each meeting and moment — every connection is unique and unrepeatable.

独立不羈 — “Independent and unconstrained.” Live freely, not bound by convention. Live with quiet confidence and freedom, staying true to your own rhythm and values.

What did this story bring up for you? Comment below.

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Saori's Reflection

Reading Noriko's interview felt like being invited into a quiet, sunlit studio — where intention, curiosity, and inner freedom shape the rhythm of each day. Through her words, I sensed someone who has followed her life’s path with openness, allowing chance encounters, new countries, and unexpected passions to gently guide her toward the world of ceramics.

What struck me most was the way her philosophy is woven into her craft. Phrases like 思い立ったが吉日 (“the day you decide is the lucky day”) and 独立不羈 (“independent and unconstrained”) echo in her journey — a reminder that creativity often blooms when we allow

ourselves to move freely, without hesitation or self-imposed limits.

Her reflections on Ikigai also carry a quiet truth: that meaning grows through experience, through presence, and through the willingness to keep beginning again. In her practice, whether shaping clay at the wheel or maintaining her daily rituals of balance and movement, there is a sense of grounded joy — a steady devotion to living fully and authentically.

Noriko’s story gently reminds us that our Ikigai doesn’t always arrive as a single revelation. Sometimes, it reveals itself through the small moments we follow with curiosity — one step, one meeting, one creation at a time. 🌿

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Do you want to learn more?

If Noriko’s story inspired you, you can explore more of her journey here.

Discover her ceramic pieces here.

If you’re interested in booking a pottery workshop with Noriko, please contact her directly at norikonagaoka@gmail.com.

For those in London, her pieces will also be available at these upcoming events — a lovely chance to meet her in person and support her craft.

🗓️ Upcoming Events

• 29 November (11am–5pm) — Duckpond Market, Lauderdale House, N6 5HG

• 30 November (9am–6pm) — Primrose Hill Winter Festival

• 6 December — Crouch End Christmas Fair

• 9 December (from 5pm) — Society Building Christmas Market, 55 Whitfield Street, London W1T 4AH

• 13 December — Jolly Hobby Christmas Market, Hornsey Church Hall

• 14 December (11am–5pm) — Crafty Fox Christmas Market, The Crossing, King’s Cross

Come by to say hello and support local craftsmanship this festive season. 🎄

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