What if everything you thought you knew about Ikigai was incomplete? In this powerful Episode 45 of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa sits down with Nicholas Kemp, speaker, author, Japanologist, and founder of the Ikigai Tribe, to explore the true Japanese meaning of Ikigai beyond the popular Venn diagram. Nicholas shares his personal journey from Australia to Japan, first visiting at age five in 1977, later living and working there, marrying a Japanese woman, and building a life deeply connected to Japanese culture. Long before Ikigai became a global trend, Nick encountered the word in Japan and began a decades long exploration of what it truly means. Together, Lori and Nick unpack: Ikigai Kan – why Ikigai is not something you find, but something you feel Yutori – the Japanese concept of mental and emotional space in a world of burnout Purpose in Japanese culture and what it means to truly use your life with intention Why modern Western interpretations of Ikigai miss its emotional and relational depth The role of reflection, journaling, and gratitude in cultivating a life worth living Japanese craftsmanship, apprenticeships, and the Samurai way of learning Identity, heritage, resilience, and honoring those who came before us This episode is a deep, reflective conversation about meaning, culture, purpose, and what truly matters. If you are seeking clarity, depth, and a more authentic understanding of Ikigai rooted in Japanese wisdom, this episode is for you. Work with Nick and become a Certified Ikigai Tribe CoachGet his book and learn more about his work: https://ikigaitribe.com/ Connect with Nicholas Kemp Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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