What a great post. Can't wait for part 2. And maybe a part 3 where you interview the spicy reddit user who said "The people who made this chart just twisted the idea for "reason for being" to mean "working to live," then slapped a Japanese word on it to make it seem more legitimate by borrowing the cultural capital and "exoticness" of Japan." - loved it
I read your argument to be that Ikigai is a bad framework for fulfillment because it’s too difficult to find work that fits all four categories, often because fulfilling work either goes unappreciated or underpaid in our culture.
I don’t see that as a refutation of Ikigai though. I kind of see that as the point—not that Ikigai is easy to achieve, but that if we can overcome the obstacles attendant to each of the four pillars, that we will be fulfilled.
I'm Japanese American. My sister-in-law is Japanese from Japan. I'd never heard of Ikigai until that book came out. My sister-in-law needed to be reminded of what it was, as she'd only heard it like twice her whole life. So totally agree with you on the cultural relevance.
Honestly, I think the adoption of Ikigai in the western world is a bad habit of Americanization/Cultural Appropriation without thinking through if it'll actually work. Just like Silicone Valleys fondness for using {Office} Ninja as part of their company culture (Ninjas were spies and assassins, why would anyone want those in your company culture?), what value does that really bring?
I think you're on the right path with Ikigai though. It doesn't work in western systems. Probably not even in eastern ones either. Curious and looking forward to hearing your thoughts on a new framework though.
This post! This post! It's brilliant! And it hits on so many of my feelings on work and purpose...I have so much to say, but it's too much type. I'll call you! Lol
What a great post. Can't wait for part 2. And maybe a part 3 where you interview the spicy reddit user who said "The people who made this chart just twisted the idea for "reason for being" to mean "working to live," then slapped a Japanese word on it to make it seem more legitimate by borrowing the cultural capital and "exoticness" of Japan." - loved it
I read your argument to be that Ikigai is a bad framework for fulfillment because it’s too difficult to find work that fits all four categories, often because fulfilling work either goes unappreciated or underpaid in our culture.
I don’t see that as a refutation of Ikigai though. I kind of see that as the point—not that Ikigai is easy to achieve, but that if we can overcome the obstacles attendant to each of the four pillars, that we will be fulfilled.
Curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
excellent piece jen!!
excellent piece jen!!
I'm Japanese American. My sister-in-law is Japanese from Japan. I'd never heard of Ikigai until that book came out. My sister-in-law needed to be reminded of what it was, as she'd only heard it like twice her whole life. So totally agree with you on the cultural relevance.
Honestly, I think the adoption of Ikigai in the western world is a bad habit of Americanization/Cultural Appropriation without thinking through if it'll actually work. Just like Silicone Valleys fondness for using {Office} Ninja as part of their company culture (Ninjas were spies and assassins, why would anyone want those in your company culture?), what value does that really bring?
I think you're on the right path with Ikigai though. It doesn't work in western systems. Probably not even in eastern ones either. Curious and looking forward to hearing your thoughts on a new framework though.
This is a great post Jen, well done! - I'll be looking forward to reading pt. 2 :)
This post! This post! It's brilliant! And it hits on so many of my feelings on work and purpose...I have so much to say, but it's too much type. I'll call you! Lol