ikigai

American  

[ee-kee-gahy] / ˌi kiˈgaɪ /

noun

1. one’s reason for being, which in principle is the convergence of one’s personal passions, beliefs, values, and vocation: those who follow the concept of ikigai undertake the activities of their life with willingness and a satisfying sense of meaning.

   The Amish may know nothing of ikigai or its roots in Japanese culture, but in many respects they adhere to its principle as a matter of tradition and routine.

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Etymology

Origin of ikigai

First recorded in 1970–75; from Japanese: literally, “value of being alive,” equivalent to iki “life, living, being alive,” from ikiru “to live” + -gai, combining form of kai “worth, value, benefit,” nominalized stem of kau “to buy”

Example Sentences

The nigiri is where Ikigai really shines, but start with the freshly grated wasabi, especially if you’ve never tried it before.

From Salon

Ikigai Sushi Bar -Ikigai Sushi Bar sits on a small, man-made island just off downtown Miami.

From Salon

The restaurant is the latest from Grupo Ikigai, which operates 12 restaurants in Mexico City and is led by chef and partner Ignacio Carmona, who trained in Japan.

From Salon

“Japanese fruits are coveted for their exceptional taste and exquisite appearance. Thanks to the meticulous cultivation methods of the farmers across Japan,” Ikigai Fruits said on its official website.

From Salon

In addition to Elly Amai’s strawberry, Japanese fruit retailer Ikigai Fruits sells a myriad of luxury fruits, including strawberries, melons, persimmons, pears and oranges.

From Salon