Meaning doesn’t have to shout to be real. In this conversation with educator and certified life coach Minako Horaguchi, we re-center ikigai where it belongs: in the small daily moments that make life feel worth living—morning coffee in quiet light, a page of honest journaling, the waku waku spark when your heart lifts for no external reason. We unpack why the viral career diagram misses the point for many people and how a Japanese lens invites presence, harmony, and contribution without the pressure to turn joy into a business plan.

Minako shares her path from a rural childhood in Takayama to teaching, entrepreneurship, and coaching in San Francisco, and how midlife uncertainty led her to a simple but powerful practice: writing a vivid five-year vision and taking tiny aligned actions. We dig into the difference between purpose and ikigai—purpose as your long why and roles as the way it shows up—while ikigai includes small, immediate sources of meaning that grow with you. As AI reshapes work, this inner clarity and social attunement become essential, helping you navigate change with grounded self-worth.

Harmony threads through the entire episode. Drawing on Japanese cultural roots—from rice-farming cooperation to everyday respect—Minako explains how listening before judging conserves energy, reduces conflict, and keeps you focused on what matters. We explore how the seasons model healthy rhythms of action and rest, and how sustainability turns personal meaning into community impact. Expect practical takeaways: ten-minute daily reflection (voice notes if you dislike writing), the tree metaphor for nurturing your “ikigai seed,” and simple ways to practice curiosity in tough conversations.

If you’re tired of equating meaning with achievement and you’re ready to build a life that feels good from the inside out, this one’s for you. Subscribe for more grounded conversations on purpose, share the episode with a friend who needs a gentle reset, and leave a review to help others find the show.

"I believe when I sleep at nighttime I die. Then when I wake up I got a new life." These powerful words from Ai Kihara set the tone for a profound conversation about finding meaning through Japanese wisdom traditions.

Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Ai brings a unique perspective to mental health practice, drawing from her heritage as a descendant of both spiritual practitioners and samurai. She offers refreshing insights into concepts that have become misunderstood in Western culture—particularly Ikigai. Far from being merely a "dream job" formula as popularized in Western books, authentic Ikigai can be something as simple as enjoying ice cream or seeing a friend smile. This flexibility makes it a remarkably effective tool in suicide prevention, where Ai has witnessed how redirecting attention to even the smallest source of meaning—like remembering to feed a pet cat—can create the crucial connection needed to choose life.

The conversation delves into several Japanese therapeutic approaches that challenge Western assumptions. Where Western treatment for depression often emphasizes activity ("do something, work hard, exercise"), Morita therapy takes the opposite approach—rest, do nothing, don't think, until natural motivation returns. Central to this practice is Arugamama—accepting things exactly as they are without judgment. This radical acceptance creates the foundation for genuine healing by acknowledging reality rather than distracting from it.

Equally fascinating is Ai's personalized Naikan practice, which she's maintained for over 30 years. Each night before sleeping, she reflects on what she did for others, how others helped her, and what she learned from her experiences—a simple yet profound practice that maintains her connection to purpose. Her integration of Zen concepts like Ichienso (perfect circle) into art therapy helps clients visualize wholeness while acknowledging life's impermanence.

Whether you're interested in alternative approaches to mental health, seeking deeper meaning in your own life, or simply curious about Japanese philosophy, this conversation offers valuable insights into how ancient wisdom can address very modern problems. Listen now to discover how small moments of meaning might transform your perspective on what makes life worth living.

What happens when your body can no longer endure the crushing weight of corporate expectations? For Nanako Aramaki, a Japanese-Canadian marketing executive in Tokyo, the answer came through panic attacks, hives, hair loss, and finally, a complete inability to function at work. Diagnosed with "adjustment disorder"—a condition so common in Japan it has its own term—she found herself at a crossroads that would ultimately lead to transformation.

Nanako's story weaves through continents and careers, from her childhood in Canada to her years as a professional flamenco dancer touring Europe, before returning to her birth country of Japan. Her journey reveals the stark contrast between Japan's beautiful cultural concepts like "ikigai" (life purpose) and the harsh reality of its modern work culture where "karoshi" (death from overwork) has become normalized. "Had I continued for another six months," she reflects, "I think I would have been close to dying."

During her recovery, Nanako discovered the healing power of Tibetan singing bowls—metal instruments that produce vibrations capable of inducing theta brainwave states similar to deep meditation. Unlike traditional therapy that requires verbal processing, sound therapy offered a non-invasive approach that resonated deeply with her. The vibrations penetrate muscles, organs, and bones, helping release emotions stored within the body. For a society where openly discussing mental health remains stigmatized, this approach provides a culturally compatible entry point to healing.

Now armed with twenty singing bowls and a newfound purpose, Nanako has dedicated herself to bringing this healing modality to Japan's stressed workforce. "I've always felt like there must be a way that I can help Japanese people work less or help them find their purpose," she shares. Her unique positioning as both culturally Japanese yet influenced by Western perspectives allows her to bridge worlds and create safe spaces for transformation.

Ready to experience the healing power of sound? Connect with Nanako on social media @zensowellnesstherapy or visit zenso-wellness.com to learn how ancient vibrations might be the key to modern wellness.