IKIGAI in 1970s

"Ikigai"

This Japanese word has been appearing here and there in recent years

The book named "Ikigai" has been translated into many languages

"Ikigai" means;

"Life purpose”

"Motivation for living”

or, as someone once said;

"Reason for getting out of bed in the morning"

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The other day
I was reading an essay from the 1970s

The Japanese author expressed some frustration with "Ikigai"

Apparently
back then, "Ikigai" was not recognised outside and
what he commented on was the situation within Japan

He said;

"Nowadays many young Japanese people talk about their 'Ikigai' so openly"

"But 'Ikigai' is, at its core, something personal"

"It should be kept within their chest"

"As long as one knows, that's enough"

"No need to let others know"

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............I was remembering a word from Tanizaki Junichiro;

"In Japanese culture, the most important things should not be expressed, but implied”

Now in 2025
everyone is looking for "Ikigai"

Now in 2025
everyone wants to express their "Reason for getting out of bed in the morning"