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What is the ikigai concept?
Ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy) is a wonderful Japanese concept that essentially means “a reason for being.” It’s made from two Japanese words: iki, meaning “life” and kai, meaning “effect, result, worth or benefit.” Combined: “a reason for living.”
How do you identify ikigai?
Finding your ikigai
- Do what you love: What did you enjoy doing as a child or in your early adult years?
- Do what you are good at: Do you know your strengths and skills?
- Do something the world needs: What and who inspires you?
- Do something you can be paid for:
How old is ikigai?
The Japanese philosophy of ikigai dates back to the Heian period, between 794 to 1185. Okinawa is a Japanese island south of the mainland. The island has the highest proportion of people over 100 years old in the world and Ikigai plays a major role in Okinawan culture.
What does Japan’s mandatory retirement decision mean for mandatory retirement programs?
Japan’s June 2018 Supreme Court decision signals that mandatory retirement—a core concept underlying “lifetime employment” culture in many Asian countries—persists with some limitations, and employers may want to update and implement mandatory retirement programs accordingly.
Can I retire in Japan?
On the flip side, the how of retiring in Japan is where things get a little tricky. Unlike many European and Central/South American countries, Japan is a little behind the curve when it comes to offering a retirement-specific visa.
Can Americans travel to Japan right now?
Not only is Japan a popular tourist destination, but it’s easy for Americans to enter Japan as tourists. Americans can enter Japan without a visa and are able to stay up to 90 days visa-free and are assigned Temporary Visitor status. This is a single-entry visa, but tourists can apply for two trips within six months if they want.
Does Japan have a high tolerance for strangeness?
To Western eyes, Japan does appear to have a pretty high tolerance for strangeness. Japan has always had a reputation for its distinctive culture and unique traditions, and for visitors spending time in the Land of the Rising Sun, it can feel like an intimidating submersion into a cultural ice bucket.