Ikigai & Inclusion Blog
Follow along for news about events, the latest podcast episodes, and more on Ikigai & Inclusion.
The Ikigai of Redefining Success and Work Life Balance with Cynthia Usui
In this engaging episode of 'Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai,' host Jennifer Shinkai speaks with the inspiring Cynthia Usui about career breaks, life after 60, redefining her concept of Ikigai, and finding new purpose. Cynthia shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mum to re-entering the workforce, taking on different career roles, and ultimately redefining conventional wisdom around work-life balance and career trajectories. Cynthia is now doing amazing work opening doors for children from struggling families and we hear how mattering to someone is key to her ikigai.
The Ikigai of Reflective Coaching & Supervision, with Elizabeth Okada
Welcome back to the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast! We hope you all had a fabulous holiday season. In this first episode of 2025 I am thrilled to be talking with Elizabeth Okada, renowned coach in her own right, as well as being a sought after coaching supervisor and trainer. Elizabeth joins us to help demystify coaching, supervision and to discuss her most recent development as a retirement coach.
The Ikigai of “Room in Your Mind” with Misha Yurchenko
On the latest episode of the podcast we are discussing burnout and mindfulness with the founder of Tokyo Mindfulness, Misha Yurchenko. Misha has some amazing insights to share with you all about the pattern of burnout he experienced repeatedly in his work life, and how he broke this pattern. Many people can still experience burnout or stress after finding their ikigai, so this conversation is an important reminder that part of ikigai is having room in your mind. Listen to the episode to hear more about how to make this room and break those destructive work patterns!
The Ikigai of Mottainai & Creativity, with Victoria Close from Biku Designs
On the latest episode of the podcast our guest is Victoria Close from Bikudesigns, a vintage kimono jewellery brand. The Japanese concept of Mottainai (もったいない), which expresses a sadness or regret about wasting or mistreating resources, has become very important to Victoria in both her life and work. It also gave her a word for something she’d felt since she was a young child. In the episode we find out more about Mottainai, about Victoria’s creative work, and insights into showing up authentically and intentionally online as a creative and a business owner.
The Expanding Ikigai of Live Theatre in Japan, with Michael Walker
Welcome back to another episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai. This week I am joined by Michael Walker, Founder and Artistic Director of SheepDog Theatre based in Tokyo, Japan. As a lifelong fan of live theatre I know very well the ikigai of being an audience member, but in this episode Michael shares with us what it's like to be involved in the production side of things. From acting to directing and running his own theatre company, Michael gives us a fascinating glimpse into the magic of theatre production in Japan.
Finding Yoyu & Cultivating Abundance in Your Life, with Marci Kobayashi
Welcome to another episode of the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast. This week we are talking about yoyu, a Japanese concept conveying one’s capacity to handle or afford something. Author Marci Kobayashi joins us to discuss the concept of yoyu and her upcoming book, "Finding Yoyu: The Japanese Compass for Navigating Overwhelm and Cultivating Abundance in 7 Key Areas of Life." Listen to the episode to hear more about yoyu and how it links to ikigai!