The What IF Podcast

Episode #6 - Ikigai

Quinten Ensor & James Gates Episode 6

We unpack ikigai! Often sold as a 4-circle “purpose” diagram and then reveal why that viral framework isn’t the original Japanese concept. We start with Blue Zones and Okinawa as the on-ramp, then break down the popular Western Venn model (passion/mission/profession/vocation), before the twist: the diagram is a Western adaptation. We close with Ken Mogi’s Five Pillars of Ikigai a present-focused, everyday practice you can actually live.

Why watch: If you’ve ever searched “What is ikigai?”, “How do I find my ikigai?”, or “What are the five pillars of ikigai?”, this episode answers those directly and clarifies the biggest misconception online.

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