[1] The Oxford English Dictionary defines ikigai as "a motivating force; something or someone that gives a person a sense of purpose or a reason for living".
"[3] The Japanese government posted an article about the topic on their official website in 2022 stating, "A broad concept, it [ikigai] refers to that which brings value and joy to life: from people, such as one’s children or friends, to activities including work and hobbies.
[13] National Geographic reporter Dan Buettner suggested ikigai may be one of the reasons for the longevity of the people of Okinawa.
Moai, a close-knit friend group, is also considered an important reason for the people of Okinawa to live long.
[15] In the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, ikigai was thought to have two primary forms of manifestation: either in terms of the betterment of society ("subordinating one's own desires to others") or the improvement of oneself ("following one's own path").