In Japan, there exists a profound yet simple concept known as ikigai (生き甲斐), which literally means “life” (iki) and “worth” or “benefit” (kai). It is a word that encapsulates the essence of finding purpose in everyday life. Rooted in Okinawan culture, ikigai is more than just a philosophy — it is a way of living, a quiet but powerful force that brings fulfillment and direction.

“At its heart, ikigai combines what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what sustains you.”

At its heart, ikigai combines what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what sustains you. It is deeply personal, yet universally resonant. It is the morning ritual that brings joy, the dedication to craftsmanship, the small moments of kindness shared with others, with your community. It is also intertwined with the spirit of osettai (お接待) — the selfless act of giving, of offering your unique gifts to the world without expectation. (For those interested, I’ve written more on this in a whole chapter of my book “Kintsugi Wellness.”)

As we embrace concepts like ikigai and osettai, it is essential that we do so with deep respect for the Japanese culture and language from which they originate. Japanese people are incredibly humble, and their kindness should never be mistaken as permission to appropriate, dilute, or exploit our traditions. Over time, we have seen an overuse — and at times, a misrepresentation — of Japanese words and philosophies, often without acknowledgment of their full depth or original intent. We must ask ourselves: Why is it that we would not do this so easily with other cultures, yet it happens so frequently with Japan?

True appreciation means learning firsthand from Japanese voices, preserving the integrity of their wisdom, and recognizing that these concepts are not just trends, but deeply rooted aspects of a rich cultural heritage. To respect ikigai is to honor its origins — to study, to listen, and to share with thoughtfulness rather than simply extracting what feels convenient.

“To respect ikigai is to honor its origins — to study, to listen, and to share with thoughtfulness rather than simply extracting what feels convenient.”

As you explore your own ikigai, consider how your presence, your work, and your daily acts of generosity contribute to something greater. Whether through writing, creating, teaching, or simply being of service, your light — just as it is — has a place in this world. But let us always walk this path with humility, reverence, and a commitment to learning from those who have carried these traditions for generations.

How I found my purpose, or ikigai

In today’s world, it’s easy to feel lost, overwhelmed, and disconnected. With social media constantly demanding our attention, the pressure to keep up, to do more, to be more — it’s a lot. The noise around us can drown out our inner voice, and we can find ourselves living someone else’s life, chasing validation instead of purpose. But here’s the truth: When we strip away the noise, what we are really seeking is something deeper — the reason why we’re here, what truly fulfills us, and how we can contribute to the world in a way that honors our true selves.

“The noise around us can drown out our inner voice, and we can find ourselves living someone else’s life, chasing validation instead of purpose.”

This is where ikigai comes in.

A few years ago, I took a journey to the mountains of Japan, where I spent time with Buddhist monks. It was there, far away from the distractions of social media and materialism, that I began to rediscover my own calling. The monks I met had no interest in vanity, fame, or external approval. Their practice was centered on silence, simplicity, and going inward. Their lives were an example of what it means to live authentically, without the need to impress or perform for anyone else.

It was during this time that I realized how much our culture has shifted toward an obsession with what others see — how many followers we have, how polished our lives look online, how we appear to the world. This obsession with appearance has made it harder to hear our true calling, to listen to that quiet, deep voice inside that asks, “What are you meant to do with your life when the battery dies? When no one is watching? What will you have left then?”

“Listen to that quiet, deep voice inside that asks, ‘What are you meant to do with your life when the battery dies? When no one is watching? What will you have left then?'”

It was a question my father once asked me: What happens when the battery dies? When all the likes, the followers, and other forms of external validation disappear, what will you do with your one precious and beautiful life? This question has stayed with me, and it has shaped the way I think about success, purpose, and fulfillment.

Pablo Picasso once said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” This simple truth became my anchor during those quiet moments in the mountains. What was I meant to give away? What was I meant to share with the world that would contribute to something greater than myself? It wasn’t about what I could take from life, but what I could offer.

Remember, it happens slowly

I’m here to tell you that finding your ikigai is not a fast journey. It’s gradual. It’s like assembling a puzzle, where each piece — your passions, your talents, your experiences — comes together over time.

“It’s like assembling a puzzle, where each piece — your passions, your talents, your experiences — comes together over time.”

There’s no singular “aha” moment, no instant lightning bolt of clarity. Instead, it’s a slow and steady process of introspection. I know this firsthand. I didn’t find my ikigai through external achievements, like a cooking show or being on TV. Instead, I found it by looking inward, asking myself: What do I love? What brings me joy? What does the world need from me?

Two decades ago, I was booked on a show called “Top Chef” — I was 22 years old, still in culinary school, and had no idea what I was doing. We shot in San Francisco, and Andy Cohen was our executive producer. It was a turning point in my career, one that I could never have anticipated. Most people have no idea what they’re doing when they get started, and that’s okay. It’s why you should never, ever give up and keep going. As we say in Japanese: Ganbatte — always do your best.

After writing seven books, contributing to various magazines in New York City, working on The TODAY Show for 17 years, reconnecting with my roots in Japan, writing multiple shows and documentaries on my own, and publishing work all over the world in media, beauty, wellness, and Japanese heritage, it’s taken me quite some time to figure out what my own purpose is. And even now, I continue to discover new layers of it.

“It’s taken me quite some time to figure out what my own purpose is. And even now, I continue to discover new layers of it.”

When I started to do this work of introspection, I began to see food, beauty, and wellness in a different light. I realized that these were the areas where my talents, passions, and the world’s needs intersected. And in that, I found my purpose. It wasn’t about external validation or recognition — it was about the quiet, meaningful work of being true to myself and offering my gifts to others.

What does this all mean exactly? It means you will want to do work on yourself before you’re ready to give fully to others. From one of my favorite books by the great Dr. Wayne Dyer, he says “In order to fully give and be of service and ultimately feel purposeful you must be able to say “yes!” when you ask yourself, “Do I really possess what it is that I wish to give away?” This is also a really wonderful question to ponder.

And it’s important to embrace imperfection

As I’ve walked this path, I’ve also come to embrace the idea of wabi-sabi — the Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection — and the tradition of kintsugi — the art of repairing broken pottery, often with gold. Life, like pottery, is not always flawless. It’s cracked, it’s messy, and it’s broken in places. In my book, “Kintsugi Wellness,” and documentary “Kintsugi,” I explored the idea that just like in the cracks filled with gold, our flaws and struggles are where our greatest strength is forged.

“Just like in the cracks filled with gold, our flaws and struggles are where our greatest strength is forged.

This imperfection is where your true beauty lies. When you stop chasing perfection and start embracing who you truly are — flaws, cracks, and all — you unlock your true potential.

Tips for finding your ikigai:

Here are a few ways to begin your own journey toward ikigai:

  • Spend time on self-reflection: Take time each day to reflect on your life. Sit in silence. Journal. Ask yourself: What brings me joy? What excites me? What do I feel called to contribute to the world?
  • Identify your strengths: What are you naturally good at? What talents do you bring to the table? Your gifts are often the key to understanding your purpose.
  • Explore your passions: What do you love? What lights you up? Pursue the things that fill you with energy and make you feel alive.
  • Serve others: The most fulfilling purpose is one that serves others. Look for ways to share your knowledge, your gifts, and your time. Ask yourself: How can I contribute to the world in a meaningful way with my strengths and passions?
  • Embrace imperfection: Life is messy. You are messy. And that’s beautiful. Let go of the need for perfection and embrace your unique, imperfect self.
  • Be patient: Ikigai isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a lifelong journey. Keep exploring, keep growing, and trust that your purpose will unfold in time.

Your ikigai will reveal itself to you gradually, in your own time and in your own way. Don’t rush the process. Stay open. Keep asking questions. Keep doing the work.

Don’t forget that your purpose isn’t tied to how many followers you have, how much money you make, or what anyone else thinks. It’s about finding what makes your heart sing and sharing that with the world.

Candice Kumai has been called “the golden girl of wellness” by ELLE and Forbes. She is a 14-time award-winning writer, classically trained chef, TV host, and former model and line-cook-turned-journalist. She has written for Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Bon Appétit, TODAY Show, Shape, Yoga Journal, Men’s Journal, Well + Good, and has contributed to Forbes, Chopra, Goop, Women’s Health, WSJ, Good Morning America, and more. A Top Chef alumna, Candice has appeared on Selena + Chef, and as a regular judge on Iron Chef America and Beat Bobby Flay. She directs, writes, hosts, and produces shows, content, and award-winning documentaries with her production company Kirei Media. Candice has been reporting regularly on The TODAY Show for over 15 years. Candice hosts the weekly, top-ranked podcast Wabi Sabi and has written seven best-selling books that are translated across the world. Candice dedicates a majority of her time to nonprofit work in animal rescue and feeding the hungry. You can connect with Candice on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, and sign up for her newsletter for updates. Candice resides in Brooklyn, New York.