A viral Instagram video has sparked debate by revealing that the Westernized version of Ikigai, often shown as a Venn diagram linking passion and profession, is far from its original Japanese meaning.

Every day can be so exciting and meaningful. This is the essence of the Japanese philosophy of “ikigai”. Ikigai is a unique Japanese terminology that originated during the Heian period ...

“Ikigai is a word that means purpose, or your reason for being. It’s a Japanese philosophy, or way of life. Its the thing in our life that gives it that delicious richness ...