This paper explores Mieko Kamiya's perspective on ikigai in light of the term's recent international prominence. Contrary to the belief that Kamiya conceptualized ikigai as a uniquely Japanese idea, our findings reveal that she drew upon Western thought and research. Through her analysis of the lives of patients with leprosy in sanatoriums, Kamiya posited that ikigai represents a fundamental human function, signifying the “meaning in life” common to all individuals, including herself, in challenging circumstances. Despite this, a review of subsequent research labeled under ikigai shows a decline in references to Kamiya’s work and an increasing portrayal of ikigai as an exclusively Japanese concept, occasionally misattributed to Kamiya. A closer examination of Kamiya's views highlights her work as a pioneering contribution to positive psychology, addressing the “meaning in life” and encompassing several themes prevalent in recent studies. Thus, the continued development and dissemination of Japanese research on ikigai, centered on the theme of “meaning in life,” could significantly enhance contributions to positive psychology and its applied fields.
View full abstract
