BEYOND HAPPINESS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF IKIGAI IN MODERN SOCIETY
Keywords:
Ikigai, existential meaning, psychological well-being, life purpose, emotional resilience, Japanese philosophy, self-realization, social harmony, cultural identity, motivation, mindfulness, existential psychology, human development, modern society, critical analysisAbstract
This article examines the Japanese concept of Ikigai from scientific, analytical, and critical perspectives by exploring its psychological, philosophical, and sociocultural dimensions. The study investigates the role of Ikigai in shaping personal motivation, emotional resilience, and existential meaning within contemporary society. Particular attention is given to the transformation of Ikigai from a traditional Japanese life philosophy into a globally commercialized self-development phenomenon. The research critically evaluates how modern interpretations frequently simplify the concept into motivational formulas while neglecting its deeper cultural and ethical foundations. Through interdisciplinary analysis, the article argues that Ikigai should not be understood as a universal model of happiness, but rather as a multidimensional framework that encourages harmony between individual aspirations, social responsibility, and inner psychological balance. The findings demonstrate that the growing international interest in Ikigai reflects a broader global search for meaning in conditions of social instability, emotional exhaustion, and identity fragmentation.
