Akiko: I felt lost as I struggled with...
Ikigai is a concept that is very much integral to Japanese culture. The word 'Ikigai' can be roughly translated to your 'reason for being', or purpose and is not confined to the ‘Venn Diagram’. More on its authentic definition can be explored here.
While Ikigai is essential to one's well-being, the true beauty is that it does not have a fixed equation and can change over time.
At Mogami, we would like to highlight this nuance with our 'Ikigai Spotlight Series'.
This month's featured guest is Akiko Tejima (49), Founder of fermented food manufacturer Akitchen, based in London, UK.
Tell us your story.
Born and raised in Tokyo, I started working as a freelance writer while attending junior college. I wrote articles, conducted interviews, and did photography for women's magazines, websites, and e-commerce sites, all while becoming a mother to two daughters and one son. After moving to southern Switzerland in 2012, I became a full-time housewife for the first time. I dedicated myself to learning the local language, Italian, and participating in activities such as a Japanese playgroup. In 2015, I moved to the UK, and two years later, I developed an interest in fermented foods after organizing a miso workshop for a friend. I started a small business selling fermented foods like natto and miso the following year. Since the end of 2022, I have been selling at local markets.
When was the first time you remember coming across the concept of Ikigai?
I learned about the concept when I was in high school, but I don't think I ever gave it much thought at the time.
What has been your personal journey with your Ikigai(s) or reason for being?
I truly discovered my Ikigai after becoming a mother. During my childhood, I lived with my strict yet kind-hearted parents, my one year younger sister, and my great-grandmother. I followed the path my parents had laid out for me, but I didn't particularly like who I was.
When I started high school, I gradually became more assertive and the environment became more liberating. I finally began to accept myself and started to feel a vague sense of Ikigai. Later, my love for reading unexpectedly led me to start working as a writer while still in school. There were tough times, but creating things with my colleagues every day was delightful, and receiving significant projects gave me a strong sense of "Yarigai" (sense of fulfilment). My personal life was also fulfilling, and I felt my Ikigai.
When I got married and became a mother at 26, I experienced new emotions upon having someone to protect. Confronted with this irreplaceable presence, I rediscovered the meaning of my existence and felt a deep, genuine sense of Ikigai. I decided to strive to be a good mother for my child and committed to excelling in both my work and family life. Thanks to my children, who made me a mother, my life became even more enriching than I imagined. Now, I feel that everything combined has become my Ikigai.
As people age and their environments change, I believe everyone experiences a life full of rapid changes. With each change, the form and meaning of one's Ikigai also evolve. I have felt different versions of Ikigai many times in the past and continue to feel it now. I look forward to finding a different sense of Ikigai in the future, perhaps many decades from now.
How does your life today reflect your authentic self and life priorities?
The time spent with my family and beloved friends, as well as the moments I get to talk with customers at the market or during deliveries, make me feel most like my true self. I feel more authentic when I am smiling and enjoying time with others than when I am working alone.
Can you walk us through a time in your life when you felt lost? What ideas or tools helped you overcome this period?
I felt lost as I struggled with work-life balance after giving birth because of the irregular nature of my job as a writer. I also felt anxious about the future since my youngest child was born with Down syndrome. Additionally, I often questioned what I could do after quitting my job and moving abroad. I tend to internalise my worries, and when faced with difficult challenges, I frequently find it hard to break free. However, no matter how tough times get, there are always moments that can bring a smile to your face each day. I have focused on these small positive things and actively sought them out. By doing so, I have felt happier, the negative things gradually became less bothersome, and I naturally arrived at positive outcomes.
What would be your advice to anyone struggling to live a life of Ikigai?
Finding your Ikigai might not be as easy as it sounds. Although I cannot claim to have all the answers, I believe it is essential to seek out things or people that spark your curiosity and bring you joy and happiness, adding bright colours to your life. Additionally, recognising your weaknesses, accepting your shortcomings, and sometimes relying on those around you are essential. Doing so allows you to live authentically and honestly, and what you truly need will become more evident. You don't need to rush to find your purpose; like a flower bud slowly blooming, may small joys gradually become your Ikigai.
Saori's reflection
Akiko-san's journey beautifully captures the essence of Ikigai. From her early days as a writer in Tokyo to becoming an entrepreneur in London, her story shows that Ikigai is not a fixed destination but a dynamic, evolving path. Her shift from freelance writer to devoted mother and then to a business owner demonstrates how personal fulfilment can grow and transform over time. Her reflections on how motherhood reshaped her sense of purpose show us how Ikigai is deeply connected to our relationships and passions. Her advice to focus on small joys and embrace our vulnerabilities reminds us that living authentically and finding happiness in everyday moments can lead to a more fulfilling life.
As a fellow Londoner and lover of fermented Japanese food, I can't wait to try her products, especially her natto. I highly recommend it to anyone as a tasty and top superfood. It has a unique and acquired taste, but I would love everyone to give it a try, as the health benefits are fantastic.
Do you want to learn more?
You can follow and support Akiko-san and her business below.
What did this story bring up for you? Comment below.
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