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<p><i>Ikigai</i> is a Japanese term often described as “one’s reason for living”, but a consistent definition remains elusive. The present scoping review of the published works on <i>ikigai</i> is guided by the central research question, “How is <i>ikigai</i> defined in both the scholarly/academic and popular press literature?” The review is complemented by classic and contemporary conceptualizations of <i>ikigai</i>, as well as recent empirical efforts to generate an evidence-based definition of the term. Results of the scoping reveal five key findings. First, the perception and experience of a life worth living is more appropriately termed <i>ikigai-kan</i>; <i>ikigai</i> refers to the source of these perceptions and experiences. Second, <i>ikigai</i> is differentiated from meaning in life (MIL), comprising affective and cognitive components that include both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Third, the majority of English scholarly and popular press definitions continue to define the term as ‘purpose in life’ and ‘reason for being’ while Japanese-only sources reflect nuances in describing the experience as associated with meaning and joy. Fourth, measures of <i>ikigai</i> are varied, with a reliance on single-item closed-ended measures. Fifth, grounded theory evidence suggests that <i>ikigai</i> revolves around valued experiences (<i>keiken</i>), authentic relationships (<i>ibasho</i>), and life directionality (<i>houkousei</i>). We draw on the findings from this scoping review to offer a conceptualization of <i>ikigai-kan</i> and <i>ikigai,</i> placing this definition in the context of wellbeing and MIL research. We conclude with considerations of further research.</p>

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Between Science and Self-Help: A Scoping Review of Scholarly and Popular DefinitionS Of IKIGAI

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月21日

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  • Eugene Y. J. Tee,
  • Saori Tsukamoto,
  • Michael F. Steger

摘要

Ikigai is a Japanese term often described as “one’s reason for living”, but a consistent definition remains elusive. The present scoping review of the published works on ikigai is guided by the central research question, “How is ikigai defined in both the scholarly/academic and popular press literature?” The review is complemented by classic and contemporary conceptualizations of ikigai, as well as recent empirical efforts to generate an evidence-based definition of the term. Results of the scoping reveal five key findings. First, the perception and experience of a life worth living is more appropriately termed ikigai-kan; ikigai refers to the source of these perceptions and experiences. Second, ikigai is differentiated from meaning in life (MIL), comprising affective and cognitive components that include both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Third, the majority of English scholarly and popular press definitions continue to define the term as ‘purpose in life’ and ‘reason for being’ while Japanese-only sources reflect nuances in describing the experience as associated with meaning and joy. Fourth, measures of ikigai are varied, with a reliance on single-item closed-ended measures. Fifth, grounded theory evidence suggests that ikigai revolves around valued experiences (keiken), authentic relationships (ibasho), and life directionality (houkousei). We draw on the findings from this scoping review to offer a conceptualization of ikigai-kan and ikigai, placing this definition in the context of wellbeing and MIL research. We conclude with considerations of further research.