We want to increase the number of people who enjoy an era without correct answers. We will hold the "IKIGAI Expo" where individual sources of inspiration will spring forth!
The Japan IKIGAI Design Association and IKIGAI WORKS Inc. are launching the "IKIGAI Expo" to foster a nationwide movement celebrating individual purpose and authenticity. They have created new communities and initiatives, moving beyond traditional frameworks to encourage people to embrace their inner compass and redefine Japanese work culture. They are seeking partners to co-create a future where "IKIGAI" is an integral part of everyday life.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 09:36
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 16, 2026 at 20:20 (370h 44m after Collected)
The General Incorporated Association Japan IKIGAI Design Association (Headquarters: Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Representative Director: Toshikazu Kumakura) and IKIGAI WORKS Inc. (Headquarters: Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Representative Director: Toshikazu Kumakura) are active with the passion to "create a society where everyone can find purpose in their work and fulfillment in their lives." The dream we shared last year, "Realizing a society where 94% of Japanese people awaken to IKIGAI," has transformed into concrete enthusiasm over this past year. This year, we declare our intention to create a significant nationwide movement that transcends our existing community, through industry-academia collaboration, artistic inspiration, book publishing, and the "IKIGAI Expo."
When we stopped distributing correct answers, interesting chemical reactions began to occur.
This past year, we dedicated ourselves to creating spaces where we deliberately do not teach "correct answers" and where people can "take off their armor." And what happened? An unprecedented explosion of energy erupted across generations and positions.
"Ethical Expo" Touched by the Passion of Gen Z
Through a dialogue with President Yamamoto of Adventure World at the "Ethical Expo," an event hosted by the General Incorporated Association ETHICAL EXPO JAPAN, young people deeply resonated with the fundamental truth: "If you can't be happy yourself, you can't make anyone else happy."
"Kachizo Seminar" Where Job-Seeking Students and Working Professionals Spoke Honestly
This is our fifth year participating in the industry-academia collaboration project "Kachizo Seminar," organized by the General Incorporated Association Sobakuri Lab, where Professor Yokoyama of Kansai University serves as a director. Last year, we collaborated with students from Professor Moriguchi's seminar at Kyoto Sangyo University, creating a significant chemical reaction by presenting an initiative where job-hunting anxieties and the honest thoughts of working professionals intersected on the "IKIGAI Mandala™."
Two Different Communities Launch! "Kumalabo" Where Adults Play Without Titles, and "IKIGAI Partner," a Third Place for Corporations
Thinking and practicing about "IKIGAI" together. A place where company executives and employees can shed their armor and speak honestly as "just themselves."
Instead of competition, a warm circle of "co-creation" is born there.
Establishment of the "General Incorporated Association Japan IKIGAI Design Association"
To gently place spaces like "a hot spring where everyone can return to themselves" into society, we established the General Incorporated Association Japan IKIGAI Design Association as a foundation to protect our philosophy. We aim to foster a society where "IKIGAI" expands in a broader sense.
The Next Dream: The "IKIGAI Expo," a Non-Ordinary Festival Involving All of Japan!
"IKIGAI" is not something to be searched for far away; it is something that is naturally remembered if one is in a secure environment. We will elevate the enthusiasm generated over this past year into an even larger movement.
Our next dream.
It is to hold the **"IKIGAI Expo,"** where all of Japan sheds the "armor of correct answers"!
A non-ordinary festival where diverse "IKIGAI" from around the world gather temporarily to simply celebrate each other's existence. There, there is no competition for achievements or roles. Simply being "your true self" is welcomed.
Furthermore, we will spread "IKIGAI" throughout society through unconventional approaches, including joint production of a giant IKIGAI art piece in collaboration with Kids' Guernica "Art Piece Japan," and the publication of a book on the philosophy of living a life that leverages "IKIGAI."
Let's Create the Magic to Turn "Must Do" into "Want To Do" Together
We are looking for companions to co-create this dream. Media professionals, local government representatives, and individuals and companies who wish to "live passionately and authentically."
Why not trust your own inner compass rather than a predetermined answer?
Let's work together to transform the landscape of "working" in Japan into something more interesting and more human!
▼ Recruitment for IKIGAI Partner / Kumalabo Members ▼
IKIGAI Partner Details: https://design.ikigai-field.jp/partner.html
Kumalabo Details: https://design.ikigai-field.jp/kumalab/
When we stopped distributing correct answers, interesting chemical reactions began to occur.
This past year, we dedicated ourselves to creating spaces where we deliberately do not teach "correct answers" and where people can "take off their armor." And what happened? An unprecedented explosion of energy erupted across generations and positions.
"Ethical Expo" Touched by the Passion of Gen Z
Through a dialogue with President Yamamoto of Adventure World at the "Ethical Expo," an event hosted by the General Incorporated Association ETHICAL EXPO JAPAN, young people deeply resonated with the fundamental truth: "If you can't be happy yourself, you can't make anyone else happy."
"Kachizo Seminar" Where Job-Seeking Students and Working Professionals Spoke Honestly
This is our fifth year participating in the industry-academia collaboration project "Kachizo Seminar," organized by the General Incorporated Association Sobakuri Lab, where Professor Yokoyama of Kansai University serves as a director. Last year, we collaborated with students from Professor Moriguchi's seminar at Kyoto Sangyo University, creating a significant chemical reaction by presenting an initiative where job-hunting anxieties and the honest thoughts of working professionals intersected on the "IKIGAI Mandala™."
Two Different Communities Launch! "Kumalabo" Where Adults Play Without Titles, and "IKIGAI Partner," a Third Place for Corporations
Thinking and practicing about "IKIGAI" together. A place where company executives and employees can shed their armor and speak honestly as "just themselves."
Instead of competition, a warm circle of "co-creation" is born there.
Establishment of the "General Incorporated Association Japan IKIGAI Design Association"
To gently place spaces like "a hot spring where everyone can return to themselves" into society, we established the General Incorporated Association Japan IKIGAI Design Association as a foundation to protect our philosophy. We aim to foster a society where "IKIGAI" expands in a broader sense.
The Next Dream: The "IKIGAI Expo," a Non-Ordinary Festival Involving All of Japan!
"IKIGAI" is not something to be searched for far away; it is something that is naturally remembered if one is in a secure environment. We will elevate the enthusiasm generated over this past year into an even larger movement.
Our next dream.
It is to hold the **"IKIGAI Expo,"** where all of Japan sheds the "armor of correct answers"!
A non-ordinary festival where diverse "IKIGAI" from around the world gather temporarily to simply celebrate each other's existence. There, there is no competition for achievements or roles. Simply being "your true self" is welcomed.
Furthermore, we will spread "IKIGAI" throughout society through unconventional approaches, including joint production of a giant IKIGAI art piece in collaboration with Kids' Guernica "Art Piece Japan," and the publication of a book on the philosophy of living a life that leverages "IKIGAI."
Let's Create the Magic to Turn "Must Do" into "Want To Do" Together
We are looking for companions to co-create this dream. Media professionals, local government representatives, and individuals and companies who wish to "live passionately and authentically."
Why not trust your own inner compass rather than a predetermined answer?
Let's work together to transform the landscape of "working" in Japan into something more interesting and more human!
▼ Recruitment for IKIGAI Partner / Kumalabo Members ▼
IKIGAI Partner Details: https://design.ikigai-field.jp/partner.html
Kumalabo Details: https://design.ikigai-field.jp/kumalab/