Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai

Welcome to another episode of season three of the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast. On the podcast this week I got to sit down with Tengyo Kura, a self professed vagabond. Tengyo has a beautiful outlook on life that has propelled him around the world to connect with many people from different cultures, countries and experiences. Vagabondism is how Tengyo lives his life and is directly connected to his ikigai, and is a way for him to experience true connection to other people. Tengyo has some amazing insights to share with you all that will leave you truly inspired to seek out more true connection in your own life! If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About Tengyo Kura: Tengyo was born in 1972, and studied anthropology at a university in Tokyo. Since 2001, Tengyo has been living as a vagabond (stranger) in various parts of the world. Tengyo taught English at a university in Mongolia, was a language teacher at a law school in Sri Lanka and encountered the Tsunami in 2004. He was a lecturer of Contemporary Japanese Culture at a university college in Norway (2005-2009), and organized the Hiroshima A-bomb exhibition in cooperation with the City of Hiroshima and the Nobel Peace Committee in 2008. He was a Japanese language and cultural teacher at a secondary school in Latvia (2011-2012), and was nominated for the Best Teacher Award in the capital city of Riga in 2011. Tengyo lived in India and other Asian countries and wrote stories for his storytelling work “Chronicle of Vagabondism” in 2013. He collaborated with Latvian artists for the EU Capital of Culture Commemorative Event in Riga, Latvia in 2014. He lived in several countries in South America and wrote stories for his storytelling work “Chronicle of Vagabondism” from 2014 to 2016. Tengyo also created a storytelling artwork "The Tokyo Vagabond x Ueno" in 2017. Tengyo was a storyteller of an exchange program for TURN, a big cultural project initiated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (2017-2020). He also worked with Cocoroom, an art NPO in the biggest Japanese homelessness community in Osaka City (2020-2022), and was appointed as a chief member of the NPO in 2022. Tengyo resumed activities in Africa in November 2022, and introduced a Japanese concept of social inclusive programs to countries in the southern part of Africa. Tengyo is now carrying out various activities called African Jamboree 2025 that emphasize cultural exchange between Japan and some African nations until 2025. Connect with Tengyo: Website: https://vagabond.link/ Connect with Jennifer: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/ Instagram Coaching and Podcast:

Welcome to Season 3 of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai! Adrian Francis is the filmmaker behind the powerful documentary Paper City, exploring the impact of the firebombing of Tokyo in 1945 and the ongoing struggle for it to be acknowledged and remembered. Adrian was brave enough to come on the show at a point where he has not figured out his next steps yet. I thought this was an opportunity not to be missed: to hear from someone in the midst of a transition after completing a major project. If you are also going through a period of transition and haven’t got it all figured out, I think you will find much solace and inspiration in this episode. All those questions? Those hard to grasp ideas and concepts that feel so murky right now? Totally normal…in fact, an essential part of the process! If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About Adrian Originally from Australia, Adrian Francis has lived in Tokyo for 17 years, working as a teacher, writer, and documentary filmmaker. He majored in documentary film at the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne University. Francis directed the award-winning documentary short, Lessons from the Night, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival. He was invited to participate in the Berlinale Talents program at the Berlin Film Festival, where he began developing the project that would become Paper City—his first feature-length film. Paper City premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2021 and has screened theatrically in Japan, and internationally at festivals and through Al Jazeera's Witness series. It has won numerous awards, including the Audience Award at the Tokyo Documentary Film Festival, an ATOM (Australian Teachers of Media) Award for Best History Documentary, and Best Emerging Director at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival. He recently gave a TEDxWasedaU talk on the bombing of civilians, Paper City: Memory, Forgetting, and the Firebombing of Tokyo. Most recently, Adrian has become interested in what we can do to take climate change action. Things mentioned in the episode: Paper City Screening: March 1-7 at Eigakan Stranger Screening daily at 11:20 (with English subtitles) 3 Chome-7-1 Kikukawa, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0024 https://stranger.jp/movie/2541/ TEDxWasedaU Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFr3U3bbuMg Connect with Adrian and find out more about Paper City: Paper City Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercitytokyo/ Paper City Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/papercitytokyo Paper City X: https://twitter.com/papercitytokyo Paper City Website: papercityfilm.com Adrian’s Instagram:

Content Warning: In this episode of the podcast David Macdonald and I have a frank discussion of mental illness, depression, suicidal ideation and suicidal thoughts. If you are in Japan and want to talk to someone about these issues please consider contacting the Tokyo English lifeline at https://telljp.com/. Today on the podcast we have a very important conversation with David Macdonald about mental health challenges. Originally from Canada, David is CEO of an independent advisory and consulting firm, focused on supporting Japanese companies go global, and global companies come to Japan, especially in media and tech. Whilst in the corporate world David experienced some mental health challenges that led to a diagnosis of depression and then later bipolar disorder. In this episode David and I discuss what ikigai means to someone for whom simply getting out of bed in the morning is their reason to get out of bed. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About David: David is CEO of an independent advisory and consulting firm, focused on supporting Japanese companies go global, and global companies come to Japan, especially in media and tech. David brings decades of international experience, including strategic leadership, general management, culture development and talent strategy, and a rich multicultural background. A Canadian native with formative years in Germany and the UK, David came to Japan in 1995. Armed with a BA (Honors) in History and Politics (International Relations) and an MSc in East Asian Business, he also holds several qualifications in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Governance, and Cross-cultural Leadership and Management, and is a strong advocate of mental health awareness in the workforce, and is very open with his own struggles with bipolar disorder. He helped pioneer NTT DoCoMo’s non-Japanese team in 1999, with the i-mode mobile internet service. His trajectory included key roles at major media and tech brands like Disney, Google (YouTube), and Discovery as GM and President for Japan. Much of his work at Discovery focused on transformation, and post-merger with Warner Media, he steered the Discovery business and served as VP for Networks. He also serves as an Independent Director for Tokyo Prime traded KADOKAWA CORPORATION, as a member of the remuneration committee, and stewards diverse non-profits as a member of their boards. Things mentioned in the episode: David’s TedXtalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/david_macdonald_let_s_talk_about_mental_health Connect with David: Website: http://djmac.jp LinkedIn:

Happy Holidays everyone! This can be a time that tests our health and wellness goals, so this episode’s guest is here to help. Menya Hinga is an online health and fitness coach and co-founder of SOGO Fitness—Japan’s largest non-profit fitness community. Menya has helped hundreds of individuals and numerous organizations make better decisions related to fitness, habits and health. Listen to the episode to feel more empowered and confident in your ability to make changes in your life! If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About Menya: Menya helps high-performers who are struggling to manage stress and weight gain, learn to stress less, move more, and eat better in order to transform their health and performance. As an expat, father of 3 (soon to be 4!), and personal trainer turned online health and fitness coach, Menya knows how difficult it can be to create work-life balance while wearing many different hats. So for more than a decade he’s helped hundreds of individuals and numerous organizations make better decisions related to fitness, habits and health as a health and fitness coach, personal trainer, and co-founder of SOGO Fitness—Japan’s largest non-profit fitness community. Connect with Menya: Website: www.menyahinga.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menyahinga/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/menyahinga Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menyahinga/ Connect with Jennifer Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/ Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/ Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

On this latest episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai I talk to Rionne McAvoy who I first came into contact with through their documentary film “The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan.” The film is an incredibly moving look at an often ignored aspect of life in Japan for many mothers and their children, as well as helping to improve their living conditions. Listen to the episode to hear more about the documentary, as well as learning how Rionne found his ikigai in filmmaking, martial arts and pro wrestling! If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About Rionne: Rionne McAvoy is a documentary filmmaker originally hailing from the Gold Coast in Australia. Residing in Tokyo for almost 20 years, his documentary "The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan" is a shining light down the path of improving the living conditions for single parents both in Japan and around the world. His documentary delves deep into Japanese society culture and history to expose a side of Japan that many refuse to admit exists. Connect with Rionne: Twitter: https://twitter.com/IamRionne Website: https://japanmediaservices.com/ Film Twitter: https://twitter.com/singlemomjapan Film Instagram: instagram.com/onesleftbehind Film Website: onesleftbehind.com Trailer for film: https://vimeo.com/772395650 Connect with Jennifer: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/ Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/ Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

The COVID-19 lockdowns across the world were a very stressful time for a lot of us, but there were also a lot of stories of positive community building and support that came out of that time. One of those stories was that of Frock Up Friday, a facebook group started by friends Bev and Suzie in the UK. The page started as a place where they and their friends could get dressed up on a Friday night and post pictures of their fabulous outfits! After a few weeks the page had amassed thousands of members, well beyond Bev and Suzie’s intended group of friends and family. On the podcast I talk to Bev and Suzie about Frock Up Friday, the ways the group has promoted values like inclusion, compassion and self care, and how this all relates to their ikigai. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About Frock Up Friday: In March 2020 during the lockdowns at the beginning of the COVID 19, two friends Bev and Suzie decided to dress up on Fridays, pretend like they were going out, and post their photos on a Facebook group page they created called Frock Up Friday. They invited their friends to join the group and share photos of their Friday outfits. After just a few weeks the group had over 13,000 members worldwide. Initially the group was just about dressing creatively and sharing styles but it’s become something so much more. Frock Up Friday for many people became an escape from the virus; from the impact of lockdown; from politics; and from anxieties of personal battles in health, mental health, body image and gender issues to suggest a few. Frock Up Friday is about promoting inclusion and self care, sharing compassion, encouraging zero negativity, frocking up without costing the earth, and encouraging people to dress for dopamine! Connect with Frock Up Friday: Website: https://www.frockupfriday.com/ Book: https://www.frockupfriday.com/the-book Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/222855365767059/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frockupfriday/ Connect with Jennifer Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/ Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/ Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/ YouTube:

If you are a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race, you’ll love this episode! Join me as I have a fabulous chat with Genie Gurnani, internationally televised drag queen from Drag Race Thailand Season 2, AND globe-trotting creative leader and marketing executive who has led teams at Disney, Vice Media, and Netflix. We discuss Genie’s dual careers, and how the two complement one another. Genie also shares with us some of the ways being on Drag Race opened doors to wonderful opportunities to try new things and discover new talents, and how important it is to not let fear stop you from taking advantage of exciting things that come your way! If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About Genie: Genie is a globe-trotting creative leader and marketing executive who has led teams at Disney, Vice Media, and Netflix. They are also an internationally televised drag queen who is part of the world's fiercest reality TV franchise, having starred on RuPaul's Drag Race Thailand. In the past, Genie thought these were two different careers, two different lives, two different selves. But eventually they realized, everything they do is one and the same. They are an entertainer. They create entertainment. And they help brands be more entertaining to connect with their audiences. Things mentioned in the episode: Joey Graceffa YouTube video with Genie: https://youtu.be/e9QjdBEOc4Q Connect with Genie: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@wishforgenie Twitter: www.twitter.com/wishforgenie Instagram: www.instagram.com/wishforgenie Connect with Jennifer Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/ Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/ Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

On this episode of the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast I talk to virtual magician, David John. Before COVID, David was running a tourism business and was doing magic on the side, but then the pandemic hit and he had to turn his side hustle into his main income! David’s virtual magic experience was in high demand during lockdown, internationally, as people were feeling isolated and David’s show helped bring people together. Listen to the episode to hear all about how and why his side hustle became his life saviour! In this episode you’ll hear: About David: David John is a talented and innovative virtual magician, known for his mesmerizing performances that captivate audiences from all around the world. With a deep passion for magic and a strong commitment to his craft, David has mastered the art of illusion in the digital world, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for his viewers. David's performances are characterized by sleight of hand, mind-illusions, and comedic presentation. His attention to detail and dedication to creating an authentic magical experience sets him apart from other magicians in the virtual world. Whether he's making objects disappear into thin air or performing mind-reading acts through live video interactions, David leaves his audience in awe, questioning the very limits of reality. David engages his viewers through captivating storytelling and interactive elements. His ability to connect with his audience, even from a distance, is truly extraordinary. Connect with David: Website: https://virtual.TheMagicOfDeejay.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/virtualmagicninja Youtube: www.youtube.com/virtualmagicninja Latest Reel: https://youtu.be/gSjCS8KyHVo Connect with Jennifer: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

This week on the podcast we are all about mountains and mushrooms! I am talking with the wonderful Alison Beale about her weekly trips to the mountains around Tokyo and why she has become rather addicted to these hikes. Alison shares with us some of the physical, mental, emotional and social benefits she has experienced on her trips to various mountains and why she loves discovering all the wonderful biodiversity on the mountains, including mushrooms! In this episode you’ll hear: About Alison: Alison is Director of the University of Oxford Japan Office. She came to Japan immediately after graduating from Oxford and has had a long career in international education and cultural relations, mostly with the British Council. She worked for the organization in various cities in Japan, and then in Trinidad and Tobago and Shanghai China, before coming back to Tokyo. She then decided to ditch her peripatetic life, and now heads up the representative office of the University of Oxford in Japan. Alison is passionate about building links between the UK and Japan and holds a number of voluntary positions for example as Vice-President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan and Executive Director of the Japan-British Society. She is also a fan of the performing arts and is on the Board of the New National Theatre Tokyo. Things mentioned in the Episode: Blog post about Unconscious Processing: https://jennifershinkai.com/2020/01/07/need-inspiration-pop-to-the-loo/ Connect with Alison: Instagram: www.instagram.com/aliyama_japan Blog: https://www.japan.travel/en/blog/author/alison-beale/ Connect with Jennifer: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

This week on the show I have a fantastic conversation with my long term mentor and multi-potentialite, Rochelle Kopp. Rochelle is a consultant, an author, a mentor, an educator, a board director, and an activist. Last year Rochelle was named as one of Change.Org Japan’s Changemakers of the Year, and has recently been spearheading a movement to protect Tokyo’s green oasis Jingu Gaien from a redevelopment plan that would sacrifice a thousand trees and raze two historic stadiums in order to make room for three skyscrapers. Listen to the episode to hear all about Rochelle’s career and activism and how both are sources of ikigai for her. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About Rochelle: Rochelle is a consultant, author, mentor, educator & board director specializing in global communication, leadership, human resources, & organizational development. She primarily works with Japanese companies with global operations and global firms doing business in Japan, primarily through training seminars, teambuilding, and coaching. Rochelle also keeps busy with several other activities. She writes columns for the Japan Times and several Japanese publications including the Asahi and the Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun, and has published over 35 books on intercultural and management topics. She is an outside board director to two Japanese companies. She is a mentor through 500 Global. And more recently, she has become an activist, spearheading a movement to protect Tokyo’s green oasis Jingu Gaien from a redevelopment plan that would sacrifice a thousand trees and raze two historic stadiums in order to make room for three skyscrapers. Her petition on Change.org has over 195,000 signatures and last year she was named one of Change.org Japan’s Changemakers of the Year. Connect with Rochelle: Website: www.japanintercultural.com Twitter: @Japanintercult in English and @JICRochelle in Japanese LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellekopp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rochelle.kopp/ Petition for Jingu Gaien: https://www.change.org/Save_jingugaien_en Connect with Jennifer Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

On the latest episode of the podcast I’m joined by Koji Tokumasu, who was selected as “one of the most influential 50 members of rugby in the world” by Rugby World (UK) in 2017. Koji was General Manager at the Rugby World Cup 2019 Bid Committee to gain the right for JRFU to host RWC2019, the first time outside of the traditional Unions, AND was the Senior Director at Rugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee to deliver the most successful Rugby World Cup ever! Join us for this episode as Koji shares with us his enduring love of rugby and how it led him on a journey across the world, and back to Japan to spread that love for rugby here! If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About Koji: Koji Tokumasu is a visiting professor at Kanda University of International Studies, Special Director at Japan Rugby Football Union, and President of Shibuya International Rugby Club. Koji was the Senior Director at Rugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee to deliver the most successful Rugby World Cup ever. He was General Manager at the Rugby World Cup 2019 Bid Committee to gain the right for JRFU to host RWC2019, the first time outside of the traditional Unions. Koji was also selected as “one of the most influential 50 members of rugby in the world” by Rugby World (UK) in 2017. Koji Tokumasu has also held positions as Editor and writer of Sports Department at Nishi Nippon Shimbun (Newspaper with 600,000 daily print run in the Kyushu area), English teacher and Marketing Director at Meikei Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, Editor at Kodansha International Publications Co Ltd, and Head of International Relations/ Marketing/Public Relations/ of Japan Rugby Football Union. Koji has also held honorary positions as Board Member of Asia Rugby, Board Member of World Rugby, Board Member of Japan Rugby Football Union, President of Asia Rugby, Honorary President of Asia Rugby, and Special Director at Japan Rugby Football Union (International relations). Connect with Koji: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koji-tokumasu-43369823/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004972381746 Connect with Jennifer Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

On the latest episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai we are joined by Yui Maejima. Yui is a Neo Kimono Stylist supporting her clients to find themselves through a new perspective in their kimono. Yui’s first experience with kimono as a child made her never want to wear them again, but then as a young adult she went to the US and through being in another culture began to appreciate being Japanese more. She decided to immerse herself in something uniquely Japanese as a way to explore her cultural identity and express herself, and settled on modern kimono fashion. Through her love of fashion and of being Japanese, Yui found her ikigai in Neo Kimono style and now helps others see themselves in a new light with her styling. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About Yui: Yui Maejima was born and raised in Yokohama, Japan. As a college student she studied information systems in the US for two and half years before returning to Japan and working as a systems engineer. Her experience in the US gave her a new appreciation for Japanese culture and she studied the art of wearing kimono. After 7 years as a systems engineer. she pivoted her career into the kimono industry working first in a kimono rental company and then as a freelance kitsukeishi 着付師 (Kimono dresser). Now Yui refers to herself as a Neo Kimono Stylist supporting her clients to find themselves through a new perspective in their kimono. Things Mentioned in the Episode: Yui’s client with braided hair: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClwyRLshC9i/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Connect with Yui: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yui_michael/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelYuiJP/ Website: https://michael-yui.com/ Airbnb experience: https://www.airbnb.jp/experiences/48477 Connect with Jennifer Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

On the latest episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai we have a truly inspirational guest for you. Steve Judge is a professional speaker, author, and resilience coach, who in 2002 experienced a near fatal car accident and due to his injuries was told he may never walk again. But he decided to fight that prediction and found a passion during his rehabilitation that motivated him. Throughout his rehabilitation he kept setting goals for himself and achieving them, from standing and walking, through to running, cycling and Power Triathlons. Eventually Steve became an elite athlete, and in 2011, in Beijing, he crossed the finish line to become world champion in the power triathlon! So if you are looking for motivation and inspiration, especially through setbacks and challenges, this episode is for you. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About Steve: As a professional speaker, author and resilience coach Steve’s mission is to deliver his story that took him from wheelchair to world champion and beyond. His journey starts with a 5 Yen (Go-En) coin that he was given by a Japanese traveler in 1996. Steve tells his story of how he used this coin and the Japanese concept of Kintsugi to mend his badly broken body and how he feels that he is now on the path to fulfill in his life in relation to his Ikigai. Things mentioned in the episode: Sustainable Wellness and Ikigai with Saori Okada Don’t Lean on Your Excuses book Connect with Steve: Contact: i.nspire@steve-judge.co.uk Website: https://www.steve-judge.co.uk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveJudge Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevejudgegold Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevejudgegold/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-judge-908293b1/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteveJudgeGOLD Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user118912033 Connect with Jennifer Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website:

Welcome to the latest episode of the podcast. This week I am talking to Alison Mowbray, former Olympic medal winning rower in the British Rowing Team, and current leadership development consultant and coach. Alison initially pursued an academic career in microbiology, got her PhD, became a science teacher… and then tried out for national selection in the British Rowing Team. She’s competed at the Olympics twice and won silver as part of the quad sculls team in 2004. After retiring Alison continued to set and achieve her goals that included ultra-marathons, an autobiography, becoming a rowing coach, hiking, dancing tango, and more! Phewf! Join us to hear more about how Alison pursues her goals and what she has learnt about ikigai and her life’s purpose along the way. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About Alison: Alison was on the British Rowing team for seven years and competed in five World Championships and two Olympic Games. Not being particularly sporty at school and having not even stepped in a boat until she went to Liverpool University at the age of 18, Alison then kept rowing on the back burner for many years while she pursued an academic career. Having achieved a 1st Class degree in Microbiology from Liverpool and a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from Cambridge University, Alison moved to London to train as a science teacher and attempt National selection. She made the British Rowing team that year at the age of 27. Two years later, she achieved last minute qualification for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where she finished 10th in the single sculls event. Alison worked part-time as a science teacher while training full-time towards the Athens Olympics and in 2004, at the age of 33 and in the last race of her career achieved an Olympic silver medal in the final of the quad sculls. Retiring from international sport, Alison was a science teacher for several years alongside a developing career in Inspirational Speaking. She now works as a Leadership Development Consultant and Coach, hikes long-distance trails, runs marathons and ultra-marathons, dances tango and sings in a local choir. Alison also still coaches rowing, including to local children in Zambia in 2022. Alison wrote and published her autobiography: Gold Medal Flapjack. Silver Medal Life in 2013 and is currently finishing a Science/Lifestyle book called The 10 Healthy Habits. Connect with Alison: Autobiography: Gold Medal Flapjack. Silver Medal Life LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alison-mowbray-33b36a13 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alisonmowbray.feelinginspired/ Connect with Jennifer Linked In:

On the latest episode of the podcast I chat to the multi-talented James Nepaulsingh. James is a lawyer, executive coach, painter, music producer and host of the Plus Future Podcast! James joins us to discuss his ikigai and we have a great discussion about his approaches to life and to pursuing new hobbies and learning new things. Listen to the episode and get inspired to treat life as an experiment and break out of any box you feel you may be stuck in! If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About James: James is a multipotentialite: a lawyer, executive coach, painter, music producer and podcaster. He graduated from Oxford University and the Royal College of Art and was awarded a coaching certification from Cambridge University. He holds two board positions in Japan and lectures law part-time at Japan’s top-ranking universities. He is Senior Legal Counsel at one of Japan’s best-known institutions. He uses his fine art background to approach the corporate world through a creative corporate design lens. In the art world, he regularly holds exhibitions in Tokyo and London. His works have recently been displayed at a virtual exhibition that took place during a private event organised at the National Gallery, London. James is accredited as an Associate Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation and a Mediator by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution. James is British and is of Trinidadian origin. Things Mentioned in the Episode: If you want to see James’ art for yourself you can purchase your own copy of James’ art book, All Of Me, with half of the proceeds going to Refugee Empowerment International. Check out the links below! Japan: https://amzn.asia/d/fvWWPYn UK: https://amzn.eu/d/2IwLBl4 US: https://a.co/d/4zvkI9s Connect with James: James’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nepopublic/ Plus Future Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plusfuturecoaching/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/nepotek1 Plus Future Podcast: https://plusfuturepodcast.com/ Connect with Jennifer: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook:

Trigger Warning/Content Warning: In this episode of the podcast, we talk about mental health, mental illness, as well as suicide ideation. We don't go deep into the topic, but we just wanted to let you know that that is what is coming up in case it is something which might trigger you. So, I hope that you will enjoy the episode today and if you are struggling in any way, please do reach out to your local provider of mental support services. Show Notes: This week on the podcast I talk to Maurice Rabb. Maurice is a member of the Tokyo English Lifeline Japan Executive Board, he’s also a California licensed attorney, professional development and strategy consultant, diversity and inclusion strategist, career coach, and a legal tech evangelist. In the episode we discuss the work TELL Japan has been doing for the last 50 years and how it has been helping people through these times of increased stress and anxiety, especially during the pandemic. We also discuss some personal instances of mental health challenges and Maurice has some great advice on becoming Mentally Wealthy! If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About Maurice: Maurice L. Rabb has been a TELL Japan Executive Board Member for several years. He is a California licensed attorney, professional development and strategy consultant, diversity & inclusion strategist, career coach, and legal tech evangelist. He has been living and working in Asia for more than 15 years. During his time in Asia, Maurice has worked for U.S. and Japanese law firms as an international business lawyer and human resources professional and for a global education Non-Profit Organization. Things mentioned in the episode: Tell Japan website: https://telljp.com/ Mental Health Pyramid video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aXFzDyuALI Connect with Maurice: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricelrabb/ Website: http://www.mauricelrabb.com/ Connect with Jennifer: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

This week on the podcast we have a returning guest, Nicholas Kemp, who we interviewed back in Season 1 Episode 18. Nick Kemp is a podcast host, Japanologist, Ikigai expert, solopreneur, and now author of the wonderful book on ikigai called IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a Life Worth Living. Join us as we discuss Nick’s journey of writing the book and pick Nick’s brain on all things ikigai! If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About Nicholas: Nicholas Kemp is a father, husband, Japanologist, researcher, solopreneur, and author of IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a Life Worth Living. He is the founder and head coach of Ikigai Tribe, a small community of educators, psychologists, coaches, and trainers who serve their personal communities using the ikigai concept. Links of things mentioned in the episode: Jess Wade Wikipedia editor Season 1 Episode 18 episode with Nicholas Connect with Nicholas: IKIGAI-KAN book: https://ikigaikan.com/ Ikigai Tribe website: https://ikigaitribe.com/ Twitter: @NicholasKemp Connect with Jennifer Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

On this episode of the podcast, for the first time I interview a family! The Kumagai family are an amazing and inspirational family that believes strongly in family togetherness. Through individual projects and family projects the Kumagais are bringing their philosophy of togetherness, inclusion and connection to their neighbourhood and wider community. This conversation is a great example of how ikigai can be found in family and how family can help individuals find and pursue their own ikigai. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About the Kumagais: The Kumagai family is based in Chofu in Japan. The four Kumagais are: Susana (raised in Venezuela with Japanese heritage), Antonio, Sara (age 16) and Daisuke (age 14). As a family they launched The Family Project aka Oyakodon Project (named after a Japanese chicken and egg dish representing parent and child) to encourage families to work together for social change. Each member of the family has their own role and own projects which are linked below. Connect with the Kumagais The Family Project Twitter: @OyakodonProject Website: https://contactoyakodon.wixsite.com/home Book Swap Japan 川の図書館 (The Library by the River) - Sara Twitter: @BookSwapChofu Website: https://bookswapjapan.org Our Living Room Cafe 無料カフェ - Daisuke Twitter: @livingroomchofu Website: https://ourlivingroomcafe.mystrikingly.com Connect with Jennifer Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

This week on the podcast I talk to Saori Okada, Founder of Mogami (最上), a Japanese wellness brand headquartered in London (U.K.). Saori’s work is focused on wellness that is centred around longevity and empowering people to achieve sustainable wellness. In the episode Saori will share with you about her work in this field, her personal wellness journey, and how ikigai relates to a sustainable wellness lifestyle. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. TW: In this episode we discuss eating disorders. In this episode you’ll hear: About Saori: Saori is the Founder of Mogami (最上), a Japanese wellness brand headquartered in London (U.K.). She is also a speaker, a student of Japanese calligraphy for 20 years and a certified holistic wellness coach. She is also the author of a narrative memoir titled "Until the Death of Me", where she bravely shares her eating disorder recovery journey. A former leader in media analytics with global experience, Saori leans on "Mogami's Japanese wellness puzzle", the five wellness pillars centred around longevity to empower individuals to achieve a sustainable wellness lifestyle through educational content and wellness experiences. Connect with Saori: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mogami_wellness/ Website: https://www.mogamiwellness.com Saori’s book, “Until the Death of Me”: https://amzn.to/3bmnZrn Connect with Jennifer Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Welcome to another episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai! This week I had the pleasure of talking with Cory McGowan, half adventurer, half transformational coach, half bear dancer. Cory currently lives in scenic Minakami, and is actively involved in the rural revitalisation movement in the area. Listen to this episode to hear a fantastic conversation in which Cory talks about his love of adventure, how that relates to his ikigai, as well as how he facilitates other’s ikigai through his coaching work. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. In this episode you’ll hear: About Cory: Half adventurer, half transformational coach, half bear dancer, Cory is based in the beautiful mountains of Minakami, Japan with his wife Miho and two boys, Taiyo and Sky. A Japan resident since before the turn of the millennia, his whole career has been based in Japan, and more than half of his life has been spent outside his native home of America. After decades in education and people development, and working at all levels of management, the move into ontological coaching has been a coming home for him in the same way moving from Tokyo to the mountains was. He sees partnering with leaders and teams in such a time of civilizational transformation as an incredible privilege, and also has a personal mission to be a leader in the rural revitalization movement in Japan. Connect with Cory: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-mcgowan-328b2b5/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coryadventurepartner/ Website: www.adventure-partner.net Connect with Jennifer: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B092VVSJJ9