Introduction: Why Ikigai Matters to Me

I did not discover Ikigai through a book or a diagram. I encountered it slowly, through daily practice, long before I knew its name. For me, Ikigai is not a concept. It is a quiet certainty: knowing that what I create is aligned with who I am. Every time I work with wood, every time I use fire through the Yakisugi technique, I feel that I am exactly where I am meant to be.  

Ikigai as a Daily Presence

In Japanese culture, Ikigai is not about success or recognition. It is about continuity. My work follows this principle. I do not create to fill spaces or chase trends. I create to give form to meaning. Ikigai lives in repetition, dedication, and respect for time.  

Wabi-Sabi and Ikigai

Wabi-Sabi is not an aesthetic choice for me. It is a way of seeing. Imperfection is not a flaw. Asymmetry is not an error. Time is not an enemy. Ikigai is living this vision honestly, without compromise.  

Wood as a Teacher

Wood carries memory. Grain, cracks, and tension guide my hands. I do not impose form. I listen. This relationship is the core of my Ikigai.  

Waraku: Making Calm Visible

Waraku was born from the need to create calm. It is not just a table. It is a presence, an anchor within a space. Each piece invites slowness, balance, and awareness.  

Tsuzumi: Rhythm and Time

Tsuzumi reflects rhythm. Each phase follows its own pace. Nothing is rushed. Ikigai has taught me that value grows with time.  

Yakisugi: Fire as Transformation

Fire is essential to my work. Through Yakisugi, fire does not destroy—it reveals. Each surface becomes stronger, marked by time.  

Objects That Speak Softly

I do not create objects to dominate a space. I create pieces that speak quietly to those who live with them.  

Uniqueness as a Natural Outcome

Each piece is unique because life itself is unique. No repetition. No copies.  

My Ikigai Today

My Ikigai is to continue creating with integrity. To work slowly in a fast world. To choose depth over quantity.  

Conclusion

Ikigai is not something you find. It is something you live. And this is how I live mine.