Episodes
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On the latest episode of the podcast our guest is Victoria Close from Bikudesigns, a vintage kimono jewellery brand. The Japanese concept of Mottainai ( もったいない ), which expresses a sadness or regret about wasting or mistreating resources, has become very important to Victoria in both her life and work. It also gave her a word for something she’d felt since she was a young child. In the episode we find out more about Mottainai, about Victoria’s creative work, and insights into showing up authentically and intentionally online as a creative and a business owner.
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 concept of Mottainai and how it manifests in Victoria’s life and workWhat Victoria’s learned about starting her own businessHow Victoria is showing up authentically on YouTubeThe importance of intentionality About the Creative Calm challenge and how you can participateAbout Victoria:
Victoria Close is the creative force behind Bikudesigns, a vintage kimono jewelry brand. She crafts unique pieces using vintage and antique fabrics and other found objects she personally sources. Driven by the 'mottainai' philosophy, Victoria is dedicated to repurposing forgotten items and keeping them out of landfills.
In 2023, Victoria launched ‘Studio Biku’ in Shimokitazawa, a cozy Showa-era studio. Here, she designs her jewelry, runs a small shop featuring 12 international makers based in Japan, conducts creative workshops, and rents out the space to emerging artists and designers for their own classes.
A dedicated advocate for creative small businesses, Victoria offers practical, hands-on and online courses, and founded the Overseas Makers Guild, a free Facebook community that supports, connects, and celebrates handmade business owners. She also mentors creative entrepreneurs through her one-on-one programs. Victoria has called Tokyo home for over half her life and lives in Shimokitazawa with her British husband and their two children.
Connect with Victoria:
Website: https://www.bikudesigns.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bikudesigns/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bikudesigns/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@studio_biku
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/
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Welcome back to another episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai. This week I am joined by Michael Walker, Founder and Artistic Director of SheepDog Theatre based in Tokyo, Japan. As a lifelong fan of live theatre I know very well the ikigai of being an audience member, but in this episode Michael shares with us what it's like to be involved in the production side of things. From acting to directing and running his own theatre company, Michael gives us a fascinating glimpse into the magic of theatre production in Japan.
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:
What theatre means to Michael in terms of ikigaiHow Michael got bitten by the theatre bug while visiting EdinburghHow Michael applies lessons learned from sport to live theatreAbout SheepDog Theatre’s beginnings and its current transitionMichael’s advice for people wanting to pursue a seemingly impossible dreamThings mentioned in the episode:
THE LITTLE FELLOW
By Kate Hamill
Directed by Michael Walker
Studio Actre, Tokyo
July 3-7, 2024
Sheepdog Theatre returns to Studio Actre for its production of Kate Hamill’s wickedly funny play, The Little Fellow. The story is based on the real life memoirs of 19th century courtesan Harriet Wilson, who entertained the most powerful men in England of the time. When the famous Duke of Wellington breaks a promise that would set her up for life, she seeks out retribution, not just on him, but all the men who’ve crossed her. The play is simultaneously violent and poignant as it explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and personal transformation.
About Michael:
Michael graduated from Sydney’s Theatre Nepean drama program before working as a professional actor for nearly a decade. After moving to Japan, he formed Maidenagoya Productions, Chubu’s first independent theatre company.
In 2019 he moved to Tokyo and formed Sheepdog Theatre. After a slow start (thanks to the pandemic), Sheepdog Theatre found its momentum in 2023 and is now a fully professional company.
When not being creative, Michael enjoys riding his motorcycle through the many beautiful parts of Japan.
Connect with Michael:
Website: http://sheepdogtheatre.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheepdogtheatre/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheepdogtheatre/
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:
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Welcome to another episode of the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast. This week we are talking about yoyu, a Japanese concept conveying one’s capacity to handle or afford something. Author Marci Kobayashi joins us to discuss the concept of yoyu and her upcoming book, "Finding Yoyu: The Japanese Compass for Navigating Overwhelm and Cultivating Abundance in 7 Key Areas of Life." Listen to the episode to hear more about yoyu and how it links to 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:
What Yoyu is and how Marci came to learn about itHow Marci applied the concept of Yoyu to a challenging time in her lifeAbout the importance of proactively taking time for yourselfAbout ‘tiny altars’ and how they make claiming space more manageableHow you can figure out what makes you feel a sense of yoyuAbout Marci:
Marci Kobayashi is a writer, teacher, and business owner in Tokyo. Raised in the U.S., she arrived in Japan as a college student in the early ’90s and has lived there ever since. In 2002, she started a company to provide English-conversation programs and study-abroad advising, which evolved into assisting international organizations and entrepreneurs in improving their global reach online through web design and coaching.
Marci also has a dedicated spiritual practice, enjoys studying alternative-healing modalities, cooking a whole-foods flexitarian diet, and exploring Japan. She is the author of the upcoming book, "Finding Yoyu: The Japanese Compass for Navigating Overwhelm and Cultivating Abundance in 7 Key Areas of Life." She's also working on a memoir chronicling the five years she was the primary caregiver for her father-in-law, a WWII Japanese war veteran, as he navigated Alzheimer’s.
Connect with Marci:
Website: https://marcikobayashi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarciSKobayashi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcikobayashi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marci-kobayashi/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/marcikobayashi
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/
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This week’s episode contains general discussions of BDSM and torture.
Welcome to the latest episode of the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast. This week we talk to author Elizabeth Hendrick about her book EXODAI, a memoir about her struggles with her sexuality and the story of how she eventually learnt to love herself after a particularly toxic BDSM relationship with a Japanese dominatrix. For over a decade Elizabeth’s ikigai compelled her to write about her own experiences in order to help others who have been ostracised for being part of the LGBTQ+ community, and who have struggled with self acceptance, self love and healing.
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 Elizabeth’s memoir EXODAI and what compelled her to write itHow Elizabeth felt ostracised as a young LGBTQ+ person and struggled to reconcile her sexuality with her Christian beliefsWhat made Elizabeth realise she lacked self love and how she decided to heal herselfHow Elizabeth ended up in a torturous relationship with a Japanese dominatrixAbout the dark side of ikigai and how it can be an obsession or addictionThings mentioned in the episode:
FEW Japan June Conference:
https://fewjapan.com/css-2024-the-fewture-conference/
Buy the EXODAI book here:
https://exodai.co.uk/
About Elizabeth:
ELIZABETH HENDRICK published her debut work, EXODAI, in September 2023. She was compelled to write about her struggles with her sexuality and narrate the story of how she eventually learnt to love herself as a lesbian woman, placing particular emphasis on her BDSM relationship with a Japanese dominatrix. Elizabeth believes her story will be of value not just to LGBTQ+ and BDSM/fetish communities, but to all individuals who have been ostracised during their adolescence and whose lack of self-love is sabotaging their adult lives. EXODAI is also an intriguing peek behind the curtain of Tokyo’s exotic and sometimes shocking BDSM underworld.
Elizabeth was born and raised in East Anglia. She graduated in mathematics from Durham University in 1994 and began a career in financial services in London. In 2004, she left finance to enter the risky world of entrepreneurial start-ups. During her first project to launch a film magazine, she developed the practice of keeping a diary of events. It was her cathartic response to dealing with the stress of heading up an underfunded start-up. Since then, she has kept records and written memoirs covering all her remarkable life experiences, including being a contestant on a reality TV show. In 2016, Elizabeth retired from the corporate world and moved into part-time business education, specifically to focus on her career as a writer. Over the course of her life, she has lived and worked in London, Paris, Tokyo, and Dubai. She currently works and resides in Tokyo, and she doesn't stop writing!
Ultimately, Elizabeth is keen to promote self-awareness in the realm of sexuality and bring solace to those who have been ostracised or who lack self-love and acceptance.
Connect with Elizabeth:
Website: https://www.exodai.co.uk/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exodai
Instagram:
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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:
How teaching languages to students made Tengyo realise he was a storyteller at heartWhy we can never truly understand each other completely, but how love and respect lead to true connectionWhat vagabondism means to Tengyo & what we can learn from people living a vagabond lifeTengyo’s advice for those interested in experiencing vagabondism for themselvesAbout 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:
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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:
How Adrian came to make a film about the firebombing of TokyoWhat happens when you finish a project that has been the main focus of your lifeHow you can find meaning for your next challengeFlashing forward and backward in our lives to see what our values are independent of current circumstancesAbout 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:
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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:
What brought David to Japan in the 90sWhat it was like for David to be succeeding in his corporate career while simultaneously experiencing depression and being diagnosed as bipolarThe importance of being honest at work and at home about the internal challenges you are facingAbout the work of a Japanese firm, Tech Doctors, using data from wearable devices to improve diagnoses and therapies for various illnessesWhat you can do if you think someone you know is experiencing a mental health challenge like depressionAbout 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:
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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:
How an online health and fitness coach is different to a personal trainerWhat fitness autonomy is and why Menya strives to help his clients achieve itWhat made Menya reassess his relationship to alcohol and drinkingThe importance of your environment when making big changes in your lifeHow Menya empowers people to believe in their own ability to changeAbout 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/
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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:
How Rionne got started in martial artsWhat brought Rionne to JapanAbout becoming a pro wrestler in his thirtiesAbout Rionne’s love of filmmakingWhat led Rionne to make The Ones Left Behind, a documentary on single mothers in JapanAbout 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/
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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:
What led Bev and Suzie to start Frock Up FridayHow the group has helped people feel more connected and less lonelyAbout how dressing up for fun on Fridays has led people to be more confident and creativeHow the group brings different types of people together and lets them learn from one anotherAbout 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:
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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’s two lives as a marketing executive and a drag queen, and how they balance the twoHow being a drag queen helped and hindered Genie’s marketing careerAdvice for people who are feeling marginalised at work, or in generalHow taking opportunities that came after being on Drag Race led to Genie developing new skills and talentsHow Genie found comedy and storytelling to be a common thread running through both the corporate and entertainment worldsAbout 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/
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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:
How David weathered the pandemic as his tourism business was put on holdAbout David turning his side hustle of magic into his main income during the pandemicHow working in various corporate roles has helped David with his virtual experience work as a magicianThe value in doing different jobs and careers throughout your life instead of just thinking there’s only one career for youHow important David’s virtual entertainment work became for people separated by the pandemicAbout 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/
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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:
How rehabilitating an injury led Alison to weekly mountain walksWhy Alison enjoys finding different types of mushrooms while hikingAdvice on how to keep yourself safe while walking in the mountains aloneWhat Alison learnt about fear and ways to use that in everyday lifeThe community aspect of hiking and how life affirming it can beAbout 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/
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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:
Why her career as an intercultural consultant is a source of ikigai for RochelleHow Rochelle started her activism through online petitions to protect Japan’s green spacesWhy trees and green spaces are so important for our physical and mental healthRochelle’s ideas about what her role as a non-Japanese person in Japanese society is and could beAbout 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/
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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:
How Koji went on a journey from Japan to Wales inspired by a love of Welsh rugbyThe remarkable story of Koji’s involvement in Japan making a bid for the Rugby World Cup leading to success in 2019How Koji adapted to life after the Rugby World Cup after spending so much time working towards that goalWhy and how Koji started the Shibuya International Rugby ClubHow rugby taught him to enjoy playing the game (of life) without just focusing on the end resultAbout 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/
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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:
How Yui’s first experience with kimono made her not want to ever wear kimono again at 10 years oldHow being in the USA made her appreciate her Japanese culture and embrace kimono as a way to express a part of her identity as well as her love of fashionAbout how kimono used to be contemporary daily wear in the past and how that freed Yui up to evolve and modernise kimono in her stylingAbout Yui’s styling business and how it connects to her IkigaiAbout 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/
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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’s autobiography, Don’t Lean on Your ExcusesThe near fatal car accident that Steve experienced in 2002How anger and thinking of his future self motivated Steve throughout his rehabilitationHow Steve became an elite athlete and two time world championWhy Steve now wants to empower others through motivational speakingWhy Steve wears a 5 yen coin, or “go-en”, around his neckAbout 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: [email protected]
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:
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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:
How Alison pursued an academic path in Science, getting her PhD and becoming a science teacher before making the British Rowing Team at the age of 27How Alison decided what to do next after retiring from international rowingWhat marathon running taught Alison about how we can limit ourselves by the goals we setAbout the importance of doing things for yourself rather than always waiting for an external motivationAlison’s advice on not judging what gives your life purpose, or comparing it to other people’sAbout 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:
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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:
How to do more of the things you enjoyWhat led James to pursue abstract artThe importance of protecting yourself from negative peopleWhat being remarkable means to JamesJames’ advice to listeners for 2023About 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:
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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:
How Maurice’s involvement with mental wellness services started in junior high through a peer to peer program called the Natural Helpers ProgramWhat led Maurice to become involved with TELL, Tokyo English Lifeline JapanThe sorts of challenges people are facing over the pandemic the TELL has been helping withHow mental health is a continuum with many different layers of varying degrees, and you don’t need to wait until things get really serious to reach out for helpHow to access resources for mental wellness at work and why leaders should educate themselves on what resources are available for their team membersAdvice to parents about looking after your own mental healthAbout 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/
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