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UT/OSU Collaborative Event Closes with Great Success!
On January 28, 2025, University of Tsukuba and The Ohio State University held a joint event to present the results of their research.
The special talk session by Prof. Nagata, Prof. Rakwal from UT and Prof. Sue from OSU was unexpectedly lively; students from both universities exchanged their opinions during the Q&A session, and the scheduled one-hour session turned into an hour-and-a-half long session.
Prof. Nagata’s research theme is “Ikigai.”
What is Ikigai?
Is it something you can be passionate about, something that you can get lost? To be spiritually fulfilled? Giving meaning to life? Or more practically, to acquire skills and grow as a human being?
In Japan, there are people who say that work is their Ikigai. This can be true when they are still working, but when they retire, their connection to society is lost.
Prof. Nagata, the Institute of Health and Sport Sciences teacher, thinks of Ikigai in terms of sports. Sports cannot be done alone (strictly speaking, there are individual sports, but it is more enjoyable to play with others).
The presence of peers, community involvement, and volunteerism. Through sports, it is easy to connect with others, even if it is difficult to take the first step alone.
Caring for others. Such a small power of an individual can connect and make a big difference in the world.
How do you translate Ikigai in English? Well-being? Purpose of Life? Meaning of Life?
More and more people around the world are becoming interested in the concept of Ikigai. As the concepts of Mottainai, Kawaii, and Zen originated in Japan, Ikigai will also become a global language.
It was impressive to see the calm and gentle expressions on the faces of the teachers and students who participated in the event.
Left: Prof. Nagata / Center: Prof. Sue / Right: Prof. Rakwal
*Prof. Nagata’s lecture is available in the Inclusive Smart Society II course.