What is ikigai?
Ikigai (生き甲斐) combines iki, "life", and kai, "worth" or "effect". In Japan it means whatever makes life feel worth living: a morning walk, a grandchild, a craft or a job.
Where the four circles come from
The popular diagram is a Western remix. In 2011, Spanish astrologer Andrés Zuzunaga drew a Venn diagram of "purpose" with four circles: what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs and what you can be paid for. In 2014, writer Marc Winn relabelled the centre "ikigai", and that version spread worldwide. Japanese researchers, such as psychologist Michiko Kamiya, describe ikigai more broadly, and it doesn't have to involve money or work at all.
Why it's still useful
As a reflection tool, the four circles are a quick way to see where your time and energy line up, and where something is missing. The overlaps have names:
Passion
You love it and you're good at it. Ask: does the world need it, and will anyone pay?
Mission
You love it and the world needs it. Build the skill, then find who funds this work.
Profession
You're good at it and paid for it. Look for a version that serves a need you care about.
Vocation
Needed and paid. Find the part of it you'd enjoy, or the skill that would make you great at it.
How to use this app well
- Write fast. Aim for 5–10 items per circle and don't judge them.
- Use the same words when something belongs in two circles; it will land in the overlap automatically.
- Pick one next step and try it this month. Revisit your map every few months.