Comments on: What Is Ikigai?

By: Christoph Roser

Christoph Roser — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 10:57:16 +0000

Hi Axel, I think the main point is to try to stand out in order to sell.

By: Axel G. Kristiansen

Axel G. Kristiansen — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:44:57 +0000

New wine on old bottles ?
Or is the issue, that we need a fancy Japanese term to describe things of importance ?

By: P S Satish

P S Satish — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 05:21:51 +0000

There is no problem with the Jargon as long as it works for you and you understand the purpose behind the Jargon

By: Emily Pires

Emily Pires — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 19:39:51 +0000

Great post! I have not heard of the work Ikigai before reading this post. I like your explanation of the word: you find happiness if you manage to do a) what you are good at; b) what you can be paid for; c) what the world needs, and d) what you love. I agree that the western world makes the Japanese words used in lean more mysterious and give them a “mythical aura”. These words can be twisted and used out of context. I think it’s very important for people to understand the words they’re using and use them in a way to help their industry rather than because it sounds fancy.

By: Andrew Bishop

Andrew Bishop — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 17:37:02 +0000

As Mike Rother originally used the word “kata” it was consistent with my understanding of the Japanese – the form or routine that Toyota practiced for improvement, thus “Toyota kata”. Then a lot of people who didn’t know any better just started using “kata” to mean that particular form and it took on its own manufacturing meaning. So, unlike the “ikigai” case, where authors seemed to have conjured up a philosophy and meaning where there wasn’t one, I think “kata”, as used in process improvement circles, actually _became an English word_ through popular use. Just sounds Japanese!

By: Christoph Roser

Christoph Roser — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:00:56 +0000

Hi Brandon, your question inspired me to a post, which will be published next year.

By: Brandon Kiely

Brandon Kiely — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:34:07 +0000

Thank you Christoph – again, another very insightful message. I appreciate how you tied this into Lean!

After reading this, I searched your archives for “Omotenashi” but could not find anything on the subject. Would you ever consider writing about this on how it relates to Lean?

By: Christoph Roser

Christoph Roser — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 13:00:54 +0000

Nicely said. Go to Gemba to figure out what really happens.