FINDING PURPOSE

Ifirst heard about ikigai sometime in the second half of last year, as the world braced itself for a new self-help publishing cycle; the people that put out those tiny books that reside next to the counter in bookstores were looking for a new subject, and it seems the ancient Japanese concept was next in line.

While I’m cynical, I’m also always interested in hearing about the ways in which people live their lives, in case I can glean something that I can pass along to friends who turn to me for advice (earlier, that was what episodes of Friends and Gilmore Girls were for).

So when Colin Drury (him of the brilliant grumpiness-is-happiness article last year) approached me about a story on ikigai, I couldn’t wait to find out what it is all about. No surprises: It’s not that difficult to understand, but as with most things that are good for you, it is not easy to implement consistently (I see you, ‘healthy January’, as I munch on this croissant.)

Hygge is working for me right now, what with the straight-out-of-a-horrormovie-chill that’s taken up residence in my apartment; a Norwegian wool blanket I had only considered decorative until now is pressed into service nightly, along with candles, soups and dark serial-killer TV dramas.

But ikigai takes things a step further; it’s about long-term fulfilment rather then daily mindfullness, and requires some deep thinking about your life’s purpose (and a fun diagram!). Check out Colin’s guide on page 22.

Japan is a country with a beautiful and fascinating culture, and like me,

Ikigai is not difficult to understand, but as with most things that are good for you, it is not easy to implement

UAE-based Singaporean businessman Benjamin Ng also loves Japan, so much so that he approached one of Dubai’s most authentic chefs, Hisao Ueda, to ask him to help open a restaurant. The result is not only a great place to eat, but a tiny window into an element of Japanese cuisine and culture not before seen in the UAE: Kaiseki. As much an experience as a restaurant, Kohantei is already attracting patronage from the likes of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Crown Prince. Find out more on page 20. Itadakimasu! (Bon appetit!)

PS, Arva Ahmed’s column takes a break this week, returning February 2.