Ikigai is a Japanese word that translates as a reason for being, a reason to get up in the morning, a 'raison d'être' as the French would say. ... Ikigai combines the joy from doing something and a sense of purpose, meaning, and well-being. It's feeling that your life is valuable, that you have an impact. Desikamani Gopaladesikan, Mentor learning services, talks about what is Ikigai and how to identify and pursue it in life.