This is Ikigai365

About the Author

Akihiro Hasegawa (Author) Akihiro Hasegawa is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at Teikyo University, Japan. Through his academic career, which began in 1997, he has primarily focused on Ikigai, which was also the topic of his PhD thesis. His clinical expertise includes brief psychotherapy, especially brief therapy, couple therapy, family therapy, clinical dohsa-hou (motor-action therapy), as well as hypnosis. As an active member of several academic societies, Prof. Hasegawa has held several roles, including serving as the chief editor for the Japanese Society of Hypnosis. Additionally, he has contributed to the Japanese Association of Brief Psychotherapy and the Japanese Society for Psychotherapy Integration, where he has been involved in public relations, training, and editorial committees. Rajiv Bajaj (Author) Rajiv Bajaj is the Chairman of Bajaj Capital, a highly respected financial planning institution in India. Despite his success in finance, Rajiv felt an inner void and sought something more fulfilling. This quest led him to explore the science of longevity and well-being, taking him to the world's "Blue Zones" like Loma Linda and Okinawa. There, he met vibrant centenarians and discovered their shared secret- a profound sense of purpose, or Ikigai. Rajiv is passionate about sharing an authentic understanding of Ikigai with the world. He integrates insights from his travels, studies, and personal reflections into his talks and workshops, inspiring others to live with greater meaning and harmony. He has shared his perspectives on Ikigai, purpose, and longevity through several TEDx talks and continues to speak on living a truly alive life. Additionally, he trained in Qi Gong under a Shaolin Monk in China in 2017 and 2025. Rati Arora (Author) Rati Arora is an internationally certified health and wellness coach with over a decade of experience in corporate roles. Her transition into motherhood taught her that self-care is essential, not a luxury. This realization led her to realign her career with her true passion and Ikigai. Rati discovered that caregivers, especially women, often neglect their own well-being. Embracing the belief that "you can't pour from an empty cup," she now helps women entrepreneurs and professionals reclaim balance, confidence, and a sense of self. Additionally, she invests in parenting courses and cherishes her role as a mother to her son, Nihit. Shivendu Nadkarn (Author) Shivendu Nadkarni is a successful business leader-turned-human capital catalyst. After a 25-year career with Fortune 500 MNCs across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, he transitioned to his 'second career' as an educator, mentor, and advisor. He is also a researcher and practitioner of Ikigai. Shiv serves as an adjunct associate professor at NUS Business School in Singapore, focusing on strategy, innovation, and internationalization. Having lived in diverse global environments, including a decade in Japan, he enjoys traveling in nature and exploring history. His mission with Ikigai365 is to help individuals continually discover their personal sources of fulfillment and leave impactful legacies. Sumathy Gajapathy (Author) Originally from Chennai, Sumathy Gajapathy has spent more than twenty-five years making Kobe-a city in central Japan-her home. Starting her life in Japan as a homemaker, Sumathy explored diverse professional interests that shaped her varied career. A firm believer in lifelong learning through people's experiences and reading, she finds inspiration in everyday encounters that continue to shape her worldview-something that kindled her fascination with Ikigai. A mother of two, she draws inspiration from her children and spends time discovering Japan's hidden gems.