In this episode you'll hear about a hidden gem glamping site just outside of Tokyo perfect for families, why we stopped chasing tourist highlights, how we travel as a family with a toddler without losing our minds, and a sneak peek at the cozy Japan travel list I'm building just for you.

In this episode of Bloom & Thrive, I sit down with Saori Okada, founder of Mogami Wellness, to explore the true meaning of ikigai — and why the popular Venn diagram is missing the heart of this beautiful Japanese concept.

This conversation was from a couple years back but still relevant today!

Ikigai has become a global buzzword, often presented as the intersection of passion, talent, income, and impact. But is that really what it means?

Saori shares her perspective as someone born and raised in Japan, offering cultural nuance, personal reflections, and a deeper understanding of what ikigai actually represents.

This conversation gently challenges the productivity-driven version of purpose and invites us back to something quieter, more human, and more sustainable.

🌿 In This Episode, We Discuss:

* Where the Ikigai Venn diagram originated — and why it’s often misunderstood

* The linguistic meaning of iki (life) and gai (worth/value)

* Why ikigai isn’t just about career fulfillment

* How Western self-development culture reshaped the concept

* The internal vs. external search for meaning

* Why ikigai can be small, subtle, and seasonal

* How to approach purpose without pressure

* Ikigai as a daily practice rather than a grand life mission

🌸 Key Takeaways

* Ikigai is less about finding the perfect job and more about cultivating a life that feels worth living.

* Meaning does not need to be monetized to be valid.

* Your ikigai can shift throughout different seasons of life.

* Small daily joys can hold just as much weight as big ambitions.

* Purpose is something you grow into — not something you solve.

🌷 A Reflection to Sit With

Instead of asking:“What is my one true purpose?”

Try asking:“What makes my life feel meaningful right now?”

That may be closer to ikigai than any diagram.

🌼 About Our Guest

Saori Okada is the founder of Mogami Wellness, a Japanese-inspired wellness brand rooted in longevity, mindfulness, and authenticity. Through her work, she helps individuals and organizations cultivate wellbeing from the inside out.

Matcha Mama Memos is a reader-supported publication. To receive new high quality blogs, vlogs, and audio posts consider becoming a paid subscriber, join the community, and support my work.

Listen to some music as you read!

If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself swept away by the magical worlds of Studio Ghibli films. From the lush landscapes to the deeply human storytelling, these movies resonate on a level that goes beyond simple entertainment. But what I didn’t expect was how these stories would subtly shape my approach to one of the most important roles in my life: being a mom.

Here are the lessons Studio Ghibli taught me about motherhood for anyone who needs to hear this today —lessons that have helped me navigate the highs and lows of parenting with a little more grace, patience, and magic.

Let Them be the Hero of Their Own Story

In My Neighbor Totoro, Satsuki and Mei explore the world around them with boundless curiosity. Their father gives them the freedom to discover, even when that means letting them make their own mistakes or wander off into fantastical adventures.

As a mom, it’s tempting to hover, to protect at all costs. But I’ve learned that kids need space to grow into themselves. They need room to explore, fail, and triumph. Sometimes, the best thing I can do, at least for my daughter, is take a step back and trust her to navigate her own path.

Parenting takeaway: Support your child’s independence. Be their safety net, not their constant shadow.

Show Up Like You Mean It

In Spirited Away, Chihiro’s parents are physically present but emotionally absent at the start of the film—leading her to fend for herself in a bewildering new world. It’s a striking reminder of what happens when we’re distracted or dismissive as parents.

Being present doesn’t mean being perfect. It means putting down the phone, looking into their eyes, and really hearing what they’re saying—even if it’s about a game you don’t understand or a made-up story that doesn’t quite make sense.

Parenting takeaway: Your attention is the greatest gift you can give your child. Make it count.

Embrace the Chaos

Life with kids can feel like living in a Ghibli movie: one moment serene and beautiful, the next, complete and utter chaos. In Howl’s Moving Castle, Sophie adapts to a house that’s constantly shifting—much like my own home with its ever-changing piles of laundry, toys, and snack wrappers.

Instead of fighting the mess, I’ve learned to embrace it. A messy house is often the sign of a life well-lived. And honestly, the laughter, joy, and imagination that come with the chaos are worth more than spotless floors.

Parenting takeaway: Perfection is overrated. Learn to love the imperfections of daily life.

Teach Them Kindness Without Words

Studio Ghibli’s films often use silence or subtle actions to communicate deep truths. In Princess Mononoke, Ashitaka shows empathy and respect for others, even when faced with conflict. It’s a powerful reminder that kindness is best taught through example, not lectures.

As a mom, I’ve realized that my actions speak louder than any lesson I could verbalize. How I treat people, handle stress, or respond to challenges—all of this shapes how my children will approach the world.

Parenting takeaway: Be the role model they don’t even realize they’re watching.

Nurture Their Connection to Nature

From the forests of Princess Mononoke to the seaside village in Ponyo, Ghibli films celebrate the wonder of the natural world. These movies remind me how important it is to raise kids who respect and care for the earth.

We spend time outside as a family— Hiking, going to the park, or simply marveling at the changing seasons. These moments not only ground us but also help my children develop a sense of responsibility for the planet.

Parenting takeaway: Teach your kids to see nature as a friend, not just a backdrop.

Find the Magic in the Mundane

What I love most about Studio Ghibli is how it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Cooking breakfast in Howl’s Moving Castle. Riding a train in Spirited Away. Hanging laundry in My Neighbor Totoro.

These films remind me that there is beauty in the simplest moments—if I’m willing to look for it. As a mom, this means slowing down, being fully present, and appreciating the small joys: bedtime giggles, tiny hands helping with dinner, or the smell of freshly baked cookies.

Parenting takeaway: Celebrate the magic of everyday life with your kids.

It’s Okay to Be Vulnerable

In Kiki’s Delivery Service, Kiki struggles with self-doubt and burnout, just like so many of us do. But through her vulnerability, she finds strength and growth. As a mom, I’ve learned that it’s okay to let my kids see me struggle or admit when I don’t have all the answers.

Being vulnerable teaches them that it’s okay to feel big emotions and that resilience comes from working through challenges—not avoiding them.

Parenting takeaway: You don’t have to be a perfect mom. Just be a real one.

Wrapping it up and Tying it With a Bow

Studio Ghibli films have a way of touching the soul—and as it turns out, they also teach some profound lessons about parenting. Whether it’s finding magic in the mundane, modeling kindness, or letting your kids be the heroes of their own stories, these films remind us that motherhood is a journey full of wonder, messiness, and love.

The next time you watch a Ghibli movie, look for the parenting wisdom woven into its enchanting stories. You might just find yourself becoming a better mom, one magical moment at a time.

What Ghibli-inspired parenting lesson resonates with you the most? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s chat in the comments below.