Frequently asked questions
Everything you might want to know about the Ikigai reflection and practice.
What is Ikigai?
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates roughly to 'a reason for being.' It lives at the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what sustains you. It is not about productivity or optimization but about finding a quiet, enduring sense that your life has direction and worth.
How does the reflection work?
Our reflection is a guided series of thoughtful questions designed to help you explore each of the four Ikigai dimensions: Love, Gift, Need, and Sustain. Based on your responses we generate a personal archetype and a set of scores that map your current relationship with purpose. The entire process takes about ten to fifteen minutes.
What is an archetype?
Your archetype is a symbolic profile based on how your four Ikigai dimensions relate to one another. It is not a label but a mirror, a way of seeing the patterns in your life so you can work with them more intentionally. Each archetype comes with tailored guidance, readings, and daily practices.
Is this based on real research?
Yes. Our framework draws on a wide body of peer reviewed research, including Kamiya's foundational work Ikigai ni Tsuite (1966), the longitudinal Ohsaki study by Sone et al. (2008) on Ikigai and mortality, Tanno et al.'s (2009) Japan Collaborative Cohort findings, Okuzono et al.'s (2022) outcome wide analysis in The Lancet, validated measurement scales such as the Ikigai 9 (Imai et al., 2012; Fido et al., 2020), and comprehensive reviews by Kotera et al. (2021). You can explore the full annotated bibliography in the Readings section.
What is the personalized report?
The personalized Ikigai report is a deep, detailed analysis of your reflection results. It includes your full archetype breakdown, dimension by dimension insights, archetype pairings, and three deeper assessments (Shadow, Values, and Energy). It is included in the $69 lifetime access alongside all dashboard tools.
What does $69 include?
Everything. Your full archetype report, the Rhythm Builder, Go Deeper quizzes, the 8 week Foundation Course, private journal, daily personalised insights, and Archetype Pairings. One payment, lifetime access. No subscriptions, no recurring charges.
How were the 12 archetypes designed?
Our team designed the 12 archetypes by blending two key inspirations from Ikigai research and practice: the seven pillars framework developed by Mieko Kamiya and the familiar four circle Ikigai visual popularized by Marc Winn. Together they helped us translate deep theory into clear profiles that make it easier to recognize your patterns and reframe your daily actions in a practical, compassionate way.
Can I get a refund?
Because your report and tools are personalized and delivered instantly the moment you purchase, all sales are final. Your archetype analysis, dimension scores, daily practices, and guided content are generated immediately and cannot be un-delivered or returned. We stand behind the quality and depth of the experience, and we are always available at hello@theikigaitest.com if you have a genuine billing concern. However, change of mind, dissatisfaction with your archetype result, or simply not using the tools after purchase are not grounds for a refund. We ask that you treat the $69 as what it is: a one-time investment in a deeply researched, personalized guide that is yours permanently.
What if I have a billing issue?
If you believe a charge was made in error, such as a duplicate payment or a technical failure that prevented any access at all, please reach out to hello@theikigaitest.com within 7 days and we will review it in good faith. We ask that you contact us directly before filing a dispute with your bank. We keep detailed records of every transaction, delivery, and login, and we will provide this evidence in the event of a chargeback.
Can I retake the reflection?
At this time, each account is linked to one reflection. We designed it this way intentionally because Ikigai is not about chasing a different result. It is about sitting with what you discovered and allowing it to deepen over time. If your circumstances change significantly, please contact us.
How is my data handled?
Your reflection data is stored securely and is only accessible to you. We do not sell your data, share it with third parties, or use it for advertising. Your journey is yours alone. Please see our Privacy Policy for full details.
Who is behind Ikigai?
Ikigai was created by a small team passionate about bridging Eastern philosophy with thoughtful technology. We believe that tools for self reflection should be calm, beautiful, and grounded in real scholarship.