In much the same way that Ikigai offers a path to purpose and fulfillment, the concept of Nagomi, as explored in Ken Mogi’s book Nagomi, provides a framework for achieving harmony and balance in life. This balance is not just about avoiding conflict, but about embracing differences and contradictions in a way that leads to peace and equilibrium.
Table of Contents
What is Nagomi?
At its core, Nagomi is a Japanese concept that signifies harmony and balance. It represents the ability to navigate life’s complexities and contradictions while maintaining a sense of inner calm. Unlike Ikigai, which focuses on individual fulfillment, Nagomi is about creating a peaceful coexistence within yourself and with the world around you.
Much like the idea of balance in design — where aesthetics, functionality, and usability must coexist — Nagomi is about finding a middle ground in life’s challenges. Whether it’s in relationships, work, or personal aspirations, Nagomi teaches us that harmony is achieved by accepting both the positive and negative aspects of a situation, allowing us to move forward with grace.
Nagomi and the Peonkun Brand
At Peonkun, the principles of Nagomi are woven into every project. Just as Ikigai guides me in delivering purpose-driven design solutions, Nagomi ensures that these designs achieve balance and harmony. In design, this means finding the sweet spot between aesthetics and function, while also balancing client goals with user needs.
Why mention Nagomi here? Because the way I approach design is not only about solving problems, but about creating harmony within the solution itself. Each project is an opportunity to integrate the various elements of design — color, layout, interaction, and emotion — in a way that achieves a sense of Nagomi. It’s about balance, not just in form and function, but in the experience we craft for users.
The Components of Nagomi
Nagomi can be broken down into several components that are applicable both in life and in design. These elements include:
• Acceptance: In Nagomi, it’s important to accept differences, contradictions, and even conflict, rather than fighting against them. This acceptance allows for a natural balance to emerge. In design, this means understanding the balance between client desires and user needs, and finding a harmonious solution that addresses both.
• Adaptability: Life is full of unexpected changes, and Nagomi teaches us to adapt to these changes gracefully. In the design world, this translates to being flexible in the creative process — whether it’s iterating on feedback or adjusting designs to meet changing requirements.
• Coexistence: Rather than focusing on eliminating conflict or tension, Nagomi encourages the idea of coexistence. In design, this might involve finding a balance between competing design goals, such as making something both beautiful and functional, or balancing innovation with familiarity.
Finding Nagomi in Design: A Personal Example
In my work at Peonkun, I strive to create a sense of Nagomi in every project by balancing different elements, whether it’s the needs of the client and the user or the combination of aesthetics and functionality. For example, when designing a user interface, I focus on balancing the visual appeal with ease of use. Too much focus on aesthetics can overwhelm the user, while too much focus on functionality can make the design feel sterile. By finding Nagomi — harmony between these elements — I ensure that the end product feels balanced and complete.
Book Recommendation: Nagomi by Ken Mogi
For those interested in exploring Nagomi further, I highly recommend Ken Mogi’s book Nagomi: The Japanese Art of Harmonious Living. In it, Mogi explores the deeper meanings of Nagomi and how we can apply this ancient wisdom to modern life. You can find the book here.
Conclusion: Achieving Balance with Nagomi
Just as Ikigai guides us to find purpose and fulfillment, Nagomi teaches us how to navigate life’s contradictions and complexities with grace. Whether in design or in life, achieving harmony is about accepting the natural flow of things and adapting to change while maintaining a sense of inner peace.
At Peonkun, the principles of Nagomi are a natural complement to the purpose-driven approach of Ikigai. Together, these two philosophies guide me in creating designs that not only fulfill a purpose but also bring balance and harmony to the user experience.