Final answer:
Ikigai refers to a personal sense of purpose that transcends hedonistic pursuits of pleasure, focusing on meaningful life goals aligned with one's values. It is akin to Kant's ideal of a society of flourishing individuals treated as ends in themselves.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that refers to an individual's sense of purpose and happiness, distinct from hedonistic well-being, which is associated with seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. In contrast to hedonism, which includes a broader consideration of emotional and mental pleasure, ikigai is concerned with what makes life meaningful beyond mere pleasure.
This aligns with Kant's moral philosophy, which envisions a kingdom of ends, a society where individuals flourish as ends in themselves rather than means to an end. Ikigai can be described as a nuanced, intuitive understanding of well-being, revolving around committing oneself to goals and activities that resonate deeply with personal values.