Sumathy Gajapathy’s journey from Chennai, India, to Kobe, Japan, spans over twenty-five years of cultural immersion and personal discovery. Her fluency in Japanese has helped her build close friendships and integrate with the community. Sumathy began her journey in Japan as a housewife, balancing family responsibilities while exploring her professional interests, that has taken her career in diverse directions. She has supported corporations in bridging cultural divides and promoted technology exchanges between India and Japan. Her collaborations with the Japan Tourism Board and the Japan Film Commission have encouraged Indian filmmakers to capture the beauty of Japan on screen, and her work with the Kyoto Economic Board has helped small and medium-sized businesses reach global markets. Yet, Sumathy’s greatest joy comes from connecting with people from all walks of life and listening to their stories. She believes each person’s life is shaped by their environment and their unique expériences and she finds inspiration in learning from their journeys. These interactions have fueled her fascination with Ikigai, the Japanese philosophy of finding purpose and fulfillment in everyday life. Inspired by the way Japanese people embody this philosophy, she is passionate about sharing the concept of Ikigai with others and help them see life’s beauty in small moments and to discover their own paths to a life worth living. In her personal life, Sumathy is a mother of two, treasures time spent with family and friends. She also loves discovering Japan’s hidden gems—it’s places, traditions, arts and pottery.
