Ikiagi (pronounced ik-e-guy) is Japanese for sense of purpose.
In Japan, "night moving" shops are called Yonigeya which essentially involves helping people disappear. These companies will make you help disappear overnight without any trace. The Yonigeya (pronounced yo-nei-gay-a) originally helped people escape loan sharks, but today, Japanese people use it for all the possible reasons to 'evaporate' (Jouhatsu). Jouhatsu (pronounced joe-hat-sue) originated from the people who decided to run away from their unhappy marriage, rather than get legally separated.All of these reasons to make oneself 'evaporated' are connected to the Japanese culture. Japanese culture is notorious for its 'brutal' work culture. Similarly, not being successful, having an 'unconventional' sexual orientation, or putting up with appearances rather than facing the issues give a push to operate in the shadows. In nutshell, this is the only way for them to avoid the shame brought upon them for failing 'societal standards.'To this day, in many Asian countries, getting divorced is frowned upon and the legal procedure is extremely tedious. Jouhatsu originated from the people who decided to run away from their unhappy marriage, rather than get legally separated. Today, the reasons include but are not limited to escaping the shame of society, abusive partner or family, or job. The more willing reasons are the desire for isolation, fighting mental illness, or wanting to have a new life.
Sociologist Hiroki Nakamori has been researching jouhatsu for more than a decade. He says the term 'jouhatsu' first started being used to describe people who decided to go missing back in the 60s. Divorce rates were (and still are) very low in Japan, so some people decided it was easier to just up and leave their spouses instead of going through elaborate, formal divorce proceedings. Because privacy is highly valued in Japan, missing people can withdraw money from ATMs without detection. "Police will not intervene unless there's another reason - like a crime or an accident. All the family can do is pay a lot for a private detective. Or just wait.
Yakuza, is a Japanese organized crime syndicate similar to the Mafia, and the word itself means "Good for Nothing". Most Yakuza activities involve extortion, fraud, and smuggling, as well as more traditional activities such as gambling, prostitution, and loansharking.