Tim Tamashiro

Tim Tamashiro is a Canadian author, jazz singer, storyteller, and former national radio host. He is the author of the International Best Selling book "How To Ikigai".

Tim Tamashiro grew up in a small town in Alberta. Piano lessons led to music school, work with HMV retail, then a role with MCA Records. For twenty years, he enjoyed working in music, from performing with bands, to singing at events and in front of prime ministers and royalty.

He sang jazz standards with The Jump Orchestra in Edmonton, then moved to Calgary and joined a local jazz group called The Swinging Bovines. He released his debut album, “Wiseass Crooner,” in 1995, and toured Canada promoting it.

For more than ten years Tim was the host of Tonic, a nightly jazz program on CBC Radio 2, from March 2007 until June 2017. He departed from CBC to study positive psychology, well-being, and Ikigai philosophy.

Ikigai is defined as "a motivating force; something or someone that gives a person a sense of purpose or a reason for living". It is an ancient Japanese philosophy for life's purpose that comes from Okinawa.

Tim Tamashiro wasn't the first person to write about Ikigai, but his book that came out in 2019 became a bestseller. Tim has learned that his own Ikigai is “to delight”. His TED talk on Ikigai has over half a million views on YouTube.

Tim also does his presentation as a motivation coach. His keynote speech on Ikigai is designed for HR leaders, executives, and C-suite level decision-makers who are challenged by retention issues due to employees being unengaged or disengaged at work.

In 2022 he became a teacher on Skillshare to share storytelling lessons.

He currently lives in Calgary.

Photo credit: www.timtamashiro.ca