In this episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai, Jennifer speaks with Lana Iwabuchi, founder of Rocklit and creator of the Daruma Vision Workshop, reflecting on mentorship, being called “sempai,” and the idea of paying it forward. Lana shares her background of growing up in Japan from the age of 10 and how she began building connections in the foreign coaching community. She tells the origin story of the workshop, inspired by a trip with friends, manifestation, the Japanese tradition of “yoshuku” (pre-celebration), and discovering modern daruma dolls used to set and achieve goals by painting in their eyes. Lana describes the workshop flow—vision activation through visualization, embodying and sharing goals in the present tense, and anchoring them by painting a daruma—plus her decision to persevere through early failed launches and later expand the workshop with collaborators Monica and sound therapist Nanako. She explains Rocklit’s purpose of bringing spirit back into leadership and encourages listeners to be inspired and inspire others.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Insights into the creation of the Daruma Vision Workshop
• Reflections on mentorship roles and embracing change
• Strategies for turning visions into reality through emotional intelligence
• The impact of community and cultural richness in coaching
• Inspiration for fostering connections and inspiring others

About Lana:

Lana Iwabuchi is a Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach and leadership facilitator based in Tokyo. She brings firsthand experience from corporate Japan—having worked at Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and Amazon Japan—into her mission of bringing emotional intelligence to workplaces. Her approach blends Western science with Eastern wisdom, shaped by over 25 years in Japan and a rich, multicultural upbringing across five countries on three continents. Through coaching, workshops, and keynotes, Lana creates safe, inspiring spaces where people reconnect with themselves and others. By helping leaders rediscover their sense of purpose and presence, she reignites the human spirit behind leadership, one grounded in awareness, courage, and heart. Russian by roots and Japanese at heart, Lana’s work bridges emotion and logic, East and West, science and spirit—inviting all to live and lead with an open heart.

Connect with Lana:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lana-iwabuchi/

rocklit(website): https://www.rocklit.com/

rocklit(LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocklit/

Find out more about Daruma Vision: https://www.rocklit.com/daruma

Connect with Jennifer:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershinkai/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifershinkaicoach

Website: https://jennifershinkai.com/

Instagram Coaching and Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/

Instagram Artist: https://www.instagram.com/jennifershinkai/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ikigaiwithjennifershinkai/