Rohayati Paidi is a senior lecturer in the Japan Studies Program at the Department of East Asian Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya. She received her education in Japan, earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Kobe University and Shiga University, respectively. Her research interests encompass Japanese culture, society, and language learning. Recently, her research has focused on exploring the true definitions of the concept of “ikigai” as understood by the Japanese, and how this concept can be interpreted from a cross-cultural perspective, particularly among Muslims. Additionally, Rohayati is passionate about developing and enhancing the Japan Studies program at her institution, aiming to maximize its benefits for all stakeholders. Rohayati is currently the President of the Malaysian Association of Japanese Studies (MAJAS).